Bloodline

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/40538025.

Rating: Explicit
Archive Warning: Graphic Depictions Of Violence
Category: M/M
Fandom: 방탄소년단 | Bangtan Boys | BTS
Relationship: Jeon Jungkook/Park Jimin
Character: Jeon Jungkook, Park Jimin (BTS), Kim Namjoon | RM, Kim Seokjin |
Jin, Min Yoongi | Suga, Jung Hoseok | J-Hope, Kim Taehyung | V,
Original Characters
Additional Tags: Angst, Hurt/Comfort, Violence, Alpha Jeon Jungkook, Human Park
Jimin (BTS), Mage Park Jimin (BTS), Alternate Universe - Fantasy,
Dragons, Pack Dynamics, Alpha/Beta/Omega Dynamics, Eventual
Smut, Explicit Sexual Content, Other Additional Tags to Be Added,
Slow Burn, Character Death, No MCD
Language: English
Stats: Published: 2022-07-24 Completed: 2023-02-12 Words: 151,922
Chapters: 12/12

Bloodline
by peachywritten

Summary

When the lives of the people he's supposed to protect as the only mage of his clan are
endangered, human mage Park Jimin leaves his home to look for the strongest alpha
warrior he can find to ask for a bond, because in order to access the full power they posses
without dying, mages need a strong life force to bond with.

Jimin's desire and need to become stronger leads him directly to the second son of the Jeon
clan Head Alpha, alpha warrior Jeon Jungkook.

The alpha is rough around the edges and brave, a man of few words who's not afraid to put
his life on the line in order to protect his clan.

Through life and death situations and in the aftermath of secrets being uncovered, love
blossoms. Slowly but surely.

!!!! NEW BONUS CHAPTER 12 !!!!

Notes

A few IMPORTANT notes:

1. If this wasn't clear already, this is fiction and you really shouldn't over-analyze any
specific things.
2. This story is very plot-heavy, but it's still very much a love story centered around the
main pair.
3. I put a lot of effort into choosing the right songs for each scene to set the mood, so
please- if you can, listen to the music while reading to immerse yourself into the story.
Each song is marked by "::".

Find me on cc and twitter

Happy reading!
 Run To You

PART I

|| run to you ||

:: Lívstræðrir ::

Jimin is seven years old when his father really looks at him for the first time. His father’s hard and
intense eyes stare him down from where he stands tall and proud in front of the small entrance of
the healer’s cabin, and Jimin feels for the first time in his life that he has finally won his father’s
approval and love. He might not be the fearless and strong-willed son his father wanted him to be,
but maybe now he could be that.

He watched the man he barely even knew with big, innocent brown eyes thinking that maybe now
that he has the power within him to grow stronger each day, he can be what his father had always
wanted.
He was foolish to ever think so.

No amount of magic running through his very being would make his father love him as he should.
The realization almost makes his small and fragile body fall to the ground right in front of his
judging eyes that night. Because no matter how much power Jimin will come to hold, no matter
how important he would soon become for their small clan, his father will always turn his back on
him.

Jimin is seven years old when the old and smelly woman that his mother had taken him to in a rush
after burning the sensitive skin of his palms with the fire he had created himself, tells him he has
been blessed. Blessed with a power that, if trained, could protect them all. He’s seven years old
when his mother holds him tightly in her arms, crying in relief that they have been saved, that God
has finally looked their way. But despite all of that, his father still turns his back on him. He’s
seven years old when he understands that if this couldn’t make his father love him, nothing ever
will.

Jimin lets himself be held by his mother. Lets himself stare at the now-closed door his father had
stood in front of. Lets himself be held together only by the will of God because he’s tired. He’s
tired of wishing for a love he will never receive.

His eyes are blurry, and his small body goes numb in his mother’s arms, but his mind is clear as
day.

If his only purpose in this life is to become a protector for his clan, he would become that. He
would forget his needs and desires. He would leave his childhood behind and become what they all
needed. He would shape himself into whatever it was they ever asked of him. He would become
their weapon and shield.

Jimin forgot most of what happened that night- so many years ago. But what never stopped chasing
his peaceful dreams away was the crimson red in his father’s eyes as he left him behind with no
goodbye.

It’s summer, and Jimin hates it with a passion.

The sun shines down on him with the power of a thousand fires, or so it feels. Jimin can barely
breathe, his vision is blurry from the sweat that constantly trails down his forehead directly into his
eyes, making him feel dirty. He had already passed out from the heat three times today and by the
way his body sways when he tries to stand still, he’s well on his way for a fourth time.

He grits his teeth, blinking rapidly to clear his vision.

He can’t give up now. Not now when he’s so close. Jimin feels his whole body buzzing with
energy, his breathing slowing down- the beating of his heart almost nonexistent. It’s dangerous, he
knows it. He knows he was never able to repair the invisible shield that protected their small clan
by himself, but he can’t bear to see another person suffer because of him. He can’t hear another
mother’s cry in disrepair when their son has to lend Jimin their beating heart, only if for a minute.
The consequences are always the same. Weeks on the healer’s bed unable to even blink their eyes
open. Because no matter how powerful Jimin’s magic is, it means nothing when he’s unable to
access it all on his own.
But he still tries. He always does. It’s always better if he’s the one being hurt and not any of the
people he’s supposed to protect.

Repairing a small broken part of the shield is something he’s accustomed to doing. Rogue wolves
try their luck with his shield all the time. Maybe they can smell the easy prey that ventures outside
of it from time to time, or maybe they’re driven mad to the point where they just want to kill and
eat whatever they stumble upon. Whatever it is, Jimin hates them the same. He hates that his kin
will always be prey to those beasts. He hates that God had to create something like him to make
humans believe that some kind of balance between species still existed. He hated it because it was
an illusion. Humans would always be weaker than wolves and they knew that. Even with their
clans being protected by mages, they wouldn’t stand a chance if wolves ever truly wanted to
conquer the whole land.

They hadn’t stood a chance during the Great Fall so why would he ever bother to believe they
stood any chance now.

And by the whispers being carried with the harsh wind from the west, a wolf was already on his
way of doing just that.

Every day more and more helpless human children that managed to somehow outrun the beasts
stumbled upon Jimin’s clan. And every day the terror that fell upon those fallen human clans was
getting closer and closer to his.

He couldn’t bear the thought of not being strong enough to protect them. After fourteen years of
training- after fourteen long years of living in the shadows, constantly trying to improve himself, he
couldn’t let it end like that. Not at the hands of a power-starved wolf. All of those years would be
for nothing.

So Jimin pushes himself to the limit every day to strengthen the shield by himself. He pushes
himself to the limit to make sure that when the day comes that the wolves of the Yen clan come
with their red eyes and hungry claws to kill them all, they will not be easy prey. He swore to
himself and his mother that as long as he was here, they would live in peace. That the terror of the
wolves will never loom over their lives. Jimin can’t fail her.

He takes a shaky breath before his eyes fall shut and his fists clench.

The shield piecing itself back together under his intense concentration is the only thing he’s able to
see before he lets out one last struggling breath and his body drops on the dry earth beneath him.

His last coherent thought is that he finally gets to rest for a few hours.

::Winter Is Here::

“Please do something” a woman cries out next to Jimin as he feels his senses return to him. He
smells the room he’s in, his nose picking up on the spices hung up to dry all around him. He knows
this place by heart, he doesn’t need to open his eyes to know where he is. Jimin also doesn’t need
to open his eyes to know that the woman crying next to him, gripping his hand in her slender one-
is his mother.

He had made her worry again. No matter how much Jimin tries to keep her happy, he always
manages to make her cry.

“Give him more tea, or-or a paste, a dry paste would help with his fever,” she pleads with the
healer again and Jimin’s heart breaks hearing her voice crack after each word.

“The boy will wake up soon,” a gruff voice states from somewhere in the room. The old woman
walks around her cabin, picking up different herbs and dropping them into the boiling water by the
fire. “He’s just being stubborn.”

So he’s been caught.

“Stubborn?!” Before his mother can do something rash, blinded by the want to keep her son safe,
Jimin lets his eyes blink open. It’s already dark outside. The only source of light in the tiny cabin
coming from the small fire on his right.

“Mom,” he whispers, shifting his hand to gently caress hers, “I’m fine.” She looks down at him
with wide and concerned eyes. No matter how much she lies to Jimin that she’s not affected by
what’s going on with him, her expression always gives it away. A stray tear falls down her face
and she quickly turns to hide herself. Jimin wishes he was strong enough to never have to make her
feel like this.

“Mom,” he tries to coerce her into looking at him.

“You were gone for more than twelve hours this time,” she lets out in a rushed breath. Her words
make Jimin’s hands freeze over his lap.

Twelve hours.

It wasn’t just late in the evening, he had slept through the whole night. The sun would soon come
up. He had never blacked out for so long before and the realization scares him to the bones.

“You’re playing with fire, boy,” the healer snaps at him from the corner of the cabin and Jimin has
half the mind to not cuss her out. He knows she’s right, but he doesn’t want her to be. He really
doesn’t. “I told you when you were old enough to understand, that your magic will consume you if
you don’t find a strong life force to bond yourself to.”

“You also told me I would be strong enough to deal with it on my own if I trained hard enough,” he
lets out through clenched teeth and his mother finally turns to face him again. But Jimin doesn’t
want to look into her worried eyes again. Not when he still feels so weak and can’t reassure her that
he’s fine, that this is not a big deal.

“Don’t turn my words into lies, boy. Your magic will consume you, and I made it clear to you since
you were a child. You could only train your mind into the weapon you so strongly wish to become,
but your body will always be too weak.” He knew. Fuck he knew it. But it still drove a knife right
into his heart to hear those words again.

The old healer had lived enough lives to train Jimin and the mage that protected the clan before
him. She knew better than anyone what Jimin’s strong magic was capable of. After all, she was the
only one that truly saw how the previous mage had been consumed by his own.

He was only thirty years old when he died, and Jimin really didn’t want to follow the same path.

He sighs and closes his eyes, blocking out his mother’s fearful gaze and the healer’s scrutinizing
scowl. He needs to think. But he’s scared. He needs to come up with a plan. But he’s so scared.
He was gone, as his mother likes to call Jimin’s blackout periods, for twelve hours. Ten hours
more than any other time before and he doesn’t know what had caused such a big gap. He had
sucked his body dry of every last drop of power before and he always came back to his senses
within two hours, so why was this time any different? Truth be told, he’s too scared to find out.

Jimin is only twenty-one, but he’s never quick to admit that all these years of pushing himself to
the limit are finally starting to leave a mark on his body. He’s strong. He might be slender and
small, but he’s not weak by any means. His muscles are well defined, but that means nothing at all
when his magic weakens him from within before he can even do something significant with it.

He had never entertained the thought of bonding before because the only breathing and living
being on the land that could be strong enough to be his bond would be a wolf. Jimin would rather
die protecting his clan alone than bond with a wolf. Or so that’s what he’s been saying to himself.
But now, watching his mother hide her tears away once again, he might have to bury his hatred for
the other kinin order to save his own.

But where would he find a wolf willing to bond their life to a human? Where would he find a wolf
he doesn’t want to instantly turn into ashes when he lays his eyes on it?

The Great Fall had left only three old-blood wolf clans alive. Two of which are the same ones that
had turned on all humans when the war had ended. The same ones that killed more than 70% of the
humans in cold blood. The same ones that brought upon Jimin’s kin 400 years of sorrow and
constant fear.

Humans were never able to regain their strength after the war. Wolves never offered them the
chance to.

Jimin is reluctant to forget years of hatred and pain in order to protect his clan. But he will do it.
The danger looming over their heads from the west was far too great to ignore. Even if the Yen
clan would never be the feared power they were before the Great Fall, they still had the Mad
Wolf’s blood running through their veins to revive their thirst to conquer the whole land.

The Yen clan was the smallest in size, land, and people. But they were the most vicious. Killing
any outsider not strong enough to help grow their power. And they were as proud as they were
dangerous- courtesy of being direct descendants of the first and only dragon riders.

Humans that are fortunate enough to never hear about their own history believe that’s just a horror
story their leader decided to spread around 400 years ago to save his clan from extinction by
making the other wolf clans too scared to attack them in fear of waking up the rage of the dragons.
The truth was far more frightening. The Mad Wolf never hid from the other clans, he was the one
that attacked them all. He was the one with the power of the dragons by his side. And even when
the human mages and army united forces with the wolf clans to fight back, the Mad Wolf never
backed down. He thought himself invincible and immortal with the fire-wielding creatures by his
side. He thought himself the ruler of the entire land until he was no longer.

Jimin had never found out how the Mad Wolf was defeated, or how his dragons were killed. And
he’s not sure he ever wishes to know.

The Min clan to the far North was, however, the total opposite of the Yen clan. There’s very little
said about them and even less written. All humans and wolves really talk about is the current Head
Alpha, Min Yoongi. A strong warrior whose only goal in life was to keep his clan safely tucked in
the mountains where they retreated after the Great Fall. The complete opposite of his father, the
former Head Alpha that had died ten years ago at the hands of a teenage wolf. Nobody knows who
the wolf is, or at least Jimin never found out his name from the stories some of the children his age
used to recite word for word every single night. Humans don’t really care about how wolves
choose to control their territories and packs if it doesn’t concern their safety, and despite their
history, every human clan living close to the border with the Min clan knows they’re safe under
the new Head Alpha’s rule, even after their betrayal in the war. And that’s really the only wish a
human could have in a world controlled by wolves.

Then there was the Jeon clan. The largest clan in numbers and territory. The Jeon clan was blessed
by the moon to follow the path of the First Wolf, their bloodline being the most powerful. Even
more powerful than the first dragon riders. Their wolves are mighty warriors trained in mind and
body to overcome any obstacle. And although the Jeon clan was the first to strike against the
human regal bloodline during the war, a Jeon warrior is exactly what Jimin needs now.

That’s the only bond he’s willing to make. A Jeon warrior is the only life force he needs. But how
can he expect them to just hand Jimin one of their own? And what would he do? Take him to his
clan and force him to live and protect it with him? No Jeon would ever do that. He would go mad
surrounded by humans.

Mad with the desire to kill them all.

::Ragnakamp::

A week passes like this, with Jimin recovering his strength and trying to come up with a good
enough plan to protect his clan. It’s on one particularly calm and quiet afternoon when the
inevitable happens and Jimin feels the earth split apart under his numb feet.

He sees the crying boy running for his life towards him before he’s even able to understand the
strong wind and loud rumble that suddenly makes his blood run cold.

He breaks the shield for a second- with a sharp move of his hand, to let the boy run through and
when he falls on his knees to hug the child, he sees it. He freezes on the spot, his body locking up
in terror.

Any other time, Jimin would think the creature looks majestic, flying so freely in the blue sky. But
the sheer horror creeping up his body can’t let him think anything past death.

Because that’s all the black beast would bring to them all.

It lands on callosal feet right in front of him, spreading its wings and stretching its neck high
towards the sky. Jimin wants to scream, to run or even try to burn it alive. End the bloodshed right
here and now. But he can’t move an inch, can’t even breathe properly. Only his eyes move,
following the dragon in front of him.

The shield is still intact between them, Jimin had somehow managed to piece it back together after
the boy had run through. The beast doesn’t seem to want to step forward. There are no wolves
around. No crying children or howling rogues. It’s so quiet Jimin can hear the birds sing around
them, unmoved by Jimin’s terror and the giant dragon only a couple of feet away.

With one guttural sound, the beast suddenly shifts its head down, its nostrils flaring like it only
now realized an insignificant human was trembling in fear in front of it. Jimin stares right into its
yellow eyes and his breathing stops altogether. He starts crying silently from shock because what
he feels looking at the dragon is not fear. And that scares him more than the terror he initially felt.
The dragon looks at him like he sees right into his soul and Jimin feels his magic tingle beneath his
skin.

No.

“LEAVE!” He screams through his tears and fear. He doesn’t know why. The beast wouldn’t
understand him anyway. But he still does it. He screams over and over again, his gaze still locked
with the dragon. And when his voice finally breaks and he can no longer let out a sound, the beast
stands on its legs and flies away with one last look at the petrified human.

Jimin stays unmoved on the ground with the crying boy in his arms until his legs go numb.

A dragon.

He had just seen a dragon. He couldn’t move. Couldn’t hear anything around him.

A dragon.

“Everything was on fire!” The child suddenly wails and Jimin snaps out of his daze. He shifts to
look at him and lifts his hands to the boy’s cheeks to wipe his tears away. A useless gesture
because in two seconds the boy has his cheeks full of tears again. But it keeps Jimin’s trembling
hands occupied. “F-Fire! Every-everywhere fire- fire!”.

Jimin tries to shush the boy when he chokes on his own breath, full-body gasps leaving his small
frame. Jimin’s heart almost breaks for him. It’s clear the dragon had just turned into ashes his
entire family. Jimin doesn’t know how he was able to escape the beast. Doesn’t even know if the
boy still finds life worth living after today. But he still whispers reassuring words into the child’s
ear to calm him down. Despite his own fear, Jimin still tries to make everything better.

With one gentle kiss on the child’s temple, Jimin lulls him to sleep.

He takes the child straight to the healer the moment he’s able to feel his body again. Puts him
gently on the bed. When he turns around to leave, he feels a tiny hand grip one of his fingers and he
turns around to see the boy looking up at him in horror. “Please don’t leave me alone!”.

“I won’t,” Jimin quickly assures the boy. He bends down to embrace the child’s upper body in a
tight embrace and the boy closes his eyes again. “Close your eyes. You need to rest. I’ll be here
with you all night.”

It’s in that moment Jimin understands he has to act now. Screw having a plan. Screw trying to
come up with a good excuse to ask for a good bond from the Jeon clan. He had just seen a dragon.
Right in front of him. If he doesn’t find a good bond as soon as possible, he knows the Yen clan
will send the dragon right back to finish what he had started. The boy’s dead clan was a warning
Jimin will not ignore.

::Noble Maiden Fair::

“I’ll let him in your care until I come back.”

“Will you ever come back?” His mother asks with a defeated expression from her spot next to the
child. Jimin spares her one glance and nods. He can’t do anything more than that or he will break
down. He will fall on his knees in front of her and ask her to fix this for him, to hug him tightly like
she always did when he was a child and tell him everything will be alright. But Jimin can’t afford
such luxury now. Now he’s the one with enough power to protect them.

He closes his small backpack and walks to his bed to take his fur coat. It’s more of a formality at
this point, he can keep himself warm enough with his magic, but he knows it will ease his mother
to see him take it, nonetheless. But Jimin hates wearing it. It reminds him too much of a man he
would rather believe dead.

“Is this truly the only way?” Jimin turns to face his mother fully. Her petite frame was hidden
under her own coat. She ran cold no matter the season, and no matter how hard Jimin tried to use
his magic on her, she would always refuse him.

“He’s the fifteenth child I found in the last two seasons. I can’t let this go on any longer.”

“You’ve sacrificed enough, my son. Let the Queen-“

“The Queen?” Jimin narrows his eyes. His mother couldn’t possibly be so foolish as to believe the
Queen would help them with this. “The Queen is protected by the strongest mages still alive, safely
hidden in her golden cage. She will not lift a finger to protect any of the humans left. You know
this, mother. She will stay in Althea for as long as she can in order to protect the bloodline.”

But his mother can’t see reason when her soul already cries for her son. “Take Woonsok with you
at least. Don’t go alone.” she tries again, her heart and mind running to come up with reasons to
keep him safe.

“He wouldn’t be of any help to me. Why take him? Only to become a burden when I have to look
out for him, too? When I need to keep him warm and fed as well?” Jimin won’t risk another life
other than his own.

His mother stands up abruptly and in three fast steps, she’s in front of Jimin. Her arms circle his
waist, and she stays there, hugging him with all of her power.

Jimin wishes he could make this easier for her. But aside from keeping the fact that he had seen a
dragon to himself, there’s nothing else he can do. His mother knows as well as he does that there’s
no other way.

“I’ve always known you were destined for more,” she whispers after a while. “You were so strong
even when you were only a child, even before you discovered your magic. Your father-“ Jimin
wants to stop her. Wants to keep this last moment he has with her as far away from the memories of
his father, but he lets her speak her mind. “Your father didn’t see your wit and emotions as strength
and that was his own fault,” she lifts her head up, teary eyes looking at Jimin. “You were never
what he expected you to be, but that doesn’t make you any less. You are still my child and I never
lost faith in you. It pains me to let you go like this, but I know it in my heart you will save us all.”

Save us all.

Jimin feels like crying.

He’s strong. He knows he is. But his mother putting so much faith in him makes him doubtful.
What if he fails? What if he comes back alone just as he had left? What if he doesn’t even make it
to the Jeon clan alive? So many things could go wrong. Jimin has never gone into the forest too far
from the clan. He was always too afraid. Even with all of his power, he was always afraid of the
beasts lurking around. That’s why the first thing he did when he was strong enough was to build
the shield around their small land. It would stay intact while he’s gone, but if anything happens to
it, he will not be here to piece it together.

So many things could go wrong. So many things will go wrong. Jimin is sure he will not make it
out of this unscarred. Maybe not even alive.

“Snap out of it,” his mother grabs his face with both of her palms and Jimin finally feels the tears
falling down his cheeks. She guides Jimin’s head down to look at her. “Forget whatever thoughts
haunt your mind now. Don’t worry about us. Don’t worry about what will happen when you’re not
here. Don’t do this only for us. There are still so many clans with no protectors, do it for them, too.
If you come back and we’re gone-“

Jimin’s eyebrows knit in pain. “Mother-“

“If you come back and we’re not here,” Jimin lets himself cry freely at her words. He couldn’t go
on if she’s gone. She can’t expect him to risk his life for strangers if she’s not here. “Don’t stop.
Listen to me, Jimin. Don’t stop. That tyrant needs to be stopped. You can’t let him use that dragon
to burn us all. You can’t let history repeat itself.”

Jimin’s eyes open wide. “How do you know?” he whispers.

“A dragon’s roar is not something you simply don’t hear when it’s so close to your home.” Her
lips tremble, but she keeps herself steady on her legs. “So listen to me, my sweet son. Do this for
all of them, not just us- not just me.”

Jimin falls down on his knees in front of her. He hugs her legs and lays his head right on her
stomach. He cries and holds her tight like he knows this will be the last time he will feel his
mother’s warm skin against his own. He cries like a child for the last time before he has to keep it
all bottled up for the rest of his life. He cries and begs for her blessing because no matter what God
gifted him his magic, Jimin wouldn’t use it if he didn’t have his mother to protect.

“Let me braid your hair,” she pleads gently when Jimin’s tears stop falling.

“I don’t have time. The sun will rise in a few minutes.”

“You have more than enough time.”

She tugs Jimin towards his bed and grabs the wooden brush from the table beside it along with one
thin thread of leather. Jimin stays unmoved as his mother’s experienced fingers braid his long hair.
They don’t speak anymore. The only sound around them coming from the wild birds outside. And
for five minutes Jimin feels at peace.

When she’s done, she kneels in front of Jimin. She kisses both of his hands gently and then stands
up. Jimin watches her lift her hands to her ears and he knows what she wants to do before her
fingers reach the earrings.

“It may be foolish of me to think they will be able to protect you,” she lets out in a whisper, gazing
at the small jewel in her palms. They were a gift from her grandmother, passed down to her
mother, then her. Jimin had never seen her wearing anything else than that pair of earrings all his
life. Not even her engagement ring. They were made of pure gold, in the shape of a tear, and at the
end of it, a small red diamond hung by a tiny thread of gold. Jimin had never seen another human
wear anything quite as beautiful as his mother’s earrings and he had been always too afraid to ask
her how they ever had the means to buy such a beautiful piece of work.

She makes quick work of discarding Jimin’s wooden earrings and putting the gold ones in.

“My beautiful, son.” She starts crying right after and Jimin lets her. He can stay in his bed, holding
his mother’s quivering body for five more minutes before he‘s gone. He can do as much for her.

Jimin leaves as soon as her breathing evens out. He stands up and bends down to let his mother kiss
his temple and stroke his hair one last time before he turns around and steps out of the small cabin.

::Ginnung::

The same God his mother praised for blessing her son must hate Jimin’s guts. There was no reason
for such a strong storm to fall over the forest as soon as Jimin is deep enough in it to not see
anything past the thick trees in front of him.

“It’s fine, Jimin. You’re just fine.”

He keeps walking, barely able to clearly see two feet in front of him due to the heavy rain. He’s
soaked to the bone, the black coat hanging heavy on his shoulders, and he once again curses his
father. He should have left the damn thing behind. He had no use for it, his magic kept him warm
enough, but not dry enough.

But he keeps walking. Keeps pushing himself to take one step after the other over the muddy earth.
He knows exactly where he needs to go. He can sense every big or small settlement where humans
or wolves have their clans over a big enough radius, and he knows exactly what energy pull to
follow to reach the Jeon clan.

It would be a fairly easy journey to enter the Jeon land through their western border, it’s the closest
to Jimin. Only seven days away. But he can’t do that. He needs to keep himself hidden until he
reaches the heart of the clan where the Jeon Head Alpha lives with his family.

He can’t risk being found by the wolves patrolling their borders and rushed away before he has any
real chance of meeting the Head Alpha. He will walk as close as he can along the border. Close
enough to keep away from rogue wolves that might attack him, but far enough not to be seen by the
Jeon clan wolves.

His plan is simple, and Jimin is quite proud of it. But a week into the forest, he’s harshly slapped
back to reality when he runs right into five rogue wolves skinning apart their dinner.

He’s beyond tired from walking and barely eating all day and night for seven days straight. So
when he sees one of the men change into his wolf form, Jimin doesn’t run. Although instinct tells
him to do so. By now, he’s used to seeing the ugly beasts, but it’s always frightening at first to
make eye contact with them. Wolves, in their most primal form, are enormous animals with strong
claws and jaws that could snap a human in half without even blinking.
But Jimin doesn’t try to explain he doesn’t want any trouble so they could let him leave unharmed.
Instead, he burns their whole bear right in front of their eyes.

He does it because he’s angry. He does it because he’s hungry and if he doesn’t get to eat it,
neither do they.

The healer had always told him his short temper will someday be his undoing, and maybe Jimin
starts to finally believe her.

“Ya’ skinny little witch!” one of the men curses at him, jumping away from the burning animal.

“ ‘m gonna eat ya’ alive, little boy,” one particularly big man on his far-right says. Jimin drops his
backpack and stares right at them.

When he lifts his hands straight in front of him, one man- dressed in only dirty, half-ripped apart
pants, flinches and hides behind the man on the right.

Their leader, perhaps.

“We were gonna let ya’ leave if ya’ played nice. But ya’ want trouble with us. We’ll give it to ya’,
human”.

He spits the word out like it leaves a sour taste in his mouth. Like Jimin is not worth more than the
dust under his dirty feet just because he’s human. And Jimin hates him. Hates him even without
knowing one thing about him.

They get closer together, leaving the animal behind. It’s still burning, and the smell almost makes
Jimin puke. But he doesn’t back away, he doesn’t take his eyes from the five men.

The one that changed circles around his friends, like he’s waiting for one of them to give him a
command to kill Jimin.

“Get’im!” Jimin hears the leader scream, and all hell breaks loose.

Before any of them get close enough to touch him, Jimin invokes a ring of fire around himself.
High enough to reach his chin and strong enough to keep them from trying to jump through it.

But they still try.

The wolf jumps right through the fire. Red eyes fixed on Jimin in utter hatred and disgust. And
Jimin’s not ready for it. He never expected to see a rogue run through fire only to kill him. But the
wolf howls in pain, his whole body twisting and turning on the ground when his fur inevitably
starts burning. And Jimin realizes he’s as good as dead.

He turns his attention back to the others, their fearful and angry expressions fueling his own rage.
He wants them all dead.

They try to find space in the fire to help the burning wolf, but they can’t. And while they fumble
around like lost puppies, Jimin concentrates on building a small shield around them to block out
the sounds. He can’t risk any other wolves hearing the fight. He can take on four of them, but not
more than that. Not when he’s already so exhausted.

When he feels the shield snap in place above them, he moves his attention back on the wolves.
They’re still in their human forms. None of them chose to follow their dead friend into the fire.
“How long do I have to wait for you to finally kill me?” he taunts, smirking at the leader. He has to
make them snap; he can feel himself slowly lose consciousness.

“You will blackout at some point. We just have to wait,” the small one that hid behind the leader
speaks. His words clear. A clan wolf?

“You’re not a rogue,” Jimin decides to say, lowering the fire a bit to see the wolf clearly.

“I am now. There’s no use to dwell on the past.”

“Then we won’t dwell anymore,” Jimin says with finality, and in a matter of seconds, he has them
all gasping for breath. Controlling so many of them at the same time makes him dizzy. His hands
tremble in concentration, but his grip on their throats doesn’t loosen, not even for a moment.

They fall to the ground, clawing at the skin on their necks. Their wide eyes stare at the starless sky
above and when the first one trashes on the mud for the last time in his life, Jimin gasps with him.
He can’t take his eyes off of their bodies. Can’t look away from the hideous way their eyes start
bleeding from the lack of air. They’re ugly. Death is ugly. But he doesn’t look away.

He sees them struggle under his hold. Hears them scratch their skin and gasp for life. But he
doesn’t feel a thing. His magic is a part of him and while he usually feels its power buzzing
through his whole body when he uses it- he blocks it out now. He can’t feel their cold skin or the
strength he kills them with. Jimin can only see it. It’s not a personal kill. And he doesn’t know if
it’s for the best or not.

He burns their bodies along with his black coat before he lowers the shield. His shoulders feel light
without the dead weight on them. And then he runs.

Jimin runs as fast as he can from the smell, but it follows him for miles. It’s all over his clothes and
mind. Their smell, their faces. He blinks once and sees the whole scene play over and over again in
front of his eyes.

Jimin is not scared of one haunting memory. He’s not scared of nameless faces.

But he’s absolutely terrified of the exhaustion that creeps down on him like a nightmare. His vision
goes black before he feels his body hit the ground.

::A Howling Wilderness::

The calming song of a mourning dove welcomes him when his eyes finally open again. But they
shut closed under the strong morning light.

Morning

Jimin jumps to his feet, mortified. Had he slept through the whole night?

His head hurts and his whole body is numb from laying on the cold hard ground for hours.
He had passed out from using his magic too much.

He had passed out for hours again.

weak

What did he expect? That sheer will alone would make him stronger?

weak

He’s weak.

What was his magic worth if he could only use it to fight against five wolves? He would have been
dead if only one survived and followed him to find him unconscious on the ground.

He would have been dead before he even got the chance to fight for a strong bond.

Jimin was reckless. Adrenaline had got the better of him. He can’t risk another fight like that. Not
now.

Tears burn in his eyes, but he refuses to let them fall.

He’s not strong enough to face a Head Alpha with a dragon at his feet. Not strong enough to kill
him on his own before the dragon burns more clans to the ground.

But he will be, soon.

He runs and runs and runs. His body moving forward only by sheer will.

He stops for ten minutes once every twelve hours to eat a few bites of bread his mother had packed
for him and drink water. Then Jimin’s back on his feet.

He doesn’t know for how long he runs. Warm days turn into cold nights over and over again and
he pushes his body to keep moving through each of them. It doesn’t matter how many times he
falls and stumbles on the ground- his feet are too weak to move properly. It doesn’t matter there
are moments in which his vision almost leaves him completely due to exhaustion. It doesn’t matter
what he has to endure to keep moving. He won’t stop.

At some point, when he’s two days away from his destination he finds a small lake, tucked away
behind a ruin. Convincing the Jeon clan to help him will be the hardest thing he’ll have to do. Why
make it harder on himself by showing up at the border of their territory smelling like burning
wolves?

Jimin decides to stop for an hour to wash all the grime away. He takes the time to also wash his
shirt but forgoes the pants. They would take too long to dry.

When he’s clean and his shirt is dry enough to not cling to his body, he packs his remaining food
and starts running again.

The sun shines bright in the sky the day he decides to make himself known at the border of the
Jeon clan. From then, there was only one more day of walking to the Head Alpha’s grounds. Or so
he hopes. Jimin had never actually been there, and nor had he ever talked to anybody that knew the
ins and outs of the Jeon clan territory. But he trusts his magic. And it is guiding him in that
direction.

For the first few hours, he doesn’t see any wolves or cabins. Jimin thinks he’s silly when the
tension leaves his body, thinking he’s safe. The wildflowers and blooming trees make him calmer,
now that he’s finally so close to his destination.

A branch snaps behind him, and all sense of calmness is gone. Jimin sharply turns around.

He’s ready for this. He expected to be found at some point. He would be disappointed if the
wolves he thought to be the strongest wouldn’t feel a human pass right through their border.

He senses the wolf hiding behind a huge rock in front of him, but he decides to let him be. If he
doesn’t want to make himself known, Jimin will let him think he succeeded.

He keeps walking, aware of the light steps following his.

Why would he hide? Why wouldn’t he restrain Jimin at least? What was the point of just following
him?

It is only when Jimin can see the first traces of life in the form of a few cabins scattered around
patches of land, that the wolf jumps right in front of him. Blocking the path that leads to the cabins
down a small hill from his view.

His mind goes blank in front of the massive man. His instinct is telling him to kill, but he knows
that’s the last thing he should be doing.

“My name is Park Jimin.” He couldn’t go wrong with introducing himself, right? He tries to smile
and look non-threatening, but the bulk man doesn’t even blink.

He’s tall. Taller than any man Jimin is used to interacting with back home. Charcoal covers his
eyes, making them look blacker than they would probably be under the afternoon sun. He stands
with his back straight, feet spread wide. The lack of a shirt is the last thing Jimin notices, and he
tries to not stare at the scars covering his entire torso and arms. But he does notice the arrow
tattooed on his neck and the eye of an eagle right under his own black-painted one.

“I’m not here to harm anyone,” Jimin tries to get his attention again. He takes a tentative step
forward, but stops in a heartbeat when the wolf sharply pulls out a small knife from his belt. “I
know you’ve been following me, I sensed you a while back when you hid behind the rock.” If
there’s one thing Jimin knows about clan wolves, is that they don’t kill mages without a good
reason. Not out of respect for their human lives, but for the power they can provide to the wolves if
they can make them work for them. Maybe God was cruel when he decided wolves would never
hold such powers, or maybe he finally gave humans the upper hand. “I’m here to see Head Alpha
Jeon.”

The man snorts. Falling to the ground, crossing his arms in front of his chest. Jimin blinks
perplexed. What was he doing?

He waits for the wolf to say something, make a move or at least let out a howl to maybe call for
back-up. But nothing happens and Jimin feels irritation creeping up his body.

“I want to see the Head Alpha,” he says again, louder this time.

“No,” the man growls.

Jimin wants to burn him alive.

“Why not?”

He doesn’t answer, and only stares past Jimin into the forest behind.

“I need to see him. I told you I’m not here to harm anybody. I’m a mage, you know I can hurt you,
but I didn’t. Not when I knew you were hiding from me, and not now when you refuse to even look
at me.”

Minutes pass like this, and Jimin slowly loses all sense of patience. He tries to walk past the wolf
but one look from him makes the mage back down. He doesn’t want to fight this man. He can’t
start this on the wrong foot, he needs to remain as calm as possible. But the wolf sure tries his
hardest to make it almost impossible for him to keep his composure.

When Jimin is almost ready to at least burn one flower in front of the wolf as a warning, he
suddenly stands up. Hard eyes set behind Jimin. He should have sensed the new wolf, but he was
so focused on making the one in front of him listen to him that he had let his guard down.

He turns around to see a fully dressed man walk to them. Just as tall as the wolf behind him, or
even taller. But Jimin notices one important thing that makes his knees tremble. The Jeon Clan
crest.

The silver pendant shines under the strong sun and Jimin is momentarily struck by how beautiful
but haunting the design inside was. Jimin had seen it countless times in the old books the healer
had tried to hide away from him, but it was nothing like seeing one in real life.

The engraving on it was simple but striking. A dark moon overlooking a black wolf with blood
dripping from his fangs. On each side of the wolf, an arrow and the eye of an eagle were carved.

Protection and power.

When he’s close enough to hear the wolf’s feet crush the grass under every step, the wolf behind
Jimin rushes to step beside him. He bends his head with one murmured Alpha and the new man
nods at him.

“He’s a mage traveling from the west. As I’ve reported a week ago, he followed the border until he
decided to cross it today.” The man informs the alpha and Jimin takes a step away from them.
Shocked.

A week? He’s been following him for a week.

How could he not have sensed him at all? He was sure to keep his magic spread all around him
before he decided to cross the border. If the man had really followed Jimin for a week that means
he saw him sleep, and wash. He was vulnerable while the wolf was around him and he never
sensed it. His skin burns.

“Thank you, Seojun. You may return to your post now,” the alpha commands in a calm and strong
voice.

“Understood, Alpha.”

The wolf leaves right after that, without a single glance at Jimin. What was he supposed to do
now?
Jimin lifts his gaze to the man in front of him, trying to understand the gravity of the situation from
his expression. But the man is as stoic as the one before.

Jimin is not scared of the wolf. But his aura is unsettling. He almost jumps back in shock when he
lets his magic feel the wolf’s energy, and coldness, like he’s never felt before, makes his skin
crawl. They stare at each other for a second. The wolf shifts his eyes all over Jimin’s face. Big,
clear eyes taking him in. He was such a stark contrast to the wolf that followed Jimin here. From
his beautiful and clean clothes to his unpainted eyes.

“You look very pale,” the wolf notes after a while.

“W-what?”

“I’m sorry, I should have introduced myself. My name is Jeon Namjoon.”

oh

Jimin was expecting a cousin, or any other relative of the Head Alpha when he had seen the crest.
But not his son.

“I can feel you’re quite shocked to see me, but I don’t intend to harm you in any way,” he takes a
step closer to Jimin, and out of nowhere, he extends his hand in front of him. A big, red apple
resting in the palm of his hand.

Jimin takes it without breaking eye contact but doesn’t eat it. If the alpha thinks he’s rude, he
doesn’t say it. He just smiles, two dimples adorning his cheeks and gestures for Jimin to follow
him down the narrow path.

“Why don’t you tell me why you traveled such a long way to us, Jimin?”

They fall in a nice rhythm with Namjoon walking slightly ahead of him. Jimin prefers it that way
anyway. He doesn’t know what to think of the man yet. He doesn’t seem to harbor any hatred
towards the mage. He smiles and talks so elegantly that Jimin almost forgets why he’s here. He
never expected a Jeon wolf to be so eloquent.

“You can keep quiet until we meet with my father if you wish to. But I would like to know your
intentions now, while I’m not pressured to make decisions based on my pack’s expectations.”

Jimin doesn’t have to be told twice.

“The Yen clan has been terrorizing the human clans from the west for over two seasons now. I’m
here to ask for help.”

“What kind of help would a mage need from a wolf clan?”

“The kind that makes me strong enough to kill a dragon,” he replies in a steady voice. The wolf
stops dead in front of Jimin, and his words travel around them like a curse for a few moments.

When Namjoon turns to face Jimin, he doesn’t expect the hard gaze the wolf pins him down with.
“Are you taking me for a fool?” he asks through gritted teeth.

“Why would I risk my life to come into your territory just to make fun of you?” He takes a step
forward, matching the alpha’s sharp gaze. “You know well what I mean to my clan, would I leave
them unprotected for so long if I didn’t have a good reason?”
“And what exactly are you looking for here, Park Jimin?”

His pleasant mask cracks and Jimin finally sees him for the powerful and unforgiving wolf that he
is.

“I wish to make sure I’m allowed to speak with the Head Alpha before I say more.”

“And what if I decide I don’t believe a word of what you just said and send you away right now?”

“Then I will also decide to turn you away when the rage of the dragon falls down on your entire
clan and your only hope of survival are the few mages that are still alive on this land.”

“You seem to think very highly of yourself,” the alpha whispers. And Jimin understands then that
his welcoming and calm façade was just that, a trap to lead Jimin into a false sense of safety.

He takes a few steps towards Namjoon, keeping his head high when he’s close enough to almost
feel his body heat. “I’m not a fool, Namjoon,” the alpha growls at Jimin’s casual way of
addressing him. Respect was something wolves held very high amongst themselves, and they
demanded respect from outsiders as well. But Jimin was not going to let anyone walk over him, he
needed to show his strength if he hoped for any kind of collaboration with the wolves. “And I am
no ordinary mage either. Your Head Alpha will want to hear me. I promise you won’t regret it if
you decide to trust me.”

The Alpha takes a step back. Exhaling and inhaling sharply through his nose. He probably wants to
rip Jimin’s head right off his neck because he had disrespected his rank, but he holds back. For
whatever reason.

“Whatever it is that you want. It won’t come at a small price.”

“I’m prepared to sacrifice my own life for this. Let me talk to your Head Alpha.”

He studies Jimin’s eyes for a second, and whatever he sees in them- Jimin’s desperation mingled
with foolish courage, he decides to give in.

They fall into a faster pace this time. The Alpha keeps his shoulder raised and eyebrows drawn
together as they walk on the path. Jimin’s words probably kept his mind occupied. He didn’t want
to reveal too much, but he thought it was for the best to cut right to the chase. A dragon was
everybody’s problem to deal with and he’s sure the man in front of him is slowly coming to the
same conclusion. This is bigger than what Jimin is here to ask for, and he’s probably not sure if
their clan is ready for another repeat of history.

They walk under the scorching sun for hours. Passing dozens of cabins and wolves. And all Jimin
sees around him are calm and serene faces. From mothers comforting screaming pups after they
fall on the harsh ground to fathers tending the gardens almost every cabin seemed to have. No
scary-looking wolves around to protect them from danger, because there was none.

Jimin hears boisterous laughter all around him the closer they get to the more populated areas of
the territory, and it almost makes his eyes water. Pups run around, picking at each other and
making a fuss of deciding who’s stronger among them. Jimin watches every child he passes by
with a heavy heart.

It pains him to see them so happy when human children never really had the chance to live so
carelessly. They don’t have huge plains where they can roll around in the grass and laugh. They
always have to be around an adult in case a rogue wolf breaches their small territory. Life was cruel
like that.
Wolves created that problem in the first place- their own worst killers being thrown into the woods
to become rogues and torture humans, while they live in their highly protected piece of heaven.
Jimin wants to burn a portion of that heaven to the ground. Make them see how cruel and
horrifying life was outside these protective borders.

Namjoon has to nudge him forward when Jimin stops to stare for longer than intended at a small
girl picking flowers on her knees. She was probably collecting them for her mother. That’s all
Jimin thinks about for the rest of the hours that follow. When was the last time he had picked up a
flower for his mother? Probably fourteen years.

When Namjoon informs him they’re getting closer, Jimin tries to keep his head low. He sticks out
like a sour thumb with his long, almost white hair in the sea of dark heads. But now that they’re
approaching the Head Alpha’s grounds, he doesn’t want to attract any unwanted attention.

More and more warriors make themselves known, sparring with swords around random corners of
different stone structures or full-out battling in their wolf form in improvised circles with young
children watching. Future warriors in training, Jimin guesses. But each wolf they pass by stops
sharply to bow to the alpha in front of him, before turning to their task.

Jimin’s blown away by the number of stone houses he sees the closer they get. He had never seen
stone structures before. From small, cabin-like ones to fully built houses with intricate carvings on
the outside walls.

Namjoon stops abruptly in front of him, and Jimin almost bumps into his back. But he catches
himself just in time. He steps around the wolf to look in front of them and his breathing stops.

Everything about the construction in front of him spoke of power and strength. Jimin had never
tried to imagine how the strongest of the wolves live. Had never wondered about something as
simple as where they lay their head at night or ate their meals. But now that he sees it, he’s taken
completely by surprise.

The Jeon Head Alpha’s home stood tall and proud at the end of a red stone path. It was massive,
with big windows and intricate symbols scattered all over the outside walls. Jimin’s mother used to
tell him all about the beautiful churches and homes humans in Althea lived in. She used to draw
them in the sand with a small cherry branch, promising to show them to Jimin in real life one day.
He forgot all about it when he grew up and started training. But now that he sees one such home in
front of his eyes, hatred fills him.

The world was truly a cruel place.

He’s rushed through one immense door by two new wolves. Both of them had appeared out of
nowhere, bowing in front of Namjoon and quickly restraining Jimin. Each one of them holding one
of his arms in a vice grip.

“Let go-“

He tries to free himself without using his magic. And when he realizes they’re only laughing at his
pathetic attempt, he gives up.

He takes one deep breath through his nose. It’s better if he keeps himself calm. This was it. He was
going to finally do what he came here for.

::Light of the Seven::

They walk through a long corridor, with Namjoon leading the way. Jimin counts over twenty doors
scattered around each side of the corridor. How many wolves did live here?

They reach the end of it and Namjoon opens two double doors to reveal the biggest room Jimin
had ever walked into.

And right in the middle, seated at a massive stone table stood Head Alpha Jeon. Bigger than any
man Jimin had ever seen. Massive arms resting on the table, holding a big glass of alcohol. His red
eyes land directly on Jimin, and he takes an instinctive step back.

Jimin had never heard any descriptions of the wolf in front of him, and maybe it was for the better
because he’s sure any other human would describe him as a monster. A deadly weapon that
crawled its heavy body right from the depths of hell itself. But with a face that could probably
break a woman’s heart.

“Alpha,” Namjoon and the two wolves holding Jimin let out in unison, bowing. Jimin doesn’t
know if he should greet the man in the same manner or just wait for his turn to speak.

His little battle is put to rest when Namjoon speaks again. “Father, the patrol team found this mage
walking too close to our territory a week ago. The beta that found him only followed him at my
order but stopped him as soon as he got too close to the outer village by the lake. He demanded a
meeting with you.”

The wooden chair scraps loudly on the ground as the Alpha stands up. Jimin flinches, trying to free
himself again instinctively. But the wolves are fast to tighten their hold.

“His name,” the Alpha’s voice travels around the room like a rumble of thunder.

“Park Jimin,” Namjoon responds.

Jimin wants to snap at him. Tell them that he’s right in the room with them and very much capable
of speaking. But his instinct tells him it’s better to keep silent.

“He traveled alone the whole way?”

“Yes.”

The Alpha nods. He looks at Jimin again. Shifting his eyes from the mage’s face to his clothes. If
he’s displeased in any way, he doesn’t show it. Nor does he let any kind of emotion show in his
eyes. He sits back down without another word. Takes a big gulp of alcohol and then gives
Namjoon one small nod.

The younger Alpha turns around and with another nod towards the two wolves holding Jimin, they
let him go and leave the room quietly.

Jimin doesn’t move. Doesn’t even breathe. Just watches as Namjoon walks in steady and sure steps
to the table and takes his place on his father’s right side.

“Speak.”

He wants to run. Jimin wants to run away as soon as the Head Alpha’s undivided attention is on
him. Instead, he takes a deep breath and bows.

“My name is Park Jimin and I am a human mage from the west..” he stands straight, looking the
wolf right in the eyes, and adds “..Head Alpha Jeon”
A flicker of amusement flashes in the alpha’s red eyes.

“And want brings you to me, human Park Jimin?”

He shifts from one foot to another, feeling small under their gazes. “I come with a rather daring
demand in mind, but if you give me the time to explain myself, I know you will understand me.”

The alpha takes another gulp from his drink but doesn’t say anything. And Jimin has no idea if he
can just cut to the chase or wait for a reply.

Namjoon seems to read his mind. “Speak, Jimin,” he says sharply. And Jimin is quick to comply.

“My mother found out that I was blessed when I was only seven years old. Our clan’s healer had
told me back then that I harbored more magic than she had ever felt in a single mage in her life
before. I didn’t believe her at that time. But as the years passed, and the harder I trained, it became
more obvious.”

“Obvious how?” Namjoon asks.

“Mages can’t use their powers without giving something in return. But I can. Most of the time,” he
adds meekly. ”I never had to draw power from living things that surrounded me when I used my
magic for small tasks. And I’ve trained like this for fourteen years with the guide of my healer.
But..” he stops, studying their expressions.

The Head Alpha looks at him, red eyes still focused on Jimin’s brown and fearful ones. Namjoon
clears his throat to catch his attention, and gestures for Jimin to continue.

“My magic has its limits. I can control it freely for a short period of time, but if something requires
more of it, I need a life source to help me. I was able to build an invisible barrier around my clan’s
territory by using small animals. But I could still feel restrained. Over time, I realized using
another person was a better choice. Stronger than a small animal, yet still not strong enough.”

“Did you kill the humans you used?” Namjoon asks. Out of curiosity, not concern. He probably
wouldn’t blink twice if Jimin burned a human right in from of him.

“No. Never. They faint very quickly and recover very slowly. I used another human only twice.
When I was forced to remake the shield to be stronger.”

“And what do you want from my clan?” the Head Alpha speaks suddenly. Jimin shifts his gaze to
him again.

“I want to bond with your strongest warrior.”

The alpha’s eyes sharpen.

“Two weeks ago, a dragon landed right in front of my eyes. I cried and trembled in fear for hours
after I saw it,” he allows himself to be vulnerable to gain their trust. “I need to bond with your
strongest warrior in order to kill the dragon.”

He expects the man to call him mad, laugh in his face, and scream at him to leave his territory. But
he does none of those things. He doesn’t even blink when Jimin reveals his worst nightmare.

“And what proof do you have of this dragon being real?” he asks calmly.

“Myself. Isn’t my presence proof enough? I wouldn’t be here, at your mercy, if I wasn’t
desperate.”

When Jimin sees the alpha look away unfazed, he falls to his knees in a desperate attempt at
keeping the man hooked on his words.

“I will give you anything you want. My power will increase ten-fold if you allow this bond. I can
be of use to you and your clan, Head Alpha.” The words feel like pure agony on his tongue, but he
still lets them slip past his lips.

The alpha stands up and his heavy steps carry him right in front of Jimin. The human doesn’t lift
his gaze, nor does he say anything more.

“Is the dragon flying from the west?”

“Yes. I believe the Yen clan has somehow managed to bring one to life again. They have been
killing human clans for over two seasons now. At first, only using their powers, but now they have
set the dragon free.”

“Namjoon,” the alpha turns to face his son. “Where is Jungkook?”

“Father!” Namjoon whispers through clenched teeth, “You don’t intend to-“

“Where is he?”

“He went to patrol the northern border along with the young recruits. He should return by
nightfall.”

The alpha nods. “We will hold a meeting as soon as he’s back. Gather the men.”

He leaves as soon as the words leave his mouth. Passing like the wind right past Jimin. He stands
there- still on his knees, lost.

“W-who is Jungkook?” He decides to ask after a few seconds. His legs are too weak to stand.

Namjoon lifts himself up from the chair with slow movements, as if the past thirty minutes left a
bigger toll on him than he would like to admit. “My younger brother.”

“And why do we have to wait for him?”

“You will find out soon enough,” he whispers, passing Jimin on his way out. He stops when he’s
one foot away from the door. “Wait here.”

Jimin doesn’t even dream of going outside alone. The wolves scare him. If he truly wants to make
the Head Alpha trust him, he can’t harm any of his men, and Jimin really can’t protect himself
without using deadly magic. So he stands there in the middle of the room.

His heart beats steadily in his chest and for the first time in a really long time, he feels like he’s
doing something right. He has hope.

The door behind him opens with a soft creaking sound and Jimin jumps to his feet. His eyes
quickly find warm, brown ones.

He stands unmoving, staring at the new wolf. He’s tall but not taller than Namjoon. Long black
hair frames his slender face all the way to his waist. He stands tall and proud in front of Jimin. Like
a man that knows his power. He smiles gently at Jimin and takes a step forward.
“Am I frightening you?” He asks softly, his voice drifting to Jimin in calming waves.

“W-what?” He stutters out.

“You haven’t blinked since I stepped in the room and you’re clutching your pants for dear life with
your right hand.”

Jimin let’s go instantly. He hadn’t even noticed he was doing it.

“I- I’m not scared, I just…I just wasn’t expecting anybody to come in.”

“My mate asked me to come and check your condition. I heard you’ve traveled for a very long
time.”

His mate?

“Namjoon-ssi?”

“Yes,” he smiles again. “Would you like to take a warm bath and eat something, Jimin-ssi? I can
look at you after that.”

“I’m not sure if I’m allowed to leave this room. Your mate told me to wait here.”

“He meant for you to wait here until I arrive. Don’t worry. You can come with me.”

He shifts his body to show Jimin the open door, his brown robe moving gently around him. Jimin
takes one tentative step forward, and when the wolf only gives him a small nod, he keeps going.

They walk side by side, the man gently guiding Jimin through the long corridors. They make a
right turn somewhere along the way and then he’s ushered into another room. Less spacious than
the hall, but still beautiful.

He spots a wooden basin placed right next to a small bed, but other than that the room doesn’t hold
much.

“It should still be warm enough for you to enjoy it for a few minutes. You can find clean clothes in
the red chest and when you’re done, you can return to the dining hall. You remember the way,
right?” The wolf asks right after Jimin steps into the room.

“Uh, I think I do,” he says, embarrassed. He wasn’t really paying attention to where they were
walking.

“Good, I’ll be there waiting for you.”

He turns to leave but stops when Jimin asks him for his name.

“I haven’t told you? Oh my- I forgot,” he lets out a laugh, and it sounds so beautiful coming from
him. Genuine. “My name is Seokjin. It’s nice meeting you, Jimin. Now enjoy your bath.”

He leaves without another word.

Jimin makes quick work of his clothes, wincing when the rough material of his pants grazes small
and big splinters he has all over his legs. He had fallen countless times while running. He was fast
but far too clumsy for his own good.

He moans softly out loud when his toes touch the warm, clean water. In a few seconds, he
submerges his whole body under.

That’s when exhaustion kicks in. He rests his head on the back of the basin, closing his eyes. He’s
so tired he wants to sleep for hours. He’s also very, very hungry. But above all else, he’s worried.
He worried for his mother.

He had kept his thoughts about her safely locked away until now, focused only on making it in one
piece here. And now that he’s past that, now that he has a moment to just sit and think, his brain
brings forward every little fear and doubt.

If we’re not here when you come back, keep fighting.

He closes his eyes tightly. He doesn’t want to. Jimin doesn’t want to protect a world his mother is
not in. He’s here for her. He’s begging on his knees for her. He’s ready to spend every living,
breathing moment next to the men he used to kill, to protect her.

He sighs and shakes his head. His hair, now untied, falls gently around him. He washes it quickly
with a bar of soap he had found on the small table next to the tub. And then cleans himself, too.

He wants to soak in the warm water more, but he also doesn’t want to make Seokjin wait for long.
If he truly was Namjoon’s mate, he had power and position in the pack and Jimin didn’t want to
offend him in any way.

After he’s dry, he rushes to the red chest to look for a pair of pants and a shirt and quickly dresses.

The pants fit him like a glove, but the white shirt hangs loosely around his small frame. He has to
constantly lift it over his shoulder as he makes his way back to the hall.

The corridors are empty and he’s grateful for it. Jimin is not sure he could handle being polite right
now.

The door to the hall is guarded by one wolf that opens the door for him and steps aside to let Jimin
pass.

“Jimin-ssi,” Seokjin welcomes him with a smile. “Come, come-“ he stands from his chair to guide
Jimin to the table. “I didn’t know what you would like to eat, so I kind of made the cook prepare a
little bit of everything,” he explains and then sits down in front of Jimin.

“Thank you,“ Jimin takes one look at the food in front of him and his eyes swell up with tears. He
hadn’t eaten like this in years. So many fruits, vegetables, and meat. All in front of him, so close he
can smell each one.

He takes one bite of broth and sighs. His mother would have loved this.

“You didn’t have to prepare all of this.”

“It’s my pleasure, Jimin.”

They eat in silence for a few minutes. Seokjin takes his time with every bite of food he takes, while
Jimin tries to be as elegant as him, but fails. Seokjin has to hand him a napkin to clean his face on
more than one occasion. He never laughs or makes fun of Jimin. He just gently reaches his hand
out with the napkin and gestures to Jimin’s lips with a soft smile.

“Can I ask you a question?” The wolf asks tentatively while pouring Jimin a glass of water.
“Of course.”

“Have you ever bonded yourself to another before?”

“I-“ Jimin gulps, he hadn’t expected that. “No, I haven’t.”

“But you know how to do it?”

“I do.”

“Hmm,” Seokjin shifts his gaze from Jimin to his glass of water and back. “I heard the Head Alpha
wants to offer you a bonding with his younger son, Jungkook.”

Jimin blinks, stunned. “I wasn’t told that.”

Was Seokjin telling him the truth? Did the Head Alpha really want Jimin to bond with his son? The
thought of bonding with a direct member of the leading family had never actually crossed his mind.
The best he had hoped for was a high-ranked warrior.

“Then let this be our little secret,” he winks, but Jimin is too shocked to provide a reaction.

“How should I address you? I’m not too familiar with wolf customs.”

“So formal-“ The wolf jokes. “You can call me as you wish, Jimin-ssi. But simply Seokjin is
enough. Although I’m Namjoon’s mate, omegas aren’t very respected.”

His eyes drop to his lap, sadness overtaking his body. Jimin doesn’t have to read dozens of books
to understand that, at least. He knows omegas are considered less than alphas.

“I was supposed to check your condition but I’m just keeping you here, I apologize.”

“There’s no need for that, I’m unharmed. I just need to sleep for a few hours.”

“You’re sure?”

“Yes, please don’t worry.”

They don’t talk much after that and Seokjin doesn’t seem to mind it. Jimin had always been quiet
and shy, even around the people he had grown up with. But he tries to make small talk with the
wolf. He praises the taste of the food, and asks about his role in the pack.

Seokjin beams at the question and is quick to give Jimin a detailed answer. Jimin finds out that he
and Seokjin might have something in common. Seokjin had trained from a very young age to
become a healer in the pack. He was born to a rather poor family and had worked his way up to
become the Head Alpha’s healer.

He blushes when he recalls the day he and Namjoon had first interacted and Jimin feels a twinge of
jealousy hearing the way he describes his mate. He had never thought about finding love, but
looking at Seokjin, being so happy only by talking about his mate, makes him doubt himself
briefly.

Finding love was a foolish thought when he was on a mission to kill a dragon.

Jimin excuses himself after that, and heads straight to the bedroom Seokjin had shown him earlier
to lie down for a few hours. Seokjin had assured him that the meeting wouldn’t take place in the
following five hours.
He falls asleep as soon as he rests his heavy body on the rigid bed.

::Runatal::

Jimin can’t see anything for a few seconds after he wakes up, and he panics. Jumping from the bed,
he falls right next to it on his ass when the sheets tangle in his legs.

“Crap.”

“Jimin-ssi?” a soft voice asks from behind the door, “Are you alright? Can I come in?”

“Yes!” Jimin calls out, slowly rising to his feet.

Seokjin enters the room holding a candle, the soft glow providing enough light to lighten up most
of the room. “Head Alpha Jeon is waiting for you in the Great Hall.”

Jimin tries to hold his nerves back, but as soon as he hears Seokjin’s words his hands start to
tremble.

This was it.

“Can I know how many people are going to be present?” He asks on their way there, walking as
slowly as possible next to the omega.

“Aside from Head Alpha Jeon and his sons, four more people will be there. The Head Guard, Head
Healer, and two more guards.”

“Guards?” Jimin lets out a soft laugh. “Why do they think they need guards?”

“Head Alpha Jeon has two guards that shadow him everywhere he goes. It is required.”

Jimin can’t imagine the powerful wolf needing any guards.

“I didn’t notice any guards when we talked earlier,” he mumbles more to himself. But Seokjin
hears him and smirks.

“That doesn’t mean they weren’t there.”

oh

When they arrive, the same wolf that opened the door for Jimin when he had come to eat with
Seokjin, waits for them. He nods briefly at the omega, ignoring Jimin, and then opens the double
doors.

The first thing Jimin senses when he walks into the room behind Seokjin, is the overwhelming
energy that almost knocks the breath out of him. He quickly regrets reaching out to feel the room
with his magic. He contains it to only a small protective barrier around him.

“Head Alpha Jeon,” the omega bows, and Jimin follows suit.

“Omega Seokjin, you can leave,” Head Alpha Jeon says and Jimin turns sharply to face Seokjin.
He begs the omega with his eyes not to leave him alone, but it’s not something Seokjin can control.

He gives Jimin one tentative, gentle smile before he leaves the room. Jimin remains frozen in
place, watching the empty spot the healer had left behind.

“Human Jimin,” the alpha calls to him, and Jimin turns to face him. He tries to calm down, tries to
remember that everything had gone well the first time Jimin talked with the alpha. But his mind
goes blank when his eyes land on the dark figure shadowing the Head Alpha.

He sees the older man talk, sees his eyebrows furrowing when Jimin doesn’t respond. But his eyes
look right through him at the wolf standing behind his chair.

The man has his eyes trained on Jimin, muscular arms resting on his chest. A black, loose shirt
covers his upper body, stretching over wide shoulders and around a much slender waist, down into
a black pair of leather pants. A black belt holds his sword safely tucked behind his back, and the
crest of the Jeon clan rests on a patch of naked skin on his chest.

“Jimin!” Namjoon calls out, his voice breaking through Jimin’s foggy mind.

“I apologize,” he says quickly, bowing again. ”It seems like my mind is still a little slow from the
road,” the excuse rolls off his tongue in one breath.

The Head Alpha sighs, and gestures for Jimin to come closer. He really doesn’t want to, but he
complies.

He walks until he’s only a few feet away from the table. The room is illuminated on each side by a
good number of torches hanging on the walls. Jimin looks right at Head Alpha Jeon as he sits on
the same chair at the center of the table with Namjoon to his right and the looming man at his
back. On his left side, Jimin sees two more new faces. But the Head Alpha doesn’t introduce them,
so Jimin tries to act like they’re not there.

“I wanted to know if omega Seokjin took care of you as I ordered him to,” the alpha says,
obviously not happy that he has to repeat himself.

“Yes, he was very attentive. Thank you for your kindness.”

The alpha nods. Then, with one short gesture of his hand, he calls the wolf behind him closer.

“This is my youngest- Jungkook,” Jimin refuses to look at the wolf, keeping his gaze on the Head
Alpha. “He’s the one I’m offering for the bond,” the alpha reveals and Jimin feels his knees
weaken. “You asked me for my strongest warrior- here he is. My son,” the alpha clarifies, and
Jimin nods numbly at his words.

“Your condition?” Jimin whispers, looking at Jungkook briefly. The wolf watches him, too and
Jimin thinks he should feel scared under his intense gaze, but he only feels relief. Relief that the
man he came looking for is finally in front of him.

“Once you complete the bond you become part of our pack. That means you will abide by my
rules.”

Jimin’s eyes narrow suspiciously. “What does that actually mean?”

“It means you will do as I decide in this war. It means that if I say you have to stay here and protect
the clan, you will do so-“
“No-” Jimin interrupts him, and audible gasps echo around the room. Jungkook lifts one dark
eyebrow at him. “I won’t do that.”

He wouldn’t become a pawn like the mages in the Great Fall ended up being.

The Head Alpha narrows his eyes and leans forward on the table and his energy threatens to break
through Jimin’s will to keep his magic from feeling the energies around him. “You promised me,
on your knees, you will do anything if I give you a strong bond. Will you tun back on your word?”
The alpha challenges.

“I will not”, Jimin says calmly. “I asked you for a bond to fight, not guard your clan. I asked for a
bond to kill a dragon, not play protector with my magic.”

“Jimin, no matter how strong you are, we can’t just march to the West and-“

“That’s not what I want to do. You just assumed that Alpha Namjoon,” Jimin looks around the
room at the wolves watching him with clear dislike in their eyes, then focuses on the most
important one of them again. “Nobody here asked me if I have a plan. I might be young and
inexperienced in the matters of war and ruling over a clan, but I can offer you what no other
warrior can. You want me by your side when the day comes that your whole clan is in danger. The
Yen clan might terrorize only humans for now, but what will happen after he burns all of them
down? What happens after he gains enough power to challenge your position? Or worse, end your
bloodline? You need me as your ally.”

After ten excruciating seconds of silence, Jungkook speaks for the first time.

“I will be the one to decide if we need you.” His voice booms in the room. A shiver runs down
Jimin’s spine and he quickly realizes that if the wolf dared to intervene like this over the Head
Alpha, he clearly held enough power in the clan to speak freely.

The alpha walks around the table, his eyes trained on Jimin. He ignores Namjoon’s voice telling
him to calm down. With each step Jungkook takes towards Jimin, the mage has to lift his head
higher to maintain eye contact.

How is he so freaking tall?

“Your plan?” The warrior asks, starring Jimin down. His right hand rests on the heft of his sword.

“Jungkook-“

“What’s your plan?” Jungkook says louder, ignoring Namjoon once again.

Jimin tries his hardest not to take a single step back from the wolf.

“I intend to travel to Althea first,” he reveals through clenched teeth.

“To the Queen? Jimin, you can’t be foolish enough to believe she would get involved,” Namjoon
argues from his seat at the table. But Jimin doesn’t mind him, he keeps looking at the alpha in
front of him whose eyes match his own intensity.

“I don’t plan to involve the Queen. I only want the knowledge she keeps hidden away in Althea.
The regal bloodline is protected by the strongest mages. I want to learn from them.”

“That means you would have to stay there for a while. What about your clan? You were very vocal
about the danger the humans are in, now you have time to travel and learn?” Jungkook asks him.
Jimin blinks up at him, trying to look unperturbed. His heartbeat echoes through his ears. “I won’t
have to worry about them because I plan to bring them here.”

The room bursts in disarray at his words, the other wolves present calling him mad for daring to
say that. They all fall silent when the Head Alpha’s hand lands on the table, making all the glasses
resting in front of them tremble at the impact.

“Jungkook, step aside.”

The warrior takes one step to Jimin’s right so the Head Alpha can see the mage, but then he stops.
When it’s clear he won’t move another step, Jimin shifts his eyes from the wolf to look in front of
him.

“Head Alpha Jeon,” Jimin starts, voice much gentler this time. ”After bonding, I intend to travel to
the west to bring back here as many humans as I can save. Every day they spend there is a day
closer to death. You must understand that by now. I don’t ask you to welcome them into your
villages. Even living next to your border can provide enough protection for them. As for how
much time I want to stay in Althea,” he throws Jungkook one look, finding the alpha still watching
him. “A week will be enough. No more than that.”

“Do you understand what you’re asking here, boy?” A sturdy woman asks. She sits proudly next to
Namjoon. Her hair is short and dark and Jimin recognizes the tattoos on her neck and face as the
same ones the wolf that had followed him had. “Why would we risk the protection of our borders
for your kin?”

She turns to face the Head Alpha, head held high and proud. “Alpha, with the attacks happening
around our northern border, we don’t have any guards to spare and send to the west. The risk is too
high.”

“The numbers of injured wolves have also increased terribly in the last few weeks,” another wolf
says, his eyes focused on the alpha. He’s petite, the smallest wolf Jimin has seen so far. He looks
old enough to be his grandfather, but he moves with the sturdiness of a warrior.

“Healer Minho is right; the risk is too great for us, and we have no certitude he’s capable of
helping. He’s a mage yes,” she shifts her eyes to focus on Jimin and he stares at her with the same
fierceness. “But we have no proof his magic is as strong as he states it is. Alpha, we all know the
strongest mages are born in the regal bloodline. He’s just a poor boy from a poor clan, we have no
reason to trust him.”

Jimin watches her with hard eyes. His blood boiling from anger, and frustration. He watches her
move her tight lips as she continues to badmouth his clan. Watches her spew insult after insult at
him and his family. Watches the other wolves sit and listen. Watches the Head Alpha slowly start
to agree with her.

He watches like he watched humans die at the hands of the monsters he now tries to make his
allies. He watches as he realizes he’s slowly losing this battle.

He can’t let that happen.

He clenches his fists, and with little more effort than he anticipated, he silences her.

She struggles against the tight, invisible grip Jimin has on her throat, and she almost fights him off.
But contrary to popular belief, he is at least strong enough to silence one wolf.

Her face goes red and the wolves around her jump in action.
The guards that had kept their presence unknown until now, quickly make their way to shield their
leader. The healer jumps to help the woman. But there’s really nothing he can do against Jimin’s
invisible hold on her.

Jimin hears Namjoon screaming Jungkook’s name before he feels the sharp blade of a sword at his
neck.

The mage hadn’t even noticed when Jungkook had stepped behind him. The warrior has him
pinned in place by a tight grip on his waist and the sharp blade pressed strongly over his skin.
Jimin winces when he feels blood trickle down his neck.

“Let go,” Jungkook commands right in his ear, calmly. A shiver runs down Jimin’s spine, but he
keeps his ground.

“No,” he rasps out, still watching the woman struggle. She was lying on the floor in front of them
now. Red eyes that had watched him with superiority before, twisted in pain and fear. Everybody
feared death in the end. Even the proudest and strongest warriors.

The pressure Jungkook applies on his waist almost makes him fall to the ground, but the sharp
blade of the sword keeps him in place.

“I can make you let go of me in a second,” Jimin says firmly, his eyes watching the Head Alpha
rise to his feet with Namjoon following suit.

“Try me, little mage,” the warrior challenges, his lips grazing Jimin’s ear as he speaks. He presses
the blade harder on Jimin’s skin.

“Enough!” Head Alpha Jeon roars looking straight at Jimin.

Jimin looks down at the struggling wolf. Her face is almost purple now and can’t even blink her
eyes. Jimin wants to kill her.

Pain shoots down his neck when Jungkook drives the blade harder into his skin, and he finally
unclenches his fist.

The wolf can’t even gasp for air when Jimin lets her go, but the healer is quick to drag her into the
corner of the room and help her.

“Do you trust my powers now?” He asks the Head Alpha loudly over the woman’s gasps of air.
They watch each other. The alpha’s red eyes pierce his soul, but Jimin doesn’t back down. “Or do
you need more proof?”

“My offer still stands,” the alpha says calmly.

“But at what cost? I will not be kept here by force.”

“Jungkook, step aside.”

The warrior listens to his father. He puts his sword away and takes a step back from Jimin. He
sways on the spot when Jungkook’s arm no longer supports him. He lifts his hand to touch his
neck and winces when his finger makes contact with the small cut. It doesn’t bleed anymore, but it
stings.

Jimin’s used to feeling tired all the time. To feel his body cave from within from exhaustion. What
he’s not used to is physical pain. He had always protected his body from harm with his magic. He
can’t believe he held back when Jungkook had held the sharp blade against his neck.

He stares at the red blood on his fingers, wondering how it had come to this. Was it his fault? Was
he too impulsive? Had the wolf deserved Jimin’s backlash? He can’t take it back now.

He looks at the blood on his fingers one last time before he speaks again.

“I swear to protect your clan until my last breath if you let me be free once we bond until the Yen
clan is defeated,” he says fiercely, watching the Head Alpha. “I need to fight; I can’t sit here while
that dragon is out there day and night killing my people!”

“What path will you take after Althea?” The Head Alpha’s voice rings loudly in the room, but
Jimin hears him like he’s underwater. The adrenaline in his veins slowly drifting away.

He shakes his head after a second and blinks once “I- I don’t know,” he admits, tired eye falling
shut.

Jungkook steps in front of him then “Father, we have no other choice.” he says and Jimin snaps his
eyes open.

What?

“Jungkook, we don’t have the men to-“

“We don’t need them,” the wolf interrupts his brother. “We will follow his plan until we leave
Althea, then we will go to the north.”

“To the Min Clan,” Namjoon says, understanding what Jungkook was hinting at.

Jimin doesn’t say anything, listening closely.

“But I sent three messengers since the first attack and not one of them has returned.”

“You can keep trying while we’re away, but if it’s still to no avail, we will go there without
notice.”

He reaches out to take a hold of Jungkook’s hand and turns him to look at him. “What attacks?” he
asks the alpha, but Namjoon is the one to answer him.

“Jungkook has been protecting the northern border for a season now due to numerous rogue attacks
on our northern border,” he explains.

“Let go of me before I make you,” Jungkook says and Jimin lets his hand drop.

“ ‘m sorry,” he mumbles, but Jungkook doesn’t seem to hear him. He turns back to face the table.

“Is that why you want to keep me here?” Jimin asks the Head Alpha. He seems reluctant to admit
it, but he still nods. “I’m not asking for an army. I’m not even asking for five men when I leave.
All I need is Jungkook and the bond. The two of us can deal with everything else while you keep
your warriors here.”

“I’ve trained my men well, Father. We’ve discussed this earlier.”

Jungkook stands tall in front of his father. His back straight and chin held high. He respected his
father, but Jimin can see he also knew he possessed enough power to persuade the man.
“And do you approve of him?” The alpha asks, his eyes landing on Jimin.

Approve of him?

Jungkook doesn’t turn to face him as he responds. “He’s fierce and sure of himself, but still weak. I
understand why he needs me.”

Jimin feels his face burn in humiliation. It’s one thing to know that he’s lacking, and another to
hear it being said by such a strong wolf.

“Then it’s done,” The Head Alpha says suddenly. He leaves the room with no other word and his
guards follow.

Two other wolves come running in to help the healer carry the passed-out wolf outside.

Jungkook turns to face him when they’re left alone with only his brother.

“When do you want to perform the bonding?” he asks.

“As soon as possible. Tonight.”

Jungkook nods, and without another word, leaves the room.

Jimin stares at the stone walls when he’s finally the last one in the room. Eyes burning. He shakes
his head violently and his hands come up to rest over his heart.

Tomorrow. Finally.
 Stronger With You
Chapter Notes

IMPORTANT
At the end of the chapter, in the last big scene, JM is cornered by another wolf and
touched in a sexual way. Nothing happens, it's nothing serious and it's not described in
detail. But if you are even a tiny bit uncomfortable with reading something like that,
please stop reading when you see " *** ". That will mark the beginning of the scene
and then the end where you can start reading again.

PART II

|| stronger with you ||

The next few hours after the meeting pass in a blur. Ten minutes after Jungkook had left the Great
Hall, Jimin was whisked away by Seokjin once again.

“Come, you look pale. Dinner is ready.” The omega had said, and Jimin really can’t remember
much of what happened after that.

He remembers Seokjin saying something about Jungkook having to go on patrol, but he blocks
everything after that.

Then it’s done.

The Head Alpha had said. It’s done. The deal is done. He’ll finally bond.

Jimin is so happy that he barely eats. Seokjin watches him with a worried look but doesn’t say
anything and Jimin is grateful.

::Spiral::

When Jungkook comes back three hours after dinner, Jimin’s nerves return along with him.

The wolf doesn’t say anything when he comes to fetch Jimin from his room with a beta servant at
his side. He doesn’t say anything when they enter another larger chamber, and Jimin just follows
silently.

The beta walks once around the room, lighting four torches on the walls.
“Leave,” Jungkook says after he’s done.

The servant bows and then quickly leaves.

Jimin watches Jungkook walk around the room. The warrior discards his sword first, putting it
right next to the bed. And that’s when Jimin understands where he is- the warrior’s bedroom.

After he places his sword down, he sits on the bed with his back facing Jimin. Jimin can see his
arms moving slightly and it’s only when the wolf shrugs off his shirt that he realizes what the wolf
was doing.

He stares at Jungkook’s naked back unblinking. Heart in his throat. Jungkook’s muscles flex under
old and new cuts and bruises as the wolf stands to throw his shirt on a chair in the corner of the
room.

Jimin’s eyes fall almost instantly to the warrior’s painted arms. In the Great Hall, Jimin had
wondered why Jungkook lacked the marks other wolves carried with pride. Now he knows.

Jungkook’s whole right arm was painted black. And the mage was quick to recognize the
protective runes that wrapped around the warrior’s strong arm. In the middle of symmetrical
engraved thick lines, a wolf stood with his head lifted towards the moon that rested on the
warrior’s shoulder. And just like in the Jeon clan crest, on each side of the wolf, an arrow and the
eye of an eagle watched protectively over the animal. And the further down Jimin looked, the less
he saw because the black coat of the wolf bled into Jungkook’s all-black forearm.

It made chills run down the mage’s body. It was like the tattoo represented perfectly how the wolf
would survive and thrive even during the darkest of times. That no matter how dark the night, or
how though the time- the wolf would be protected and come back stronger than ever.

When the warrior stands up and turns to face Jimin, he can see dark circles under his eyes.

“Are you going to run away?” Jungkook asks, one dark eyebrow lifted.

Jimin has to look for his tongue, mouth dry. “W-what?”

The Alpha lifts one hand to point at the door behind him. “You’re standing in front of that door like
you’re gonna’ run off any second now.”

The warrior’s muscles flex with every little move, and Jimin feels like his brain is going to shut off
any second now. He’s not used to this. He’s not used to seeing so much of another man.

Jungkook sighs when Jimin keeps quiet, and then he starts walking to the mage.

The Jeon crest shines lightly on his chest under the soft glow of the torches around them and Jimin
is mesmerized.

“Jimin,” The alpha says, now standing only a foot away from him. So close, Jimin has to lift his
head to look at Jungkook’s face. He hates it. Hates that he holds so much power but is still
intimidated by the tall warrior. “You said it would be quick. Start now.”

Crap.

“Y-yes. All right. Just-“ he tries to calm down and get himself together. “Can you kneel?” he asks,
his eyes moving rapidly from the alpha’s intense eyes to his chest.
“What?” the warrior growls, eyes sharpening.

But Jimin doesn’t back down. “Kneel. I have to touch your head and I can barely reach it like this,”
he gestures vaguely at the space between them. He reaches one hand up and when it barely grazes
Jungkook’s cheek, the wolf sighs in understanding.

They stare at each other, the room feeling infinitely smaller as Jungkook blocks everything from
Jimin’s view with his body. The alpha grunts after a few seconds, then- with slow movements, he
kneels right in front of Jimin.

Like this, he’s the one that has to slightly look up at the mage.

“Skin-to-skin contact helps me reach your energy easier,” Jimin tries to explain. “I’ll place my
hands on your cheeks. Maybe you’ll feel the bond forming, or you won’t. I’ve never done this
before. But it won’t hurt! Trust me. You don’t have to worry-“

“Jimin,” Jungkook cuts him off. “Just start.”

“Y-yeah,” he nods and closes his eyes, forcing the image of the wolf on his knees in front of him
into darkness.

He seeks out Jungkook’s face with his hands blindly. His right thumb touches the wolf’s bottom lip
and Jimin quickly moves his hand away.

When he feels Jungkook’s cheeks between his palms, he tries to calm down.

One deep breath in- then a deep breath out.

In, then out.

In, out.

He lets his magic flow between them when he feels his body relax. It travels through his veins,
from the tip of his toes to his fingers like a gentle caress.

When Jimin lets himself feel Jungkook’s energy for the first time, the alpha inhales sharply. He
doesn’t pull away from Jimin, but he becomes rigid under the mage’s gentle touch.

Jimin almost drops his hands when he realizes the strong energy he had felt in the Great Hall had
come from Jungkook. Back then, it scared him into pulling his magic back altogether. But now,
knowing that he’ll be able to use this energy for himself, he feels ecstatic.

Energy bonding is not something easily explained through words. Jimin barely understood the
healer when she had tried to explain the concept to Jimin. She had told him he will understand and
know what to do when he feels it. And she was right.

It’s a visualizing game. Jimin doesn’t have to physically coerce his magic to reach into Jungkook’s
energy. He imagines them blending together.

It’s a gentle dance of unknown forces at first. Jimin’s vision slowly turned red behind his closed
eyelids. The bond grows and forms gingerly between them until Jungkook’s energy suddenly
explodes and pulls Jimin’s magic with him.

It bursts around them like an invisible shield. The sheer power of it almost making Jimin break his
concentration.
He grips Jungkook’s skin between his palms harder, grounding himself. And with one final deep
breath, his magic returns to him tenfold.

It’s overwhelming at first. He feels split in two. He feels Jungkook’s energy right under his
fingertips, ready to be accessed. A part of him, but not in him like his magic is.

A wild smile appears on his face before he opens his eyes. He looks down at the wolf to find sharp
red eyes staring right back at him.

Jungkook’s black hair falls around his eyes to his shoulders like a veil. His skin shines with
perspiration and his jaw is set tight. But the warrior’s dangerous eyes don’t scare Jimin anymore.
He keeps looking at him, his thumbs caressing Jungkook’s skin gently.

When Jungkook lifts one eyebrow in question, Jimin speaks. “It’s done.”

His smile drops when Jungkook stands up abruptly. He takes two steps away from Jimin and turns
around. His back moving with the force of his heavy breathing.

“Are you hurt?” Jimin’s concerned voice travels around the room. It falls on deaf ears. Jungkook
doesn’t turn to look at him. Doesn’t say anything.

He walks to the window in front of him and drops his hands on the cold stone, letting his head
hang between his tense shoulders.

Jimin feels the wolf’s discomfort and it almost makes him cry. He wants to reach out. Wants to
calm his chaotic energy in any way he can. The man had held his sword at his neck, had cut him.
But he still feels a pull to him. Feels the bond, still so new and fragile begging for Jimin’s
closeness.

“Jungkook-“ he whispers, reaching out with one hand.

“You can leave now. I want to sleep.”

“Are you alright? Does it hurt?”

“Leave, Jimin,” Jungkook repeats, still not looking at him. “Pack anything you own. We leave at
sunrise.”

Jimin wants to argue that it’s too soon. But he would be wrong. What else was there to do here?
They couldn’t waste any more time.

He swallows, nods in approval even though he knows Jungkook can’t see him- and leaves.

The last thing he sees before he closes the door is Jungkook’s hand clutching his clan’s crest in a
vice grip.

::A Nearly Peaceful Place::

A gentle breeze follows them out of the Jeon territory the next morning.

Jungkook had knocked on Jimin’s door right at sunrise. His face a cold mask. Upper body fully
covered by a thick layer of leather designed to protect every inch of his tanned skin.

They walk in silence most of the day. Before they pass the border, two wolves wish Jungkook a
safe journey, bowing in front of him. They don’t look at Jimin, don’t even acknowledge his
presence. And Jimin doesn’t bother feeling sad over it. He’s not here to make friends. He’s not here
to earn their trust and devotion. He doesn’t need their blessings.

Although they barely communicate, they find a routine pretty easily. They spend every hour the
sun provides enough light to travel, and right before the dark settles, Jungkook goes hunting for
their dinner as Jimin prepares a fire that would last them a night.

Jimin had tried to protest the first time the wolf had left him alone, trying to make the alpha accept
his help hunting. But he was shut down with a simple You’ll only get in my way, which wins
Jungkook a burnt spot on his leather pants.

He doesn’t apologize for it and Jungkook doesn’t say anything about it either, but they stop
fighting and Jungkook runs away.

He doesn’t turn in front of Jimin. The alpha had gone hunting for three nights now, and he never
showed his wolf to Jimin. And Jimin is grateful. He’s not sure he’s ready to see Jungkook’s wolf.

It’s clear there’s no trust between them and Jimin doesn’t know if he wants to try and built any.

The next day, they find the first human clan. The closest one to the Jeon territory. The smallest one
Jimin has seen so far. Twenty people. Only twenty unprotected and scared humans.

They don’t linger much. At first, the humans are too scared of Jungkook to even listen to what
Jimin was trying to tell them. The alpha stood behind him looking murderous with his furrowed
eyebrows and clenched jaw.

Jimin had to physically force him away into the woods, out of the human’s eyesight for them to
calm down. And after that, talking to the clan became significantly easier.

They understood faster than Jimin anticipated what was coming for them and for the next two
hours Jimin helped them pack necessities for their travel to the Jeon territory.

Jungkook had returned by Jimin’s side as soon as the last human was out of sight, engulfed by the
tree line. And without a word, they continued their journey west.

That night, Jungkook takes longer than usual to hunt, and Jimin becomes anxious in the silent and
dark forest waiting for his return.

He sits cross-legged with his back pressed tightly into a tree, watching with tired eyes the spot the
warrior had disappeared into.

The fire Jimin had lit right after he was left alone provides enough light for him to feel safe. But he
hates it, hates being in one place like a sitting duck. That’s why when he traveled to the Jeon clan
he had barely slept or eaten, choosing to always keep moving.

He knew that his two-and-a-half-week journey would be longer with how Jungkook made them
rest every night, but he never anticipated it to make him feel so on edge.

A deep, guttural growl pierces through the silence of the forest, and Jimin jumps to his feet.
Jungkook.

Jungkook!

It must be him. Was he in danger? Was he attacked?

Jimin doesn’t wait another second. He puts out the fire with one sharp move of his hand and runs
into the forest.

He instantly reaches his magic forward, trying to feel Jungkook’s energy. And when he finally
feels it, he lets it guide him to the wolf.

Jimin runs until his feet start hurting. He never realized Jungkook went so far away from him to
hunt. Or was he running away from something?

The mage can’t imagine something scaring the warrior.

He stops abruptly, his breath heavy.

Five wolves circle around one black wolf, and Jimin knows without having to feel it through their
bond, that that wolf is Jungkook.

Terror takes hold of his body as he watches the wolf. He’s massive- bigger than the other wolves
with razor-sharp teeth and charcoal fur. There’s nothing beautiful about his angry red eyes. About
the growl he lets out as he analyzes the wolves in front of him. There’s nothing beautiful about the
way drool trails down from his half-opened mouth and Jimin wants to run away.

Before he can react, Jungkook jumps on the biggest wolf around him. His sharp fangs find the neck
of a brown wolf and in one second and after a loud crack, it falls limply on the ground under the
black wolf.

He doesn’t stop for a second. When Jungkook feels the wolf’s heart go still, his red eyes find his
next victim.

They try to stop him. Jimin watches as the four wolves remaining try to jump on Jungkook
together. They try to pin him down. One of them bites into his hind leg and another slashes his
back, but Jungkook is stronger.

He’s stronger than Jimin had ever imagined.

He pushes the wolves off him with one hard push and then there’s just red. Red everywhere Jimin
looks. Red on Jungkook’s whole fur, making it darker. Red on the green grass. Red in the
warrior’s eyes. Red gushing out of his mouth as he bites into the other wolves one by one.

red red red

He had run towards potential danger without thinking for a second. Had run to help Jungkook. But
now, watching Jungkook standing tall right in the middle of five dead bodies, he wants to slap
himself.

He was ready to put himself in danger for a man that clearly will never need his help. Jimin was
the weak one. Jimin was the one that gave up his freedom to become stronger. Not Jungkook.

Jungkook finally notices Jimin’s presence when the mage takes a step back and a twinge snaps
under his foot.
He growls and Jimin closes his eyes. Breathing heavily through his nose.

“Why are you here?” Jungkook snarls.

Jimin opens his eyes to find red, angry eyes staring right at him. He’s thankful Jungkook was at
least mindful enough to put his pants on after shifting back.

“I- I heard you growl and I- are you hurt?” he asks suddenly. He lifts his hand up to touch
Jungkook’s arm, but the wolf moves away.

“You think some untrained rogues can harm me in any way? They were scared, more than
anything.” Jungkook says, detached.

He doesn’t spare the dead wolves a single glance as he turns his back to Jimin and walks to a dead
animal Jimin only now sees lying on the ground. A deer.

Jungkook lifts the animal on his shoulders with practiced ease, and with one last look at Jimin,
turns to walk towards their camp.

Jimin turns around, trying to locate Jungkook’s shirt. He always went hunting with only a shirt and
pants on, barefoot. It was probably easier that way. Jimin had seen how long it took the warrior to
untie all the ties that kept his leather armor tightly secured to his chest. He lifts the black shirt up as
soon as he spots it next to a patch of bloody grass the deer had been on and then runs to follow
Jungkook.

Strong flames burn the dead bodies of the wolves as they walk away.

“Did you really have to kill them?”

“You would rather I let them steal my kill?”

“No, but-“

“This is not a game, little mage. Don’t forget what your purpose is. We’re not in these woods to
look for friends.”

Jimin purses his lips, anger flashing in his eyes.

He runs to catch up with Jungkook and jump in front of him. The wolf stops with an annoyed look
on his face.

“Move.”

“Don’t speak to me like I’m a child.”

“Then don’t act like one.”

He moves to sidestep Jimin, but the mage stops him with a palm on his chest. His fingertips lightly
graze the Jeon crest and Jungkook’s eyes snap down to look at his hand.

“I might not be physically stronger than you, but don’t forget where my strength lies. I can hurt you
if I wish to, so don’t look down on me.”

“This is the second time you threaten me. Are you going to actually follow through with it, or back
down again?”
After seconds pass with Jimin staying quiet, the wolf takes a step back, and Jimin’s hand drops
from his chest. The muscles in Jungkook’s arms flex under the weight of the dead animal on his
shoulders as he shifts to secure it better.

“You don’t actually want me to follow through. Believe me. I’ve killed wolves without even
having to touch them,” Jimin chooses to say. He doesn’t want the warrior to fear him, but he
doesn’t want to be treated like a child either.

They were a team now and Jungkook needed to understand that.

Just when Jimin thinks the warrior’s going to start walking again without another word, Jungkook
only smirks down at him. His black hair falls around his face, and blood starts to drip down his
arms from the deer. He looks deadly and Jimin finds himself taking a step back.

It doesn’t go unnoticed.

Jungkook’s features harden, but he doesn’t comment on it.

“Good,” he says after a moment, and then he starts walking again.

Good?

“Good?!”

“It’s good to know you’re as cold-hearted as I am.”

Was he? Cold-hearted?

“I-“

He wants to protest. But maybe the warrior was right. Jimin killed out of necessity, not for fun. He
didn’t enjoy it. He wasn’t trained to kill. Not like Jungkook was. But was there really a difference
when the result was the same?

Jimin runs to catch up with him. His head spinning with the way Jungkook makes him jump from
annoyance to confusion. How can he act like Jimin’s just a burden and then compliment him in the
next second?

“Tomorrow we’ll reach the next human clan,” Jungkook informs the mage, his nose twitching as
he smells the air.

“Maybe we can spend the night there. We will arrive after nightfall,” Jimin suggests, choosing to
let Jungkook change the subject. He doesn’t want to fight anymore.

“They won’t welcome me with open arms,” Jungkook points out, probably thinking about the way
the first human clan had reacted to his presence.

Jimin doubts the wolf really cared if the humans were nice to him or not. “They will when they
learn we’re bonded.”

“And how do you know they’ll trust you?” he asks, looking down at Jimin. They’ve been walking
side by side for a while now.

Jimin shrugs. “I’m a mage, they trust me by default. Mages exist to protect them, so they won’t
question me.”
“Is that why you exist?”

“W-what?” The question catches him by surprise. He stops and stares at Jungkook’s back as he
keeps walking ahead.

“Were you born only to protect your people, little mage?” Jungkook says loudly.

“And you? Were you born only to protect your people?” Jimin fires back, choosing to bury the way
the wolf’s question makes him feel.

Jimin hasn’t doubted himself since that faithful night fourteen years ago and he will for sure not
start now.

Jungkook turns to look at him. “I guess we were both born to be used,” he says, voice even- then
starts walking again.

Used.

He clenches Jungkook’s shirt in his hands, watching the alpha walk away.

No.

Jimin chose to be here. He chose to become who he is. He walked willingly down this path for the
person he loves most in this world. If she dies, Jimin goes with her.

After they get back, Jungkook makes quick work of the deer with one of the small knives he keeps
tied on the belt around his thigh. They eat in silence, both of them too tired to start another
argument.

Jimin falls asleep while watching Jungkook leaning on a tree on the other side of the fire.

“Don’t stare or growl at any of them. And for the love of God, don’t turn your eyes red,” Jimin
whispers, staring right ahead at the humans waiting for them. He had spent hours the night before
making sure the wolf understood how to act around humans from now on, but he knows the alpha
will need the reminder.

There were more people than Jimin expected after he had seen the first clan. Maybe this one was
double the size of the previous one.

When they’re close enough to hear the quiet whispers of the humans, Jimin stops walking and
Jungkook follows. He tries to hide his body behind Jimin, but there’s not much Jimin’s small
frame can conceal. He appreciates Jungkook’s try, nonetheless.

Two women step forward from the small crowd. Both old. Both thin and obviously tired. Jimin’s
heart breaks a little bit more.

“Hello,” he says, forcing a gentle smile on his face. “My name is Park Jimin and this-“ he gestures
behind him with a hand. “Is Jeon Jungkook….my bond” he adds carefully.
Surprise takes hold of the women’s faces. They turn to stare at each other for a stunned second,
then one of them- a petite woman with short black hair, takes a tentative step forward.

She eyes Jungkook, curious yet scared, and then her gaze shifts down to Jimin. “You’re a mage,”
she breathes out, relief clear in the way her shoulders sag downwards.

“Yes. We’re traveling to my clan, and we’re trying to pass through as many human clans as
possible because I have a very important message to share.” The other woman joins the first one
closer to Jimin. The mage smiles at them both brighter to assure them he has no hidden intentions.
“Can we talk somewhere private?”

The women agree immediately. And Jimin is not surprised by the blind trust they decided to put on
Jimin. He’s a mage. A designated protector for the humans. Even though he’s a stranger to them,
they know they can trust him.

But Jungkook is a whole other story. They don’t openly stare or comment on his presence out of
respect for Jimin. But they don’t treat the wolf with the same level of hospitality they offer the
mage.

The two follow the women to a small cabin at the center of the clan, and the dark-haired one
finally introduces herself as the healer of the pack. Haejoon. She’s a petite woman, smaller even
than Jimin, but her eyes are sharp, and her mind is undeterred by age.

She listens tentatively as Jimin tries to explain as fast and clear as he can everything she needs to
know. And when the mage says that it would be for the best for the clan to travel to the Jeon pack,
her eyes land on Jungkook for the first time since they’ve entered the cabin and sat down at the
small wooden table.

Jungkook stared at Jimin’s back from his position in front of the door. He stood plastered to it like
any of the humans would dare enter this small place when they knew Jungkook was in there. But
Jimin doesn’t comment on it.

The warrior looks away from the mage’s body when he notices the healer staring at him and Jimin
is grateful he doesn’t try to scare the woman into submission.

“Are you sure we’re going to be safe there?” she asks, eyes on Jungkook. But Jimin knows the
question is directed at him.

“Yes. Even if Head Alpha Yen decides to attack the Jeon pack suddenly, you will still be the safest
there.”

She bites her lower lip, and then her eyes drop to Jungkook’s sword and Jimin finally understands
her real question.

Jimin reaches over the table to take hold of her trembling hands and their eyes meet. “I know you
have no reason to trust the wolves. Neither did I…at first” Jimin feels Jungkook’s burning gaze on
his back again, but he doesn’t turn around. “But please believe me when I say that you have
nothing to fear if you go there. My bond with Jungkook will ensure your safety.”

She nods meekly, then- as if unsure if to voice her next question or not, her eyes shift between the
mage and the warrior at his back.

Jimin caresses her wrinkled hand with his thumb and the woman takes a deep breath. “Will you be
staying the night? When should we leave?”
Jimin’s whole body relaxes, understanding the acceptance in her words.

“It would be great if we can spend the night,” Jimin smiles. “In the morning we can help you
prepare everything you need and then you can leave.”

“Alright,” she nods, gulping once. Probably trying to hide her nerves. Jimin wishes he could stop
her worries, but he knows nothing could stop the tremble in her hands every time she catches
Jungkook’s eyes unintentionally. “I have a spare room at the back for the injured that need
overnight treatment. You can sleep there tonight.”

“Thank you.”

They talk a little bit more at the small table about trivial things. A poor attempt on Jimin’s part to
try and make the woman forget about Jungkook’s overwhelming presence. But when the dark
outside swallows them whole the woman is quick to jump to her feet and guide Jimin to the back
with a small candle in her hand.

The room is small, smaller than he anticipated for a healer’s cabin. But for a clan so small in
numbers, he can understand why they wouldn’t waste their resources on making it big.

Jimin tries not to stare at the small bed in the center of the room as Jungkook takes a look inside
after the woman leaves. He’s not sure how they’ll sleep here. Maybe Jimin can sleep on the floor,
he’s used to it at this point and Jungkook needs a good night’s rest more than he does.

Jimin watches as Jungkook scans the room with his eyes, and then- with a simple nod in Jimin’s
direction, he turns to leave. But the mage stops him by taking hold of his black shirt.

“Where are you going?”

“I’ll patrol the grounds. You can sleep.”

“What?” Jimin narrows his eyes. “We’re safe here. You can sleep on the bed tonight. I know you
need it. I can feel it.”

Jimin hasn’t been too vocal about the link he has with the warrior now because he knows the wolf
can’t feel it. Not when Jimin is not intentionally accessing the wolf’s power to fuel his magic. But
the mage can feel the warrior at times. It’s not an intense thread of emotions that connects him to
Jungkook. Jimin can’t feel every single emotion the wolf experiences, but he can sometimes feel
the exhaustion taking over his energy.

Jungkook pushes Jimin’s hand away and turns to face the smaller fully. His strong face half
illuminated from the candle Jimin had placed on the table beside the bed. “I will sleep, just not
here,” he says with finality. But Jimin doesn’t let him go so easily.

“Why?”

Jungkook’s eyes land on the bed and then to Jimin. “Are you ready to finally turn your back to me
when you’re sleeping? When you’re unconscious with me in such a small place?” Jungkook asks,
eyebrows drawn together. His eyes scan Jimin’s whole face and the mage suddenly feels way too
small in front of the wolf.

He takes a step back. Dread filling his body.

Jimin never thought Jungkook had noticed his sleeping tendencies. But of course the alpha did.
Jimin trusted Jungkook when he was awake. When he knew he was fast enough to react if the wolf
ever did something. But every night, just as Jungkook chose to keep his back protected by leaning
on a tree, Jimin protected his by always sleeping facing him, always at the other end of the fire.
Always far enough to hear if Jungkook took a step in his direction. Always far enough to give
himself time to react.

Jungkook nods, understanding Jimin’s silence.

“Good night, Jimin.” The warrior says when it’s clear the mage can’t respond to his question.

Jimin doesn’t blink or breathe as Jungkook turns around and exits the room. And then the mage
drops to the floor, body suddenly way too exhausted.

::A Howling Wilderness::

“The Jeon pack is only six days away from here. Don’t worry about food too much. Dried bread
will be enough for that long,” Jimin advises, looking over the crowd of people that gathered in
front of the healer’s cabin to hear him talk. “Instead, fill your bags with clothes and anything that
might hold any emotional value to you. The Jeon wolves will be waiting for you at the border, so
don’t panic when you see them. They know you’re coming, and they are prepared for it.”

Jimin’s been up since before sunrise. He had tossed and turned all night, barely able to sleep with
the knowledge that Jungkook was sleeping alone somewhere outside.

He had fallen asleep when his eyes could no longer keep themselves open and had woken with the
first song the birds blessed him with.

It was a busy morning. He helped healer Haejoon explain to every family in the clan what they had
to do and Jimin had tried his best to comfort every last one of them.

He didn’t even have the time to think about Jungkook, not until noon came and he found himself in
front of all the people in the clan before they left and his eyes constantly tried to find Jungkook
somewhere behind them. No luck.

“Keep to the path and you will not encounter any difficulties.”

Jimin had made sure to use his magic to mark every step he and Jungkook had made through the
forest to create a path for the humans. It was a small trail of dim light that would keep shining and
guiding the humans as long as Jimin kept it intact.

Healer Haejoon comes up to him, holding a child by the hand and Jimin bends down instantly to be
at eye level with the petite girl.

“She wanted to give you something,” the woman whispers, encouraging the child to take a step
towards Jimin.

The girl looks at him with wide, big eyes, clutching in both of her hands something. Jimin smiles at
her gently, and she finally moves. And one step at a time, she reaches Jimin’s awaiting form.

She extends her hands with a fast movement and her cheeks turn pink.
Innocence

She couldn’t be more than six years old and all she ever knew would soon be gone. Tears swell in
the mage’s eyes, but he quickly brushes them away. He takes a shaky breath to reign his emotions,
and then opens his right hand for the girl.

A small wooden wolf drops into his palm and the girl turns to run back to the healer.

His heart stops beating as he stares at the craved animal. It’s rough around the edges, clearly made
by untrained hands.

“A wolf passed by our clan when she was five, and she has been obsessed with them since then.
She-” Haejoon stops, taking a deep breath. “She doesn’t know anything. She’s too young.” The girl
turns to look at the healer and the woman reaches down to caress her blond hair. “So all she sees in
them is magical and beautiful. She carved it herself and when she saw your….companion, and
understood who he was, she wanted to give you the wolf as a gift.”

Jimin nods along. His eyes fixed on his palm.

Magical and beautiful

Jimin is not sure if he would describe Jungkook’s wolf as magical and beautiful.

But he appreciates the gift, nonetheless. Not because it reminds him of someone the girl believes
he cares about, but because it represents the innocence he wants to protect.

Jimin hears the humans leave one by one, and at some point, healer Haejoon leaves as well with
one last whispered goodbye, but he can’t make himself stand up. Can’t make himself shift his gaze
from his hand.

His fingers follow the outline of the wolf, and his eyes get blurry. Two clans saved. Two of many
on their way to relative safety. Jimin had promised them protection in the Jeon pack, but he’s
scared his words might have been just an empty promise. He doesn’t trust the wolves. He knows
the Head Alpha had given his word, but he will never know if the leader will keep it or turn on
Jimin at any second.

“They’re gone,” Jungkook says, his body casting a shadow over the kneeling mage.

Jimin jumps up, startled, hiding the wolf tightly in his fist. Jungkook looks at his fist once and then
shifts his eyes to Jimin’s face. The mage’s heart starts beating frantically, anxious.

But the wolf doesn’t ask about Jimin’s startled action. He doesn’t say anything about Jimin’s
tightly clenched fist, and the mage is not sure if he saw the wolf or if he even cares enough to ask
about it.

“We should leave,” The alpha nods towards the woods ahead, and then walks away.

Jimin sighs, his heart calming down a little bit. He places the wolf in his bag and then, with one
last look at the empty village, he jogs after Jungkook.

“Where did you go last night?” Jimin asks when he reaches the wolf.

They fall in a nice rhythm together. At first, Jimin had thought the alpha would always walk ahead,
leading Jimin, but he barely does it. Jimin is sure the wolf even slows down his pace a little to
match Jimin’s smaller legs.
“Patrolled the grounds.”

“You said that last night, but where did you go exactly? Did you even sleep?”

“I slept, Jimin,“ the alpha responds curtly.

Jimin’s shoulders curl into themselves at his tone, and he quickly takes his eyes off the wolf’s calm
profile.

“I walked over the path for a while,” Jungkook’s voice breaks the silence around them after a
while.

“Oh, why?”

“I wanted to make sure no rogues were too close. I couldn’t smell anything, so I came back and
then slept for a few hours.”

“And where were you this morning?” Jimin dares to ask. If the alpha was willing to open up a
little, then the mage will take advantage of it until the wolf pushed him away again.

“Figured it was better if I don’t show my scary face around,” he replies, the corner of his mouth
curling up a little.

Jimin blinks, perplexed. “Did- did you just make a joke?” he stutters, stopping in his steps.

The alpha looks down at him sharply and Jimin quickly looks away.

“I just didn’t want to make it harder than it already is,” Jungkook adds, walking ahead.

A tiny smile makes its way on Jimin’s lips at the alpha’s words. Suddenly shy at how considerate
Jungkook could be. He never thought the wolf could be so in tune with the feelings humans had
around him. But he proved Jimin wrong ever since they arrived.

He never stared at a human when Jimin talked to them. Never squared his shoulders to look bigger
than he already was. Never tried to intimidate them. Jungkook didn’t even talk when the humans
were around.

He had truly listened to Jimin’s advice on how to carry himself around humans, and the mage
couldn’t be more grateful for it.

“Thank you,” Jimin whispers, falling in step with Jungkook again.

The wolf doesn’t look at him, nor does he say anything to acknowledge Jimin’s words, but his
shoulders relax a little, along with the hard look in his eyes and that’s enough for the mage.

In the next ten days that follow, they stumble upon a human clan almost every other day. And
without talking about it, they easily find the perfect way to work around each other.
Jungkook keeps his distance every time they find a new clan until Jimin has enough time to
properly introduce himself, then the wolf takes a protective stance at the mage’s side for the rest of
the hours they spend in every village.

They never stay the night anymore, because they always reach the clans early morning, and
wasting a day in the same place would be too big of a loss.

Over the last few days spent alone with the wolf, Jimin slowly starts sensing a deep distraught in
Jungkook’s energy. They don’t talk a lot and because of that Jimin doesn’t have the courage to ask
him directly what’s unsettling him. But he finally understands what’s going on when one night,
during his hunt, Jimin hears Jungkook’s call for his pack mates for the first time.

Wolves are not lone creatures. They rely on their relationships with their pack members. On their
role in the pack. Either by being protectors, providers, or healers. Jungkook had a purpose in his
pack, a role he was proud of. He had people to protect and love and Jimin had taken him away
from that. And although Jungkook is good at hiding his feelings and thoughts, the mage finally
realizes why the wolf had started acting a certain way around Jimin in the last few days.

He continued to hunt every night for them even though Jimin had tried to tell him dried bread was
enough. He was used to eating small meals. But the wolf had only growled at him and ran off only
to return after two hours with three dead rabbits in his hand.

He scent-marked their camp every night. Jimin might not know everything there was to know
about wolves, but he at least understood the importance scent-marking held. It provided comfort
for omegas and betas to feel their protector’s scent around them. It also made Jungkook feel like he
was doing his part by making sure their little camp wouldn’t be breached, because no wolf, rogue
or not, would dare step foot over the ground scented by a warrior like Jungkook. To Jimin,
however, scenting meant nothing. He understood Jungkook did it out of instinct and not because he
wanted to protect Jimin in particular, so he just let him do it without thinking much about it.

Jimin also never saw Jungkook sleep. Jimin falls asleep every night watching Jungkook through
the red flames of the fire. The alpha always sits with his back plastered to a thick trunk of a tree,
facing Jimin but never actually watching him. Jimin never feels Jungkook’s eyes on him before he
falls asleep. He knows the warrior keeps his agile eyes trained on the dark forest behind Jimin.
And that’s how he remains for the whole night. Jimin would startle awake for a few seconds only
to find Jungkook in the same position. Quietly asserting the silent forest around them. Quietly
guarding Jimin’s back.

Jungkook’s alpha was unsettled because they were getting further and further away from
everything they were supposed to protect. And although Jungkook understood his purpose and kept
his head leveled, his alpha survived on instinct. Instinct was telling the alpha that being so far
away from his pack was wrong. And that’s why Jungkook acted the way he did. He did it to
placate his distressed wolf.

That’s why Jimin doesn’t say anything when Jungkook comes back from his hunt with a bear over
his shoulder. Muscles flexing under the weight of the large animal.

That’s why he doesn’t say anything when Jungkook scent-marks their little camp three times that
night.

That’s why he doesn’t say anything when Jungkook silently offers him the biggest piece of meat.

He tries to keep his cheeks from blushing when he feels the warrior’s eyes on him as he eats, but
then Jungkook places another piece of meat in front of him, eyes trained on the mage’s protruding
collarbones and Jimin’s heart skips a beat.

He doesn’t know if he should acknowledge Jungkook’s obvious way of proving he can take care of
him or if he should just keep trying to ignore eye contact with the wolf.

Jimin’s still not sure of how he should act around the warrior. Jungkook was cold and distant at
times, but he was also considerate and attentive. The problem is the mage doesn’t know if the wolf
was like that because he came to accept Jimin’s presence in his life or because his wolf was
pushing him to act the way he did.

And so, he keeps quiet. He doesn’t thank Jungkook for the meal nor does he start any small
conversation with the wolf. He keeps his beating heart and rosy cheeks to himself.

Jimin stares longingly at the bright blue lake at his feet. It lays perfectly still at the base of the hill,
tucked away in the middle of three lines of trees. The afternoon sun shines down on the water,
bringing to light mesmerizing sparkling gemstones. They beckon Jimin further, but he stops when
he feels Jungkook’s presence behind him.

They had just left another human clan only four hours ago and Jimin is sure the wolf wouldn’t
want to stop again just so he could take a bath.

But Jimin couldn’t think of anything better in that moment. He hasn’t been able to properly clean
himself since they’ve left the Jeon pack and he’s slowly starting to hate being in his own -sweaty,
dirty skin more and more each long day.

“We can stop for an hour if you wish to,” Jungkook grumbles from behind and Jimin turns around
to see him rest his sword against the trunk of a tree.

Jimin’s heart soars with joy at his words. “Really?” He’s sure his eyes give away his excitement
because the wolf’s eyes widen slightly at him.

“Yes, of course,” he whispers, obviously a little shocked. Jimin would laugh at the way the wolf
looks at him, but he’s too thrilled to care about anything else besides the water at his back.

He can barely keep himself in one place as he bounces on his feet. His body begs him to run down
the small hill and jump into the water, but his mind keeps him in place in front of Jungkook.

“Will you….uh-“ he gestures behind at the lake and Jungkook nods in understanding.

“Yes, but only after I make sure it’s safe. You can go first while I look around.” Jungkook says,
already untying the first layer of his clothes preparing to shift.

Jimin bites his lip, looking away from the wolf.

“Where exactly are you patrolling?”

He wants to ask something else, but he can’t make himself do it.

But Jungkook seems to understand his hidden question. “I will keep my distance,” he promises, and
the mage exhales slowly through his nose, trying to relax.
Jimin doesn’t expect Jungkook to want to watch him as he cleans himself, but he also doesn’t know
the wolf that well, still. He would not be able to undress himself knowing the wolf was somewhere
behind the trees watching him, even if it was for his own safety.

They’re both men and although Jimin knows Jungkook will probably never find his body
attractive, he’s still nervous.

“I-“ he swallows dryly past the lump in his throat, “Just-“

“I won’t look, Jimin,” Jungkook says firmly.

“Ok,” the mage whispers. He hears the heavy thump of Jungkook’s shirt hitting the ground along
with his small knives and he startles into action. “Ok- I’ll go now,” he calls out.

He doesn’t get a response, instead, he hears the sharp sound of bones cracking and then a black,
big shape running fast from him to his right. Jimin doesn’t turn to see him fully.

He watches the lake as he makes his way down the hill on steady legs, trying to forget about
Jungkook. He doesn’t try to find his black figure behind the trees and nor does he reach out to feel
his energy.

The sun shines directly on him as he makes his way down and after so many days trapped under
the thick foliage of trees, his eyes almost water with joy.

It’s strange to feel so relaxed after days of being under constant stress, but his body almost gives
out when he reaches the water.

His clothes fall off in a rush and he finally unties his braid for the first time since leaving the Jeon
territory. Jungkook had given him an hour, and that was enough time to wash his hair as well. He
hates doing it because it reminds him of his mother, but it’s gotten to a point where his scalp
actually itches, and he can’t take it anymore.

The lake seems smaller up close, and colder despite the sun shining directly on the surface. He
takes a deep breath, closes his eyes, and then focuses on feeling the heat run through his body.
Enough to keep him comfortable while he cleans himself. Enough to make him sigh when his toes
finally touch the water.

The water gets deeper the further he steps in it, and slowly, when he almost reaches the middle of
the lake, his body is submerged almost completely.

The feeling is somewhat euphoric. He swims freely in small circles, smiling widely. It’s been so
long since he’s had time to completely relax his body. Even before he left his clan, he could never
find the time to take care of himself this way. To let his fingers massage and clean every inch of
his skin. To let his eyes fall closed in pleasure as he feels the dried sweat and grime leave his body.
To let his guard down completely because he knows he’s safe and just bask in the warm sun and
clear blue water.

He pushes his head underwater a few times to clean his hair more easily and when he’s done, he
just lets his body float on the surface. Only his head and upper body are exposed to the sun and the
contrast between the warm upper side of his body and the slightly colder side that’s submerged in
the water make his head spin in pleasure.

But he’s foolish to let his guard down this way.

::Undergang::

Jimin quickly hides his body under the water when he hears a growl coming from somewhere
behind the trees. Only his eyes and nose don’t touch the water and for a few dreadful moments, he
doesn’t hear or see anything.

It’s completely quiet and his heart refuses to beat, scared that even that might unsettle the silence of
the forest that lays before him.

It couldn’t have been Jungkook. It’s the only thing he’s sure of as he scans the trees. The alpha
wouldn’t have growled at him.

A man steps from behind the trees and Jimin narrows his eyes. He’s tall, maybe as tall as
Jungkook. With short blond hair, red eyes, and completely naked.

Jimin doesn’t have to question if the man is alone because before the wolf leaves the trees fully,
six more wolves follow after him slowly.

All of them very massive and big. All of them black. All of them alphas.

Jimin tries to breathe through his nose to keep his calm, but his heart jumps erratically in his chest,
and goosebumps run down his entire body as he watches the blond man take his first step into the
water.

He watches Jimin with sharp eyes and a wicked smirk on his lips and that’s all the mage needs to
slowly back off.

“Running away already?” The man chuckles when his lower body is finally covered by the water.
His voice makes Jimin want to turn his back and run away but he knows that as soon as his legs hit
the bank of the lake, the other wolves will pounce.

“Why are you alone in the woods, omega?”

Jimin blinks once. Twice. Omega? Could the wolf not smell him? Was the water concealing his
scent? No wolf would mistake a human for another wolf. Much less an omega.

“Don’t be scared. I’m not gonna bite,” he growls, but the smirk on his face betrays his intention.

If the wolf really believes he’s an omega, Jimin doesn’t know if revealing the truth would be
better.

He watches as the wolf starts walking again. Closer and closer to the middle of the lake where
Jimin stands unmoved. His eyes shift around the other wolves. Three of them on each side of the
lake.

“Come to me, omega” he beckons. “I haven’t felt the warmth of another body in way too long,” he
finishes with a growl, and Jimin finally starts backing away.

Terror fills his body as the alpha’s eyes follow his retreating form like a reward. Like Jimin putting
up a fight is exactly what he wants.

And he doesn’t know what to do. He can’t leave the lake. But he can’t stay either. He can’t use his
magic because although he could be able to kill the man in front of him, there were six others
waiting. And he can’t risk fainting from using his magic too much with them around. He also can’t
tell the man he’s not a wolf because as sickening as it was, the man desiring him was better than
wanting him dead.

His movements stop completely and his brain freezes. He doesn’t know what to do. For the first
time in his life, he doesn’t know how his magic could help him escape this situation unharmed.

His vision is so unfocused he barely sees the man get closer to him. It’s only when he feels a
strong, rough hand grip his upper arm under the water that Jimin snaps out of his haze. He jumps
up, eyes trained on red ones.

The wolf licks his lips when his eyes fall down on Jimin’s exposed upper body and bile rises in the
mage’s throat.

He jerks his arm sharply, but the wolf only grips him harder. The alpha’s eyes follow the lines of
his body. From his jaw to his exposed neck and collarbones.

And then the wolf does something Jimin could never have prepared himself for. He pulls the mage
forward with one sharp tug on his arm and Jimin stumbles into his body. The water ripples around
them, disturbed by the sudden movement.

***

The wolf touches him in places only he had ever touched before and Jimin goes completely still.
It’s like he’s not present anymore. Like he couldn’t fathom the reality of what was happening to
him.

He feels the lips on his neck. Feels the arms around his waist. Hears the growl the wolf lets out
when he smells Jimin deeply. He feels and sees everything and nothing at the same time.

Tears fill his eyes, and his muscles scream at him to move. To push the man away. To take his
breath away. To kill him right now even if it brings the wrath of the other wolves upon him.

“Oh,” the wolf whispers, nipping at Jimin’s neck “an impostor.”

He lifts his head to look down at Jimin, but the human can’t look up. Can’t even blink away the
fog in his eyes.

“Smart of you to keep quiet, human,” the alpha says, pulling Jimin closer. “But I quite enjoy
breaking people like you,” he spits through clenched teeth.

And then his hands are all over Jimin’s body. The wolf grabs him by the neck to pin the mage in
place with one hand and the other one grabs his backside to push his body flush to his.

Jimin blocks out the pants in his ear. Blocks out the rough fingers gripping and kneading his soft
skin. Blocks out the heavy weight resting on his stomach. Blocks out the way it twitches when the
wolf ruts forward once.

He wants to scream. Wants the water to swallow him whole. Wants to burn everything around him
but he’s stuck. He’s stuck in his own mind to protect himself from the situation he couldn’t think a
way out from.

He hears the man grunt in his ear. Feels him maneuver his small body around. Hears the guttural
groan he lets out when he shifts his hips against Jimin’s behind and then there‘s blackness inside
his mind and all around him.
The only thing making him feel like he was still alive was the constant ringing in his ears.

***

The smell of blood seeps through the fogginess of his mind before the earth-shattering growl does.

The wolf startles behind him then suddenly a clawed hand takes hold of Jimin’s neck.

He doesn’t even remember when he had closed his eyes shut, but when he blinks them open there
are only red eyes in front of him.

Red eyes that promise blood and death. That promise revenge and destruction.

Red eyes that promise protection.

Jungkook’s naked body is painted dark red with the blood of three wolves and his eyes stare
sharply at the wolf holding Jimin by the neck.

“Snap out of it,” the warrior growls from the edge of the lake, his eyes uncovering Jimin’s soul
bare.

“So you were already claimed, little human?” The wolf asks. He tries to act smug still, but his
other hand trembles slightly around Jimin’s waist when his eyes land on his dead friends.

Jimin’s eyes fall to the water, right where the wolf holds him rooted in place with his burning hand.

The water ripples around him in gentle waves. Calm. Beckoning. A deep, blue abyss full of
promises of tranquility.

“Jimin!”

Jungkook’s voice pierces through his mind again. The mage lifts his head slowly to watch the wolf
fight the other three wolves now.

Blood spills from a deep wound on his side and he falls down on one knee for a second. But a
second is all it takes for one brown wolf to pin him to the ground.

Jungkook turns his head to look at Jimin as he keeps the sharp fangs of the wolf above him from
biting his neck with two hands. “Snap out of it!” He screams.

“Tell him to stop,” the alpha snarls in Jimin’s ear, pressing his claws deeper.

The warrior spins sharply, overtaking the wolf and with one quick movement of his hand, he slices
his throat open with his claws.

“Stop him!”

But Jimin doesn’t hear him because all he can feel and hear is Jungkook. Suddenly, he’s wrapped
in his energy, and everything comes crashing down like waves after a storm on the shore.

Anger makes his eyes sharpen as he watches Jungkook fight the other two wolves. Despair makes
his stomach curl when he sees Jungkook’s eyes focus on the clawed hand gripping his neck.
Sadness makes his eyes swell with tears when Jungkook tries to jump into the water only to be
pushed on the hard ground again.
“Snap out of it!” The warrior screams again.

A bright red light pulses strongly between them, Jimin takes hold of it with all of his power- and
then it snaps.

And everything around him bursts with energy.

The wolf behind him stumbles back, clawing at his neck for air. He tries to reach for Jimin through
the water, but the mage is faster. He glides through the water like it bends to his will. He clenches
his fists tightly as he makes his way to the energy that’s calling for him, and the wolves around
Jungkook drop to their knees.

They roll around in the dirt, gasping for air. Twisting and bending their naked and tainted bodies
around as the mage strengthens his hold on them.

He hears the alpha behind him drown, but he doesn’t turn around as he takes one step out of the
lake. He doesn’t deserve to be seen as he dies.

Fire engulfs the dead wolves in front of him and the other two that have yet to remain breathless
crawl their way towards Jimin. But the mage has his eyes fixed on Jungkook.

He stands tall in the middle of the fire that doesn’t touch a single strand of his unruly hair and his
red eyes watch Jimin’s naked body as he makes his way out of the water to the warrior.

Jungkook breathes heavily, leaning slightly on his injured side. One bloody hand pressed down on
the still bleeding wound, the other reaching out for Jimin.

Jimin places his hand in Jungkook’s palm just as his fire reaches the other two wolves and then he
breathes for the first time, his lungs no longer burning.

He inhales deeply, hand clutching Jungkook’s tightly, eyes shifting frantically from the warrior’s
red eyes to his bleeding wound.

There are dozens of emotions fighting each other in Jimin’s body and he knows none of them are
his. Because all he feels and sees is Jungkook.

Jungkook’s relief and hurt.

It makes him cry. Fat tears stream down his face as he reaches to place a trembling hand on
Jungkook’s hand over his wound and they fall on the ground in a mess of naked and bloody limbs.

“You’re hurt,” he manages to gasp out, licking the salt on his lips.

“I’ll be fine. I’ll heal.” Jungkook tries to calm him down.

“I- I’ll help you,” Jimin mumbles frantically. He tries to peal Jungkook’s hand away to see the
wound, but the warrior doesn’t move.

He feels a hand cupping his jaw roughly and then his head is lifted to look up into worried red
eyes. “Calm down,” the warrior whispers but Jimin only shakes his head.

“I have to heal you,” Jimin begs. It hurts to feel Jungkook’s energy like this. He has to fix it.

“You have to heal yourself first,” the alpha growls, gripping Jimin’s jaw tighter, and the mage
gasps in his hold.
“I’m alright,” he whispers.

“You’re not. I can feel it.” Can the wolf really feel Jimin? His energy? Was it pulsing in his whole
being like it did in Jimin’s? “You’re trembling from head to toe. You’re in shock,” the alpha adds,
and Jimin’s mouth moves into an o.

He can’t feel it. Of course he can’t.

The ringing in his ear has stopped a while ago, but Jimin still feels distant. He doesn’t feel like he’s
in full control of his body and it scares him. He’s detached. Tears don’t stop streaming down his
face, his eyes begging Jungkook to do something even though he doesn’t know what he should do
either.

It’s confusing- feeling like this. To feel so much power in him. To control it so easily, but to feel
like an outsider in his own body.

He shakes and cries in front of Jungkook and his eyes barely make sense of what’s in front of him.

There’s red. Red eyes. Red blood. Red flames.

And then there’s warmth and calmness.

Strong and big hands keeping his head up. Soft lips pressed gently over his sensitive skin.

Soft lips?

He’s confused for a second, but Jungkook doesn’t pull away. He keeps his lips tightly glued to
Jimin’s forehead and his thumbs lightly stroke his cheeks.

Jimin places both of his hands over Jungkook’s heart and then they breathe together. Jimin’s quick
and ragged gasps turn into quiet and deep inhales and exhales of warm air.

They stay like that for what feels like forever. Until Jimin’s whole body stops shivering and the
emotions disturbing his energy disappear one by one.

Jimin opens his eyes when the tears have dried on his skin to look at Jungkook. The alpha watches
him with big brown eyes. So full of warmth Jimin almost starts crying again. The wolf’s lips move
slightly and Jimin’s eyes fall to the mole under his lower lip.

“Jimin,” Jungkook whispers, still gently stroking Jimin’s skin. “Can you hear me?” The alpha
asks, and Jimin takes a lung full of air before he nods softly. “How do you feel?”

Jungkook’s eyes start darkening- like he’s pulling away, and Jimin’s abruptly pulled back into
reality.

He jumps to his feet, stumbling back from Jungkook, and then he looks around them. The fire has
stopped, and all that was left around them were bones and bloody patches of dirt and grass.

He did this. They did this. Jimin killed three wolves at once. Burnt all of them and he can still stand
on his legs. His legs don’t buckle in exhaustion and his head feels as clear as it did a few hours ago.

“I- I’m alright,” he whispers, hearing Jungkook stand on his legs behind him. “I feel-“ his eyes fall
to his hands. There’s blood all over them, but he ignores it. He clenches and unclenches his fists,
feeling the strength in his body.

“Jimin,” Jungkook murmurs, walking slowly to stand in front of the mage. He holds one hand over
his wound. “Do you remember what happened?”

“Yes,” Jimin breaths out. “I’m fine. I’m completely fine.” The more he says it out loud, the more
real it gets. “I don’t feel tired at all,” he smiles, looking up at Jungkook. “I don’t feel tired at all! It
worked. It worked!”

He’s so overwhelmed he starts crying again. Repeating the words over and over again until
Jungkook has to shush him gently with one hand on his thin shoulder.

Jimin finally understands what happened. The bond was still so new, so untrained. It felt so
different to channel Jungkook’s energy. But it was nothing like using another human for a short
period of time. Jungkook’s energy fueled his magic like nothing ever did before.

Another’s human energy would only light a spark inside Jimin. Would burn bright for a second
until Jimin would have to rely only on himself again. But Jungkook’s energy pulled and drove him
forward with a power Jimin had never felt before. Their bond reached out to Jimin when he wasn’t
even conscious enough to look for it. It took hold of Jimin’s whole being and fueled his magic like
the strongest wave traveling to shore. And when it reached its destination- when its use had
reached its purpose, it didn’t leave Jimin stranded and breathless. It left him full of life and energy.

He's so relieved and happy he doesn’t know what to do with his body. He wants to run for miles.
Wants to scream for as long as his lungs let him. Wants to reach out to Jungkook and feel his
energy over and over again.

“You have to clean yourself,” Jungkook says, making Jimin blink in confusion for a second. Then
the alpha looks down at his body, and Jimin follows.

“Oh my God!” he screams, jumping away from Jungkook and turning around. “I- don’t look!” he
stutters, mortified.

“Are you well enough to bathe alone?” Jungkook asks, unfazed.

“Yes! Yes, just- leave.”

Jungkook doesn’t say anything for a while, and just as Jimin’s humiliation reaches new levels and
he almost screams at him again, the wolf speaks.

“I will get his body out. Wait here until then,” he says, and then he’s gone with a loud splash.

Jimin wraps his hands around his naked body, confused. But then Jungkook’s words sink in.

His body.

The body of the alpha that had touched him. The body of the alpha that he had killed without
breaking a sweat.

Bile rises in his throat and anger, so visceral it almost makes him scream, spreads through his veins
at the memory.

He hears Jungkook grunt and then a heavy weight hits the ground behind him. Jimin doesn’t wait
for the wolf to say anything before he lets his anger speak for itself.

Fire stronger than he had ever brought to life before takes hold of the body behind him. Burning it
whole in just a matter of seconds.
Jimin doesn’t turn to see it. Just like he refused to turn around in the wolf’s last moments. But he
feels the heat of the flames on his sensitive skin, and that’s enough to remind him that the body is
real. That what happened merely minutes ago was real.

“Jimin,” Jungkook calls from behind.

“Yes.”

“We leave as soon as you’re done.”

And then he’s gone.

Jimin doesn’t waste any second. He goes through the motion of cleaning himself in the most
clinical way possible. Because it hurts to touch his body more than necessary. Not physically, but
emotionally. He can’t bear to feel his own hands on his skin for too long and tears start falling
down his face again.

How could he have let this happen?

He shivers as he lets his body fall under the water.

How could he have let himself end up here?

He breaks the surface of the water with a gasp, and then his eyes fall on his exposed upper body.
His chest moves rapidly with the force of his sobs.

How could he be so weak still?

No.

No. He wasn’t weak.

He lifts his hands to furiously wipe his tears away.

He can’t let this break him down. He can’t let that beast make him hate his own body. Jimin

can’t doubt himself now. He can’t lose himself now when so many people need him.

He takes a steady breath, staring at the bright blue water.

His mother is waiting for him to come back stronger. Jimin can’t disappoint her. He can’t.

::Epilogue::

When Jungkook returns to the lake, Jimin waits for him on the grass fully dressed. The wolf
looks clean as well, but Jimin doesn’t have the energy to ask him where he cleaned himself.

Jungkook looks at him briefly, and then his eyes move around the bloody and burnt grass in
between them. A questioning look makes its way across his face.

“I burnt the bones completely,” Jimin says briskly, staring unblinkingly at the wolf.

Jungkook nods in understanding. He walks steadily to Jimin but winces slightly on the last step and
the mage is abruptly reminded of his wound.

He scrambles to his feet, taking the remaining few steps to the wolf and when he reaches him, his
hands instantly go to Jungkook’s side.

“You’re hurt,” Jimin whispers, but the warrior doesn’t let him lift his shirt up. There’s no blood
visible on the material, but from the way Jungkook had winced, Jimin is sure it must hurt.

“I took care of it.”

Jungkook’s voice comes out husky, and Jimin lifts his head up to look into the wolf’s eyes. There’s
not a single flicker of hurt in them. Or desire to ask for Jimin’s help so he takes a step back, taking
a deep breath to calm himself. “Ok,” he murmurs as he turns his back to the alpha. “We can leave
then.”

They don’t talk for hours as they walk through the forest, but Jimin feels Jungkook’s eyes on him
the whole time. It’s suffocating but also reassuring.

Jimin’s not sure if the alpha thinks he’s mad or he needs space, but the warrior doesn’t walk up to
him at all. He follows Jimin’s footsteps from behind, never rushing the mage to walk faster. And
although he’s somehow thankful the wolf is trying to be considerate, Jimin feels like a child.

Jimin feels like Jungkook is afraid of scaring him if he talks about what happened or if he walks
beside the mage. Despite everything that happened, Jimin is not scared of Jungkook. He’s not
scared of the warrior’s proximity and touch. But he doesn’t beckon Jungkook closer. He lets the
warrior think what he wants of him because he’s too tired to argue.

That night- after coming back from his hunt and eating dinner, Jungkook doesn’t get up from
beside the fire to rest against a tree. Instead, he sits next to Jimin.

The human is startled at first. At a loss for words. He expects Jungkook to ask something of him.
To indicate that his action holds meaning, but he just sits perfectly still next to Jimin, and the mage
feels his heartbeat pick up the longer he spends breathing in Jungkook’s earthy scent.

His hands come to rest on his lap, and he starts fidgeting with his nails in a poor attempt at keeping
his composure.

Jungkook grunts next to him. Jimin turns his head, and his eyes fall on the wolf’s profile. His eyes
are closed and his back rests against a big rock. His black hair falls gently around his face, to his
shoulders and his sword rests against his strong thigh. Against all odds, he looks almost serene.
The somewhat permanent scowl he seems to have on his face is gone.
Jungkook’s lips purse and his nose twitches moments before a rabbit jumps from behind a bush,
but he doesn’t open his eyes to jump for the kill. Jimin’s eyes soften and he almost giggles. It was
truly amazing how even an alpha like Jungkook could choose to spare a small animal if he didn’t
need to feed.

“Go to sleep, Jimin,” Jungkook mumbles, eyes still closed.

Jimin jumps, sharply turning his head away. His pulse beats rapidly in his head at being caught. He
clears his voice before speaking. “Are you….are you going to sleep here?”

“Mm. Does it bother you?”

“No. No, it doesn’t but I-“

“Don’t overthink it. Just sleep,” he says gently.

Jimin’s eyebrows narrow, but he doesn’t say anything else. He rests his back against the tree and
then tries to relax.

He tries to ignore Jungkook’s presence. Tries to ignore the itch he feels to reach out and feel the
wolf’s energy again.

He’s so concentrated on not overthinking it that he ends up overthinking it.

And somewhere between hazy memories of wandering hands and the steady breathing of the
warrior next to him, Jimin’s mind goes blank, and he finally falls asleep.
 I Fall Apart

PART III

|| I fall apart ||

::Aesir::

“Are you ready?” Jungkook’s voice cuts through the silence of the forest from behind him.

Jimin jumps around, hand on his heart, wide-eyed.

“Can you stop sneaking up on me?” He snaps.

It’s like a habit for the alpha to walk around so silently Jimin can’t even hear him breathing. He’s
sure he will faint one of these days if Jungkook doesn’t stop.

The alpha looks him up and down swiftly, unbothered by Jimin’s shocked expression. “We will
cross into a territory populated by a lot of rogues, and we won’t be able to stop to rest at night. Are
you ready?”

Jimin narrows his eyes, annoyed. “I told you last night I’m fine.”

“I don’t believe you.”

Jimin blinks, stunned. “What?”

“You cried a lot at the lake, and you slept very poorly. You kept waking up. If you think you can’t
manage to stay awake for two days, we won’t leave. It’s too dangerous.”

“Are you scared you can’t win if a few hungry rogues attack us?” Jimin asks instead of answering.
He’s not too fond of the idea of telling Jungkook that nightmares plagued his mind all night. Not
because he doesn’t want to look weak in front of the alpha, but because he doesn’t remember them.

He kept waking up in the night, his heart beating frantically in his chest- utterly scared, but he
could never remember why.

Jungkook cocks his head to the side, eyebrows furrowed. “Five, ten, and even fifteen hungry
rogues? No. They don’t scare me. But trained rogue packs do if you’re unfit to protect yourself.”

“Rogue packs?”

Jungkook nods, arms crossing over his chest. “Clan wolves often form their own rogue packs if
they’re shunned from their clans in order to survive and that makes them stronger. The wolves that
attacked you at the lake were from a pack.”

“They didn’t seem that different,” Jimin notes.

“You haven’t seen enough rogues to notice it. Rogues will go mad if they spend too much time
alone. At first, is euphoric- to be alone in the forest with no rules to abide by. But our wolves
weren’t created to live alone. We need the connection a clan or pack offers to keep us sane. When
they realize that, it’s too late. They lose all control of their human part and that’s when they
become weak. A wolf with no control over himself holds no real power. It will blindly attack with
no plan and that makes them vulnerable. That’s why pack rogues are stronger. They have that
connection to keep them sane.”

“And how many packs are in this territory?”

“Maybe six. I can’t know for sure.”

“Is there no way around it?”

Jungkook shakes his head. “Not if we want to reach every human clan. You said you sense around
four in that territory including a bigger one, right?”

“Yes,” Jimin sighs. “We can’t skip them…” Just the thought of not going through the clans to keep
away from the rogues makes him sick.

“That’s why I’m asking if you’re fit to travel now or not.”

“I’m fine. How many times do you want me to repeat myself?”

“As many times as it takes for you to finally say the truth.”

Jimin clenches his jaw, anger slowly building underneath his skin. “I am honest. I’m fine. Or do
you need proof as well?” He asks, mind wandering back to the Great Hall in the Jeon clan. “You
know what happened the last time one of your own refused to believe me.”

“Do it,” the alpha challenges. It sounds mocking coming from him in such a calm voice. None of
his muscles tense up to protect himself from what Jimin could do, he’s as relaxed as ever and it
makes Jimin see white for a second.

God, he wants to strangle him. Cut his air flow and make him panic for a second before letting him
breathe again. But he can’t. For his sake, he should at least control himself when it comes to
Jungkook.

They need to trust each other. And trust can’t be built on a broken base.

He closes his eyes, breathing through his nose for a few seconds.

“I’m not a child, Jungkook,” Jimin says evenly after opening his eyes. “What happened yesterday
won’t set me back. Won’t make me curl up and cry. I’m stronger than that. You need to finally
understand that. I knew from the second I stepped out of my home I will not get through this
unharmed and I’m ready for it.”

The alpha watches him intently. He doesn’t even blink for a few seconds as he keeps his dark eyes
on Jimin, and he matches Jungkook’s stare dead-on.

A bird flies above them, settling loudly on a thin branch. The noise it lets out makes Jungkook
finally shift his gaze from Jimin.

“Then we leave now.” He says and Jimin nods, already bending to pick up his bag.
If Jungkook had been careful ever since leaving the Jeon territory, he was downright on guard now,
alert. His red eyes scanned vigilantly every inch of the forest as they walked through the night. The
alpha’s tense shoulders and clenched jaw made Jimin wary as well.

They had been fortunate enough to pass through the first clan before nightfall and after a couple of
hours spent helping the people pack everything, they needed for the journey to the Jeon clan,
Jungkook had sharply declined Jimin’s request at sleeping in one of the empty cabins.

Jimin knew the chances of the alpha saying yes were very slim, but he still had to try.

So they walk. Silently and carefully.

And with every hour spent in the dark, Jimin had to be honest with himself. It was frightening. This
part of the Land was nothing like the one they have traveled on so far. The air was heavy around
them, more humid than ever. And every sound coming from the tiniest animal around them made
Jimin’s heart skip a beat.

The atmosphere unsettles Jimin deeply. But he bites his lip, squares his shoulders, and keeps
walking. One step at a time right behind Jungkook.

When the darkness finally starts to give way for the light of the morning to come through,
Jungkook assures Jimin once again that he can't sense any rogues around, but that doesn't calm
Jimin down. The nagging feeling that something is deeply wrong hangs over his head like a death
sentence.

That's why when Jungkook stumbles over his feet in front of him and his hands fly to grip at his
own neck- Jimin is not surprised, but he's still terrified.

"Jungkook!"

The mage reaches him in a second. He tries to push the alpha to the ground to look at him and
understand what's wrong, but the warrior keeps his body upright, calm eyes searching the trees
around them.

After a few moments, his eyes catch Jimin's worried eyes, and he points to his neck. He opens his
mouth, but no sound comes out. No intake of breath.

And that’s when Jimin understands.

He panics.

He turns his body frantically left and right to search for the mage keeping Jungkook in a
chokehold. But he sees nothing between the green trees.

He clenches his fists.

"Let him go!" He screams.

Jimin sees the alpha clench his jaw, muscles flexing, and he rushes to kneel next to him,
completely distraught. Jungkook’s anger and discomfort take hold of his own energy and Jimin
almost feels like he’s the one being choked to death.

"He's my bond! Please stop!" He pleads into the early morning fog. He knows the mage is close
enough to hear him.
Jimin looks at Jungkook’s red, angry eyes for what feels like forever, tears threatening to spill like
a river from his eyes. In reality, he knows no more than ten seconds pass until Jungkook heaves
and inhales deeply.

Jimin gasps, reaching out to place his hands gingerly over his trembling shoulders. But the alpha
snaps to his feet, lip curled around a snarl.

"Don't-"

"They're dead." Jungkook’s voice comes out steady and a chill runs down the Jimin’s spine.

"You would be dead if they hadn’t stopped!"

But Jungkook doesn’t listen to him. His eyes snap this way and that way, sword tightly clenched in
one hand, back tense as he searches the forest, and then his nostrils flare.

Jimin is fast enough to grip his arm firmly before the wolf jumps on the man that walks out
between the line of trees.

He's tall and lean. His face is covered by dried blood and mud, but his beauty is still noticeable.
Wide shoulders square up, and he stops a couple of steps away from the duo.

"Control your dog or he's dead."

Jimin almost flinches when he hears the deep baritone in his voice. He opens his mouth to say
something, but Jungkook beats him to it.

He growls deep in his chest and the vibration reaches all the way to Jimin's body. The mage tries
to step to the right, but Jungkook pushes him behind his body. His wide shoulders and back
blocking Jimin's view of the new man completely.

Jimin narrows his eyes, annoyed. He pushes Jungkook roughly to the side and before the wolf can
react, he takes three big steps forward.

"Are you out of your mind?" He yells, staring at the tall mage. "Didn't you hear me? He's my
bond," the last word comes out through gritted teeth.

The man simply shrugs, unperturbed. "Is that supposed to mean anything to me? You're near my
clan's territory. I'm simply doing my job of protecting it."

Jimin narrows his eyes. "I know you sensed me. And you can't possibly not know what me being
with him means. You attacked out of pure anger."

"And can you blame me?" The human snaps, eyes narrowed. "I had to kill three rogue wolves to
protect five children that were playing in the meadow just mere hours ago. They went completely
mad after seeing them, ready to rip them apart. So don’t you dare-" he stops, fists shaking at his
sides. "Don't you dare look down on me for reacting instinctively."

Jimin takes a step back, pained. He wills his body to calm down- breathing through his nose
quietly.

He understands. Gods, he understands why the tall man had reacted like that. But Jungkook’s
bulging eyes and red face stare at him when he blinks, and he's torn between screaming at the
mage more or forgiving him.
He hears Jungkook growl behind him again, and the man in front of them takes a step back.

Jimin shakes his head to clear his mind. He needs to put an end to this argument. They have more
important things to discuss.

"What's your name?"

Jungkook sighs when he hears Jimin's calm voice. He puts his sword away and takes a step back to
allow the mages to talk freely.

The tall man looks at them for a few moments. Eyebrows narrowed, body shifting nervously
around. "Kim Taehyung," he whispers finally and Jimin offers him a soft smile.

“I'm Park Jimin. And this-" he gestures behind him, "is Jeon Jungkook."

Taehyung's eyes widen when he hears the alpha's name, but Jimin doesn’t give him time to become
more anxious.

"I swear he will not harm you nor your clan."

Taehyung nods reluctantly and then takes a few steps forward.

"Why are you here with him?"

"It's a rather long story. Can we-"

"I can't," the mage interrupts him. "I can't let you enter the village before I know
everything...Please understand," he adds after a moment.

And of course Jimin does. So he only nods and settles on the grass. He makes himself comfortable,
then gestures for Taehyung to follow.

The mage takes a deep breath and then sits in front of Jimin- legs crossed, staring at Jungkook
hovering above them.

Jimin turns his head to catch Jungkook’s eyes already watching him.

"Can you go...walk around or something?" Jimin asks. He's never met another mage before, so he
wants some privacy for their conversation.

Jungkook’s eyes shift to Taehyung, and they darken dangerously.

"Please," Jimin says softly and Jungkook’s shoulders relax. He sighs, nods, and then with one final
look at Jimin, swiftly turns around and disappears behind the trees.

The sun is starting to rise, and Jimin watches his strong back retreat into the dark forest. When he
turns back to face Taehyung, the mage's eyes send daggers into Jungkook's back.

"I promised he won't do anything. He'll just wander around the forest."

Taehyung sighs. "I know. But it’s-" he looks around, trying to explain but he doesn't have to. Jimin
understands him perfectly.

"I know," he says gently. "I'm not asking you to trust him. Trust me. I would never put a human
clan in danger."
Taehyung looks at him for a few silent moments. Jimin smiles gently whenever the mage’s eyes
catch his and the other seems to calm down a little.

And then words start spilling from his lips like a river, not slowing down. “It’s overwhelming. I
have so many questions. And I’m so scared for my clan. We’ve been attacked so many times in the
last week, I- I can barely use my magic anymore. It took almost everything to hold your bond back
and now I have to rest to gather my strength again but I’m afraid I won’t even get to sleep for an
hour before another child comes breaking down my door looking for safety. I-“

“Taehyung,” Jimin whispers and hurries to grasp the mage’s hands in his. “I’m here to help.”

The mage looks at him, pained. His shoulders slouch and his hands tremble in Jimin’s hold. “I
can’t help but trust you. But I’m not sure if it’s right to do so. I don’t know you. But I’ve never met
a mage before and I’m beyond tired of carrying this weight on my shoulders alone.”

“You’re not alone anymore. Things are very close to becoming even more dangerous. That’s why
I’m here. That’s why I decided to bond.”

“Dangerous how? I’ve heard whispers but…”

“They’re true,” Jimin says, and Taehyung’s eyes widen.

“The dragon-“ he murmurs.

“I’ve seen it with my own eyes,” Jimin says seriously.

“How-“ Taehyung gulps then dries his tears away with the back of his hand. “How was it?”

“I almost passed out,” Jimin whispers. He hates remembering that moment because he knows that
no matter how much time passes, he would react the same at any time. “I…I just couldn’t believe
it. Nothing I thought about helped me fight the terror that paralyzed me.”

“I- this part of the Land is particularly dangerous with the rogue packs, but in the last few
months….” He closes his eyes tightly. “It has become even harder to fight back. And now this? A
dragon?”

“All we can do is fight,” Jimin says slowly. He wishes he could help him in any other way, but he
can’t. Jimin can’t even help when it comes to the despair he feels inside. All they can do is fight.
Use their magic until their very last breath to help their loved ones.

“Is this why you bonded with...him?”

Jimin nods. “I had no other choice. I had to do something.”

“And do you trust him?”

“I-“ Jimin looks away, back to the forest. He can’t see Jungkook, but he’s sure the alpha is
somewhere close to them and despite all of their differences- knowing that the warrior is near
calms Jimin in ways he’s not able to describe properly.

“Sometimes,” he says finally, turning to face Taehyung. “It’s hard to trust him fully yet. But I
know he’s here to help. He’s…difficult but he understands just like we do the danger we’re in and
as long as he’s here to fight with me, I have to rely on him.”

That seems to please Taehyung. The mage gulps then gets up and Jimin follows- a little unsure.
“You can call your bond back,” he whispers and Jimin realizes he doesn’t really know how to do
that. He never had to find Jungkook before, the alpha simply…appeared when Jimin needed him.

“Uh- yeah, alright,” he murmurs unsure. He turns to face the trees Jungkook had disappeared into,
feeling Taehyung’s eyes on him.

The sun shines up in the sky at this point and he can clearly see the woods ahead. No shadows. No
sign of Jungkook or his wolf. He sighs and closes his eyes focusing on finding his energy.

He feels a warm tingle in his fingertips then a zap down his spine and five seconds later a branch
snaps in front of him, between the line of trees. Jimin opens his eyes to find Jungkook looking at
him, a questioning look in his eyes.

And that’s when Jimin realizes the alpha must feel their bond to some extent because he couldn’t
have appeared out of nowhere exactly when Jimin was channeling their bond if he couldn’t feel
anything.

The warrior walks up to them, slowly, and Jimin finds himself lifting his head up to look at the
alpha without stepping back when Jungkook stops right in front of him.

“Are we leaving?” Jungkook asks simply, hard eyes on Taehyung.

He shakes his head quickly, stepping back and turning to face Taehyung.

The mage glances at Jimin then at the alpha behind him and his lips tighten in a thin line. “What is
your plan?” He asks suddenly, eyes on Jungkook.

Jimin opens his mouth to answer, but Taehyung shakes his head and Jimin blinks, stunned. “Not
you. Him,” he says with a nod at Jungkook and the alpha cocks his head to the side.

“What makes you think I’m the one that knows the plan?”

“An alpha warrior would never follow a human blindly, especially if he’s Jeon Jungkook.”

“So you’ve heard of me,” Jungkook murmurs.

Jimin turns to look at him. “What do you mean?”

“You don’t know?” Taehyung asks, surprised. “You bonded with him, and you don’t even know
him?”

Jimin feels embarrassed as Taehyung continues to look at him, wide-eyed.

“I- I don’t I-“

“He’s the one that murdered the former Head Alpha of the Min clan in the mountains.”

Jimin turns to Jungkook again to find the warrior already looking at him, assessing his reaction. He
splutters, not knowing what to say or do.

Jungkook is the wolf that fought a Head Alpha at only fourteen years old? The one children his age
used to whisper about? How? Why would Jungkook kill the former Head Alpha? How did that not
start a war between the clans? Or maybe it did. Maybe that was the meaning behind the attacks
from the north and why Head Alpha Jeon wanted his warriors in the territory.

Jungkook looks down at him and as much as Jimin tries to close his mouth and form a coherent
thought- he can’t. Because he used to listen just like this- wide-eyed and mesmerized when children
talked about the powerful and mysterious warrior that killed a Head Alpha with his bare hands. He
used to think he could train to be just as strong. He used to think he could one day meet the warrior
and fight with him to see who would win. Then children would whisper about him. About a human
boy that defeated the Head Alpha killer.

But so many years later, he stares the killer in the eyes, and he can’t muster a single word, let alone
fight with him.

“A fly might land right on your tongue if you don’t close your mouth,” Jungkook whispers, a hint
of smugness and amusement coating his words. Jimin snaps his mouth shut and jumps back from
him.

“I- I didn’t know,” he says quickly and Jungkook nods, turning to Taehyung.

“Of course you didn’t. Nobody does. Except…him,” he says while taking a threatening step
towards the tall mage.

Taehyung steps back and Jimin quickly jumps between them. “We don’t have the time to fight,” he
whispers while looking up at the warrior.

Jungkook sighs and looks down at him. “I don’t want to fight. I want to know how he came to
possess such knowledge about me.”

Taehyung shrugs. “People talk, but that’s not important. “Jungkook growls, ready to protest but
Jimin narrows his eyes, and he stops. “What’s important is the plan and I know you have one.
Spill.”

Jungkook narrows his eyes, and his shoulders expand as he inhales deeply, clearly bothered by
Taehyung’s casual way of ordering him around. His eyes turn red and Jimin has to force himself to
keep his legs rooted in place in front of the warrior. He’s so big and strong that Jimin knows he
could push him aside with just one finger if he wanted to, but he doesn’t.

Jimin takes over the situation before it can escalate. “It’s my plan,” he says while looking at
Jungkook. The alpha blinks and his eyes turn back to deep brown before his gaze falls on Jimin.
The mage holds his breath as the warrior stares at him. “We will travel until we reach my clan and
then return to the Jeon clan,” he lies because as much as he would want to trust Taehyung, Jimin
doesn’t know him well enough yet to trust him with any kind of information.

Jungkook nods, silently agreeing with his lie and Jimin sighs, relieved. “I convinced the Head
Alpha to take in as many humans as possible. That’s why we’re here.”

“To tell me that I should take my clan to the Jeon territory?” Taehyung asks, surprised. “Are you
mad?”

Jimin turns to him sharply and Jungkook steps beside him. “Do you want to still be here, alone,
when the Yen clan decides they want to attack?”

Taehyung bites his lip, shaking his head. “I-“

“We’ve already passed over six clans on our way here and all of them are currently traveling to the
Jeon territory or have reached it already. I’m not sending you to certain death. I’m sending you to
safety.”

“Have you seen any mages in the other clans?”

Jimin shakes his head. He wished he had. Jimin had always known mages were rare, but the reality
was far more saddening. Six clans and not a single mage. They used to be hundreds. And now
Jimin knew of only five mages in the land, including him.

Taehyung’s eyes water for a second and Jimin feels his pain like it were his own. They’ve been
alone for such a long time. They’ve been the only ones able to protect their clans for so long they
only wish to find people that share the same burden.

“Then I will go,” he says suddenly, determined. “I will go and take care of them. Make sure the
wolves treat them right,” he adds, throwing a glance at Jungkook. But the worrier doesn’t say
anything and Jimin turns to him, questioning his silence.

What he doesn’t expect when he turns to look up at Jungkook is to see the warrior’s red eyes
scanning the forest behind Taehyung’s back.

::Tyrfing::

“What’s wrong?” Jimin whispers.

“Rogues,” Jungkook murmurs. He pulls his sword out in one swift move and then walks steadily
ahead until he passes Taehyung.

Jimin looks at him, heart in his throat. He had never seen the alpha fight with his sword before.

“Are they in the village?” Taehyung asks alarmed, eyes wandering from Jungkook’s sword to his
face.

Jungkook’s nose twitches then he shakes his head. “Step back.”

“No. I can help-“

“No, you really can’t,” he says. “Jimin can step in if I can’t handle them.”

Jimin’s eyes widen at the warrior’s words. Of course he would step in to help if the situation called
for it, but to hear the alpha admit that the mage can actually be of help to him in fighting trained
rogues makes Jimin clench his fist, determined not to disappoint him.

A howl pierces through the silence that followed Jungkook’s words and the alpha squares his
shoulders. “Step back,” he reminds Taehyung, but the mage doesn’t listen. He’s staring at the
trees, spreading his legs apart to prepare for a fight. “Step back,” Jungkook growls lowly, and this
time Taehyung listens.

Jimin watches as the mage takes a few steps back to reach Jimin and then they both watch
Jungkook’s broad back move with every calm intake of breath he takes.

Jimin finds himself breathing in sync with the alpha. He closes his eyes and then the tingle at the
tip of his fingertips returns. It starts slow and it travels up his hand to his arm and elbows the more
Jimin taps into their bond. When the tingle stops and pure energy fills Jimin’s veins, he opens his
eyes. He expects Jungkook to say something. Complain that Jimin shouldn’t reach out to their bond
if there’s no need for him to do it, but the alpha only breathes as calmly as before. Seemingly
unaware of Jimin’s action.

The wind caresses Jimin’s cheeks gently, and the sun shines beautifully on them. If it weren’t for
Jungkook’s tense body in front of him, Jimin would have never thought rogues were around.
Jungkook tightens his grip on his sword and then the whole mood of the woods shifts from a
calming, warm morning to frightening stillness.

Jimin breathes slowly as if the sound of his own breathing could disturb the silence around them
and he feels Taehyung do the same.

Three wolves emerge from the trees into the small clearing and Jimin instinctively holds tighter to
the bond, calming himself. They’re smiling from ear to ear as they approach Jungkook, and the
blood smeared on their faces and clothes makes that smile look as deadly as they probably intend it
to be. But Jungkook doesn’t react to it in any form. His muscles don’t tense, and he doesn’t step
back, and it reassures Jimin a little that the wolves don’t represent enough danger for the alpha to
react more aggressively.

“I told you guys I smelled two very tempting humans this way!” The wolf in the middle says
loudly. He lifts his hands up in a proud gesture and Jimin narrows his eyes.

“You forgot to mention the wolf with them.” The one to his right murmurs, his red eyes jumping
between the two mages and Jungkook. His friends continue to advance, but he stays back, eyes on
Jungkook.

“Don’t run away now, brother,” the middle one laughs out. He’s so close now Jimin can see the
scar running down his face. From his left eye all the way to his collarbone. “We’re here to have
fun,” he adds after he stops a few feet away from Jungkook and the wolf to his left follows him a
second later.

They look at each other for a few moments and Jimin feels his heart stop as he watches the wolves
measure each other up. But then Jungkook lifts his sword suddenly and Jimin expects him to jump
forward and kill the smiling wolf in front of him, but the alpha only puts his sword away and
crosses his arms in front of his chest, body relaxed.

The scarred wolf narrows his eyes. “Cocky, huh?” He snarls at Jungkook, but the alpha doesn’t say
anything to him. His eyes drifted to the wolf that stood behind.

“What clan did you attack?” He asks the smaller, muscular wolf.

“We didn’t ask for a name.”

“Between hunting them down and ripping them apart, we didn’t really have the time,” the wolf in
front of Jungkook says, laughing.

Jungkook moves lightning fast. He takes two steps to reach the wolf and then he has him pinned on
the grass. The alpha holds the man down with a knee on his chest, leaning over him. His friends
take a step forward to help him, but Jungkook lifts his eyes sharply to them and they stop.

“Jimin-“ Taehyung whispers.

“He’s got this,” the mage whispers. He can’t even blink or breathe as he watches Jungkook.

“Fun, huh,” Jungkook says while looking down at the wolf. He’s thrashing under the alpha’s
weight, bloody hands trying to reach any part of Jungkook. “How about we have some fun?” He
growls and Jimin’s eyes widen.

Jungkook’s eyes are sharp and wild, and his arm reaches to his thigh to retrieve one of the small
knives he holds there.
“Jungkook-“ Jimin says, stepping forward.

The alpha doesn’t turn to him as he speaks. “Go to the clan without me. I’ll find you after I’m
done.”

“What?”

The alpha lifts the hand holding the knife up high, and then he snaps it down on the wolf’s hand-
right in the middle. He shrieks and thrashes violently and Jimin gasps at the guttural sounds he
makes while trying to take the knife out with his free hand. But Jungkook doesn’t let him because
as soon as the wolf lifts the knife an inch, the warrior’s hand falls roughly on the wolf’s hand,
pushing the knife back down.

“A-attack him!” He snarls but the other wolves don’t dare to move. They watch the scene before
them as shocked as Jimin feels inside.

He….he had never seen Jungkook like this. Not even at the lake. He feels nausea taking hold of
him.

“Take Taehyung and go to the clan, Jimin.” Jungkook says again, calmly. A stark contrast to the
way he twists the knife into the wolf’s hand to make the cut deeper and more painful.

Jimin bites his lip, searching for Jungkook’s energy, and when he finds it, he gasps, hands
trembling. He takes a step back and then Taehyung is in front of him.

“Why?” He whispers. His body shakes with terror from the pure anger burning bright in
Jungkook’s energy. But he has to know why. Why was the alpha so distraught?

“Jimin-“

“Why?!”

“Children,” the alpha says lowly and Jimin doesn’t want to believe his words until he says it more
clearly. “They killed children. I can smell their blood all over them.”

Jimin’s eyes snap to the wolves. To the blood dripping from their fingers- covering their clothes
and any exposed skin. All over. Red all over. The blood of innocent children all over their dirty
bodies.

His stomach clenches painfully and it takes everything in him to not topple over and vomit on the
grass.

“Taehyung-“ He hears Jungkook’s voice as if he were underwater. “Take him.”

“Come-“ Taehyung hurries to take hold of his shoulders to guide him away from the alpha. “The
village is only a few minutes away.”

Jimin doesn’t look at him. He can’t move his eyes from Jungkook’s big body hovering over the
pleading wolf. Can’t shake the utter anger and disgust he felt in the warrior’s energy. It makes his
blood run cold.

Jungkook smirks down at the wolf, dark and heartless. A promise of the pain that’s about to come
and Jimin feels something break in him.

He doesn’t know this man.

He had slept and let himself lower his guard around him because of the bond. Because of the
moment they shared at the lake when the alpha had calmed him down. But he doesn’t know all of
him yet.

He sees the violent and restless anger in Jungkook’s eyes. Senses it with every pulse his energy
provides in Jimin’s own being and that is enough to make him shut the bond down. And without
that small thread of energy that connects them, Jimin sees Jungkook for what he is in that moment.

A trained killer.

And no matter how much he tries, he can’t find it in his heart to be scared. Because when he sees
the alpha crush the other man’s throat with his bare hand- sharp claws slicing through skin
effortlessly, he wishes their places were reversed.

He wished he could be the one feeling the other's blood trailing down his skin- watch from above
as life drains from the wolf's eyes. But Taehyung pulls his away and then there's only green all
around.

::Winter Is Here::

That night, after a long day of helping Taehyung assure his whole clan that going to the Jeon
territory is a good idea, Jimin finds himself staring into the crackling flames of the fire with a silent
Jungkook by his side.

The alpha had returned just as the sun hid from their view and Taehyung waived one last time at
Jimin before disappearing through the tree line. And Jimin remembers clearly the way their eyes
met from across the field. Worried ones meeting steady and calm ones. He expected the wolf to at
least have a scar on his strong face, but Jungkook had walked to him free of any traces of a fight.
No blood or cuts on his skin or clothes.

It seemed that not even trained rogues were any match for Jungkook if they attacked him in such a
small number.

Jimin hadn’t dared to ask the alpha anything about the wolves. If they were all dead or if he buried
them somewhere. And Jungkook never offered to explain himself either.

But he wants to. He’s itching to reach out to Jungkook. To question the alpha. But every time he
musters enough courage to turn his head in the warrior’s direction, his intense eyes as he sharpens
his knife make Jimin promptly look away.

So he doesn’t ask and doesn’t say anything and he keeps his emotions bottled up until he can no
longer keep his eyes shut. Until Jungkook finally puts his knife away and stands up to take his
usual place in front of Jimin on the other side of the fire.

The mage feels the absence of his strong body close to his more than he would like to admit, but
he’s also glad of the distance between them because his fists finally unclench, and his muscles
relax.
The closer they get to his clan, the restless Jimin feels.

They don’t talk much. Or…at all almost. And Jimin doesn’t know if it’s because Jungkook had
sensed how scared Jimin had been back then, or because he simply has no reason to talk to the
mage. Whatever it is, it hurts just the same because Jimin wants to clear this weird tension between
them, but he doesn’t know how and Jungkook doesn’t look like he wants to try or even cares about
it.

So he tries to forget. Tries to only think about finally seeing his mother. And with each clan that
they send on their way to the Jeon territory, they get closer and closer and Jimin’s heart doesn’t
stop soaring.

On the day they’re set to reach his clan, Jimin wakes up with a heavy weight on his chest. His eyes
water constantly as they walk through the woods, and he doesn’t know what’s got him feeling so
overwhelmed.

His mind is clear, and his steps are steady. But his soul feels heavy. And he completely ignores the
lack of energy he feels for miles and miles ahead. Completely ignores the way Jungkook’s eyes
never meet his. Completely ignores the way the alpha’s shoulders slump forward, guard down.

He learns why his heart felt heavy when they finally reach the top of the small hill that protects his
clan, and his knees give up on him.

::The Reality of Loss::

He falls on the burnt grass without making a sound. Without blinking or breathing as he stares at
the completely bare land in front of him.

Trees fully burnt to the ground lay haphazardly all over the place. The scent of burnt wood fills his
lungs with every sharp intake of breath. No home in sight. No human waiting for him. No flower
blooming beautifully at the base of the hill.

Jimin stares at the place below he once called home. The place he once protected. The ground is
cold under his knees, even from all that fire that must have burnt everything away.

He blinks and the image turns from a horrifying reality to a bright, green, and beautiful dream. And
then he opens his eyes again to the nothingness below and his heart breaks.

He falls forward, barely catching himself on his palms and the black ground is all he sees between
blurry eyes.

“No,” he whispers. His voice foreign to his own ears.

There’s just no way.

He closes his eyes, and the beautiful dream returns. He sees himself running down the hill. Sees
his mother smiling up at him and opening her arms wide. Sees the pure happiness in her eyes at
finally having her son home again.

Home.
He chokes and he opens his eyes to watch his tears fall on the blackness below that threatens to
swallow him whole.

She’s gone.

The realization makes Jimin whimper, eyes scrunching shut.

If you come back and we’re not here-

No.

Don’t stop.

No.

Listen to me my son,

Pain overtakes his whole body, and he gasps for breath as his eyes snap open.

Do this for all of them. Not just us- not just me.

Jimin had never thought about how it would feel to lose his mother. Had never allowed himself to
think of a moment he knew would be painful. But nothing could have ever prepared him for this.
He’s sure that no matter how much time he could have spent thinking about this moment would
have prepared him for the sheer emptiness and horror he feels now.

There’s no way reality could be so cruel to him. No way the Gods would take her away when he
was so close to saving her.

There’s no way.

He stands up, vision blurry as he stares ahead.

There’s just no way.

And he runs.

He runs down the hill with his vision focused only on the black patch of land he would recognize
anywhere as the cabin he grew up in. He runs ignoring the way his very being shakes in terror as
he gets closer and closer, and the cabin doesn’t appear in front of him.

He ignores Jungkook’s heavy steps as he follows him. Ignores his voice as he screams Jimin’s
name. But he can’t ignore it when the warrior wraps his arms around his middle, and he’s swept
off of his feet and held in place.

Jimin screams and trashes in his iron grip. He punches and scratches the alpha’s arms until blood
and skin gather under his nails and the alpha turns him around to face the hill he had run down
from.

But Jimin doesn’t want to see that.

“Put me down!” He sobs. He feels like a ragdoll in Jungkook’s arms as the alpha carries him away
from the place he desired to reach most.

Jungkook starts whispering softly right next to his ear and something snaps in him. It’s like he
finally realizes what had happened. Who had taken her away. And he can’t bear to feel the wolf’s
arms around him anymore.

“Let m-me go,” he hiccups, struggling to break free. But Jungkook ignores him. “You did this!”
Jimin screams, pushing his fingers and nails as hard as he can into Jungkook’s skin. “You did
this!”

“Jimin-“ Jungkook whispers.

“S-she’s dead,” he sobs uncontrollably all over again. Jungkook’s strong grip feels like fire around
his body. He feels hot. Too hot.

He hears the alpha curse as they finally reach the base of the hill, and he puts Jimin down until his
feet touch the ground. His legs give up on him and his body almost hits the ashes below, but
Jungkook keeps him up with an arm around his waist while with the other he roughly lifts his face
up by the chin.

“Calm down,” he says over the sobs slipping past Jimin’s lips, but the mage can’t calm down. He
can’t.

His eyes burn because of the tears that won’t stop falling. His heart burns from the pain and his
hands burn. Everything burns. He grips Jungkook’s arms as hard as he can to keep himself
grounded because he feels like he’s slipping away. Like he’s fading.

And Jimin knows that feeling. Recognizes it like he could recognize his mother’s voice singing
him to sleep as a chill. He used to hate that feeling and be scared of it. But now he welcomes it with
open arms because it promises stillness. It promises complete darkness.

“Jimin-“ Jungkook says loudly trying to make Jimin look at him. “Jimin stop the fire!” Jimin’s
head falls back, unable to keep it up anymore and the warrior curses, falling to the ground with the
mage in his arms. “Stop the fucking fire, Jimin!”

The alpha’s voice echoes inside his head, and his arms feel distant around his body.

Everything burns and hurts, and he just wants it to stop.

So he lets his magic fuel the fire around them until he can barely feel himself breathe anymore.
Until Jungkook’s strong grip and voice become just a distant memory.

And then he sees it.

That beautiful dream.

His mother’s joyful smile and her warm embrace.

That’s where he wants to be forever.

Not on a cursed and burnt land. Not in a world she no longer smiles in. Not in a world Jimin failed
to protect her.

He closes his eyes and embraces that beautiful dream and the darkness that follows fully.
::The Return::

Laughter booms around him from up above and he lifts his head up to look at the small child
playing in the blooming flowers on the hill.

The child is smiling, but he hides his eyes from the rays of sunshine that make him squint if he
looks up.

Warmth and love like he had never felt before make his eyes water and he lifts his hand up to wave
at the child. He turns around, his black hair swinging with the movement, lifting a burnt flower in
the air between his small fingers.

Jimin’s eyes narrow in confusion. A soft hand touches his shoulder, and he turns his head.

“Go to him,” his mother whispers, smiling brightly. But something tells him he shouldn’t leave.
His heart skips a beat and his eyes water suddenly. “Oh, sweetheart,” his mother sighs, stroking
his cheek. “Don’t cry. Think of the future and stop your crying.”

Jimin shakes his head, trying to push down the lump in his throat. “Mom-“

“Look,” she says, pointing to the child on the hill.

Jimin takes a shaky breath and turns his head to look up. The boy is smiling at him, pointing at the
flower in his hand. Only now the flower is not burnt anymore, it blossoms carefully under the
boy’s careful touch and Jimin stares in disbelief at the bright red color of the petals.

“Look, da-“ the boy screams enthusiastically but Jimin doesn’t hear him clearly.

“What?” He whispers, lips dry.

The child smiles and Jimin finds himself staring into the most beautiful brown eyes.

“Daddy, look!”

Jimin stands up abruptly, heaving as he clutches his shirt over his heart. His head spins and he can’t
even see clearly.

He lifts one hand up to wipe at his eyes and when he looks down at his fingers, he finds them wet
and trembling.

Jungkook is in front of him instantly and Jimin jumps back when he feels the warrior’s rough
fingers checking his forehead. He watches as the alpha sighs and crouches next to him after he’s
satisfied with his checking.

“W-what happened?” Jimin asks, cringing. His throat hurts- raw from crying and screaming.

Jungkook cocks his head to the side and his hair falls over his face, hiding his right eye. “Did you
forget?”

Jimin closes his eyes, fighting back tears. “Not everything….” he trails on. He opens his eyes to
find Jungkook watching him intently. The alpha at least looks a little worried for him.

Jungkook nods and gets up, walking to the fire. He steps on it a few times to extinguish it and
that’s when Jimin sees the early fog around them and the fresh dew on the green grass. He blinks
and the green grass switches with a black, burnt one and he bites his lip to stop a sob from
escaping.

Jungkook turns around after he’s done and picks up a stick with a small rabbit on it. “Eat,” he says,
holding the stick in front of Jimin.

The smell of the meat makes Jimin’s stomach growl, but nausea takes hold of him, and e scrunches
his nose and shakes his head.

“Are you sure? Soon is going to be almost a day since you ate last.”

“A day?” Jimin whispers and Jungkook nods, pushing the stick closer to his face but Jimin really
can’t stomach eating anything now. “I’m not hungry.”

Jungkook shakes his head and crouches down in front of him again. “What will you do now?” He
asks, eyes hard.

“What?”

“You came to us looking for a bond for them. So what will you do now that they’re gone?”

Jimin inhales sharply at the warrior’s voice and he backs away from him. He hits the trunk of a
tree with his back, and he stays there. Jungkook’s eyes fall to his trembling hands then lift to his
red eyes and he clenches his jaw.

“You knew,” Jimin whispers. “You- you smelled the smoke and burning wood miles before we
reached the-“ he can’t say it. “You didn’t tell me,” he snaps at the wolf, a tear finally falling free.

“I’m not the only one that knew,” Jungkook reminds him. Jimin closes his eyes, remembering the
emptiness that overtook his heart and the lack of energy he had felt as they were approaching
yesterday.

His heart knew back then. His magic told him. But he had pushed everything out of his mind,
refusing to believe it.

He remembers the burnt fields, and everything comes crashing down.

“She’s g-gone,” he gasps. He looks up into Jungkook’s eyes like they hold every answer he’s
searching for, but he finds nothing in their coldness. “She’s r-really gone.”

She’s gone and Jimin is left all alone in a world where he has to rely on the kin that took her away
to be strong. But that strength holds no meaning or purpose anymore. He would give it all away for
a moment with her. Just for one last goodbye.

“Think of the future and stop your crying.”

He can’t.

Taking a shuddering breath, he tries to stand up from the pelt, but his shaking arms give up on him
and he falls back down. Jungkook reaches forward to hold his arm, but Jimin startles back from
him, sobbing. “Don’t t-touch me.”
Jungkook listens. And maybe a small part of Jimin wishes he wouldn’t. But the alpha stands up
and steps back to watch Jimin as he struggles. He heaves and chokes on his own tears as his legs
shake. But he manages to steady himself on his feet with both hands on the tall tree behind him and
then he leans his whole weight on it and cries as he reaches out to sense the world around him.

But nothing pulses. Nothing calls to him. No human was left alive for as far as he could reach, and
he screams.

Jimin screams for the lives he couldn’t save. Cries for his mother to forgive him. There’s nothing
in him that wants to keep moving. Nothing in him that wants to live anymore. And he can’t bear to
take another breath.

He searches for that stillness. That dark and cold embrace. But just as he’s ready to let it consume
him again, Jimin is engulfed by powerful hands and warmth. So much warmth he sags into it until
every inch of his body is plastered against hard, warm lines.

A pair of lips find his forehead and a rough thumb on his neck follows. It’s not a kiss, Jimin
realizes. Just like the one at the lake hadn’t been, but he had misjudged it. It’s just a calming warm
touch meant to bring him comfort. Jimin’s heart skips a beat when he understands Jungkook is
trying to calm him down the way wolves calm down their pups.

The alpha breathes steadily above the mage and his thumb strokes the soft skin of his neck gently,
right on his pulse point.

Every fiber in Jimin’s body is screaming at him to push the alpha away, but at the same time to
search for more of that soft touch and steady breathing. And before he has the time to choose a
winning side, his body picks for itself. He finds himself matching Jungkook’s inhales and exhales
until his breathing finally evens out and he doesn’t feel like suffocating anymore.

But calmness means clarity and awareness and Jimin doesn’t want either.

He stays in Jungkook’s arms for what feels like hours. Just breathing along with the hard chest that
lifts and falls steadily behind his back while looking at the beautiful red flowers at the root of a
tree in front of him.

He closes his eyes.

“Daddy, look!”

It can’t be. It can’t mean anything because Jimin can’t have prophetic dreams or visions.

“Go to him.”

His mother’s gentle voice echoes in his mind but Jimin pushes it away, shaking his head slightly.
He feels so weak he can barely blink without hurting, but he forces every cell in his body to forget
about the dream.

It couldn’t mean anything.

Jungkook’s hands tighten around his waist to keep him up when Jimin slides down a little and the
mage inhales sharply. Images of strong brown eyes and unruly black hair on an innocent small face
flash before his eyes and his hands hurry to grip the alpha’s arms around him.

A wolf. The boy was a wolf.

The realization makes a chill run down his spine but soon confusion overtakes him because he had
seen the boy bring a flower back to life. That meant he could use magic, but wolves we’re never
able to do that. No mage had ever been born a wolf-

His head hurts. It’s too much; far too much all at once. And Jimin can’t let himself overthink a
simple dream.

It didn’t mean anything.

He had never before experienced a prophetic dream and he’s sure this one is not the beginning.

Jungkook falls down on the pelt with Jimin in his arms, still stroking his neck. And Jimin closes
his eyes. Forcing everything away. Until his body gets lighter, and his eyes don’t flutter open
anymore.

Until darkness consumes him again.

 A Team

PART IV

|| a team||

::Partisans::

The forest is cold, humid, and dark when he opens his eyes. They’re so sensitive from crying, that
Jimin is barely able to hold them open for a second before hurting.

But he doesn’t mind it.

Doesn’t mind that the sun is not shining down on him to welcome him into a new day. Doesn’t
mind that his throat hurts as fresh tears start gathering in his eyes. Doesn’t mind that his legs shake,
and every bone in his body cracks as he stands up. Jimin doesn’t mind the wet grass underneath his
bottom as he settles down.

He welcomes every uncomfortable feeling like a gentle caress because even that hurts less than the
pain in his heart.

Golden strands of hair all around him and on the ground, a knife in his hand- tears streaming down
his face. That’s how Jungkook finds him hours later.

The alpha doesn’t say anything. He watches Jimin closely while the mage cries silently, hands
shaking as he cuts his hair with determination clear in his otherwise blurry eyes.

He’s weak.

He knows he shouldn’t give in to his nervous breakdown. Knows he should be a hundred times
stronger than this. But he’s not. He can’t be.

Not without her.

There are an infinite number of things that remind him of his mother. And if he can’t erase his
memories and throw away the expensive earrings he still keeps in his ears, he can at least cut his
hair.

He doesn’t want to be reminded of his mother’s gentle hands every time he has to wash his hair. He
doesn’t want to be reminded of the failed promise he had made to her on their last night together
every time he has to braid it.

He should be able to- he should at least be that strong.

But he’s not and he doesn’t want to be.

Jimin gulps drily one last time before the knife drops down from his weak fingers on the grass. He
can feel Jungkook’s eyes on him, and he honestly doesn’t know if he wants the alpha to say
something or if he wants to keep the silence forever.

“We need to go.” The alpha says eventually, voice void of any gentleness. And maybe Jimin hates
him for it.

“Where?” He whispers, wincing as he tries to clear his burning throat.

“They’re moving faster than we anticipated. We have to go to the Min clan as soon as possible.”

Jimin shakes his head, eyes focused on the green grass. He doesn’t want to look at the alpha.
Doesn’t want to face him and realize that he still has to keep going.

He feels no desire to do so.

There’s nothing in him that pushes him to move forward. Nothing that makes him want to risk his
life to save another.

The only life he would have risked his own for was already gone.

“Jimin,” Jungkook says roughly and Jimin’s eyes snap up to his face. He looks as focused and
unperturbed as ever. As if nothing had happened. And Jimin guesses that’s exactly how he should
be, after all his family was safe back home, not burnt to the ground. “Is this really where you give
up?”

He blinks.

“What?”

Jungkook crosses his hands over his chest, legs pulling apart. The posture along with his intense
gaze makes Jimin feel too vulnerable. He clutches his hands and stands up. He looks up at
Jungkook, but even on his feet, the alpha towers over him, making Jimin feel cornered between the
warrior’s strong body and the tree a few steps behind his back.

“Is this where you give up?” Jungkook repeats his question. “Was the desire to protect your people
that small? Did your words mean so little that you’re willing to give up now?”

“My mother is dead, Jungkook,” Jimin whispers through gritted teeth, no real fight behind his
words. He’s too weak for it.

“I can give you pity if that’s what you want. I can give you space to mourn. But what I can’t let
you do is still be here in the next hour. We leave.”

Jimin takes a step back, fists tightly clutched by his side.

“I don’t want your pity. And I don’t need space to mourn the person that gave me life, Jungkook. I
need time! It’s been what- two days? I can’t-“ he gasps, hands coming up to hover over his head. “I
can’t think. I can’t even breathe properly.” He wipes furiously over his cheeks, fingers shaking.
“Look at me-“ he lets out through sharp intakes of air. Jungkook watches him with the same
intensity as before, the muscles in his jaw flexing. “Do I look like I can properly think about our
next step? I had a p-plan,” he gulps to collect himself, “I had everything mapped out in my mind.
We were supposed to reach at least four more clans after mine and then travel to Althea where I
could train before going to the Min clan. We were supposed to have time for all of that. But now
we don’t, and I can’t- Jungkook, I can’t think of a new plan. I can’t.”
Jungkook steps forward, eyebrows narrowed. Jimin flinches back, matching Jungkook’s steps
forward with a step back of his own until his back hits the tree behind him and the alpha looks
down at him, red eyes pinning him in place.

His heart is beating so fast he’s sure Jungkook can hear it race, but that doesn’t make the warrior
soften his gaze.

“You can’t think of a plan because you don’t want to,” he spits out and Jimin closes his eyes to
escape Jungkook’s red ones. “You’ve made up your mind even before you came looking for me
that once she’s gone- you’re done. But you can’t afford to follow through with that plan, Jimin. I
won’t allow you to. This is bigger than you or me and I won’t allow you to give up now. We leave
even if I have to make you.”

Jimin’s eyes snap open, fire burning at the tip of his fingers. “You can’t make me do anything.”
Jungkook cocks his head to the side, confused, and Jimin feels lost as well over his reaction.

“You and I both know that’s not true,” he says and Jimin blinks up at him for a few seconds before
his lips can open to speak again.

“W-what?”

“Do you not know why mages don’t bond with wolves anymore? Why and how we won the war?”

Jimin gulps drily, head spinning. “N-no- I-. No.” He doesn’t. Nobody ever knew to tell him and no
matter how much he read; he could never find out how the dragons were killed. And right now,
looking up into Jungkook’s intense eyes, he’s not sure if he finally wants to find out.

“Alphas can control the mage their bonded with, Jimin,” Jungkook says. His voice is so calm, so
detached. Like he’s simply telling Jimin it will probably rain in the next hour judging by how
cloudy the sky is.

Control? He’s never heard of that. Nobody ever hinted at that being a possibility.

“Why would that- that’s not possible,” he says sternly. Jungkook takes a step back, Jimin’s
confusion probably easing some of his anger away.

“Nothing comes without consequences, right?”

Jimin goes rigid at his words.

“You draw your energy from a small flower, and it withers away, same with a small animal. You
do it a couple of times with a human and it inevitably dies. But wolves don’t. We don’t drain fast
enough to die. So something else had to give.” Jimin shakes his head, refusing to believe him.
“You gained full access to your powers and my energy from this bond, and I, Jimin, have gained
full access to you.”

“Stop-“

“Mages would never actually choose to forever erase a species, right? But wolves would. My
ancestors couldn’t live with the knowledge that another clan had access to something they would
never have, so they used your people to get rid of them.”

Jimin shuts his eyes, shoulders drawing in. He’s so exhausted. He wants to hold his breath in until
darkness consumes him. Until he can’t feel a single thing and reality no longer exists.
Rough hands take hold of his shoulders suddenly and his eyes snap open to look up at Jungkook.
His eyes make Jimin want to cower. Run and never look back. But the vice grip he has on Jimin
keeps him rooted in place.

“During the war, when most of the mages decided to bond with wolves from my bloodline and
others, they did it with only one request; to never kill the dragons. But in the end, the wolves used
their power over them to do just that. That’s the betrayal that broke the alliance.”

“Why would they choose to bond if they knew they could be controlled?”

“It wasn’t a choice when one wolf was threatening to overthrow the human King and the order of
the human cities back then. They did what they had to do. They trusted the wolves blindly and that
led to their downfall.”

Jimin’s face scrunches up, tears gathering in the corners of his eyes. How can Jungkook say
something like that so easily?

“And what about me?” He whispers, “I trusted you blindly as well. Did you ever-“ Jimin can’t
even voice his question properly before Jungkook answers him.

“Once.”

Jimin jumps back- or tries to. He gasps, pulling away but the alpha holds him even tighter. Jimin
can already feel bruises from Jungkook’s fingertips forming on his arms.

“When?” Jimin finally asks when his struggle to get away leads nowhere.

“Back at the lake. I don’t really know how to use it properly, but that’s the only time I tried to do
it.”

Jimin thinks back on that incident and there’s only one instance where Jungkook could have used
his power over Jimin. Back then he had thought it was the bond reaching out to him. But it was
Jungkook all along.

“It- it didn’t feel wrong,” Jimin whispers, thinking of how at ease he had felt once the bond-
Jungkook had finally reached him. “If you were controlling me, why didn’t it feel wrong?!” He
asks, angry and hurt all the same. Confused and tired.

“We created this bond willingly. And the only way I can control you is through it. So how could it
feel wrong?”

“But- but I, I was conscious and I did what I wanted to do-“

“I can’t make you blindly follow a command, Jimin. It doesn’t work like that. I give you a push
through the bond- an idea, and then it grows on its own based on your magic and what you can do
with it. Back then I just wanted you to do anything. To simply wake up because it looked like you
were in a trance. I just wanted you to protect yourself by any means. You could have chosen to run,
but you fought. I had nothing to do with that. Do you understand?”

Jimin gulps drily, mind spinning.

“Your father…he knew.” It’s not a question but Jungkook still nods. “He knew and that’s why he
chose you to be my bond. His own son- his strongest son to make sure you can control me once the
war is over, right?”
“You would have been right if I actually knew how to control you. But like I said- I don’t.”

He nods. Or at least he thinks he does. He can barely feel his body anymore. It’s too much.

Simply too much.

“I- I need to be alone…Please,” it breaks him to utter the last word, but he does it because right
now he’s scared of the alpha. Scared of the power he has over him.

Jungkook lets him go, taking a step back. “An hour,” he says, reminding Jimin and then he turns
his back on the mage, walking away.

Jimin doesn’t bother asking where he’s going. Doesn’t bother arguing that he won’t go anywhere
with him anymore. He lets his body fall until his bottom hits the ground.

He’s lost.

Scared and angry.

Tired and alone.

And he can’t think.

His mind is racing with so many thoughts. All scrambled together in a blurry pile in his head. But
the only one screaming loud and clear over everything else is the most haunting one.

He can be controlled. His magic can be used against him.

Ever since he was seven years old, his magic had brought him only comfort and strength. But now,
his body feels colder than ever before. It’s the type that settles deep in your bones. The type that
brings raw fear with it.

And he doesn’t know how to escape it.

Everything he had, everything he trained all his life for is no longer his alone anymore.

And that scares him to death.

::Lívstræðrir::

“Get up,” Jungkook calls from somewhere behind Jimin and he stands up abruptly. The trees spin
around him for a second and he stumbles forward a step until a strong arm wraps around his waist
to steady him.

Jimin’s breath catches in his throat. He opens his eyes and all he sees, and feels is Jungkook. The
alpha towers over him, so much that Jimin has to tilt his head all the way back to look into his
eyes. But maybe he shouldn’t have, because what he sees in them has him pushing back.

Jungkook’s grip on his middle remains like welded iron around him no matter how much he tries
to push his hand away.
“I’m fine now. Let me go,” Jimin murmurs, eyes looking everywhere else but up.

The muscles in Jungkook’s jaw catch his attention as they flex before the wolf speaks.

“Did you cry for three hours straight?” The alpha asks and Jimin stops moving, shocked.

Three hours? Was Jungkook gone for that long?

“Three? You said you would be back in one hour.” Jimin looks up at the wolf, but Jungkook
doesn’t catch his gaze. He looks away, jaw tightly shut.

The alpha doesn’t say anything to that and before Jimin has the time to say something more, the
warrior steps back from him. Jimin sways on the spot for a second, feeling cold and entirely too
heavy now that Jungkook is not holding most of his weight up.

“We leave now. I gave you enough time,” He says plainly, turning his back on Jimin and the mage
looks at him, suddenly angry.

Jungkook’s muscles flex under his thin black shirt as he bends to pick up his bag before taking
Jimin’s as well and he finally snaps.

“I didn’t ask for more time!” He screams, and the wolf stops dead in his tracks. His fingers twitch
around Jimin’s bag, but he doesn’t turn to look at the mage. “Why didn’t you come back after an
hour? I didn’t ask for more. I didn’t ask for you to carry my bag. I didn’t ask for you to suddenly
start acting nice!”

“You think this is me acting nice?” The alpha asks. “That’s the furthest from the truth you could
ever be.” He turns to look at Jimin then, eyebrows narrowed. “I’m treating you like a wounded
animal, Jimin.”

Jimin’s eyes widen at that, face red with anger and embarrassment.

“Stop it-“

“Stop?” The alpha tilts his head to the side while throwing Jimin’s bag over his right shoulder.
“Why would I stop treating you exactly as how you’re acting? Until you pick yourself back up and
realize you’re still the person that stood before my father determined to get what he deserved, I
will not treat you like an equal. You’re not that anymore.”

“You never saw me as one in the first place.”

Jungkook shakes his head, eyes softening for a second before narrowing again. It happens so fast
that Jimin thinks he’s fooled himself into seeing that.

“I wouldn’t have agreed to this bond if I thought so little of you, Jimin.” He says, voice rough.
Before Jimin can muster to blink back his surprise, the alpha has his back on him again. “We need
to leave now; a pack of rogues is coming this way.”

There’s a flicker of desire in Jimin to stay. To just…fall on the cold ground and wait for the rogues
to find him. And as much as his mind screams at him to shake that feeling off as he slowly follows
Jungkook’s big steps into the forest, he can’t.

It’s there- constantly at the back of his mind even when the sun sets, and they finally stop to rest
for a few hours next to a small lake.
It’s there when Jungkook runs off to find a few rabbits for them to eat.

It’s there as he keeps his back facing the dark forest, completely open and unprotected.

He almost wishes a rouge had followed them.

Almost imagines it jumping from the void behind him to sink his teeth into his exposed neck. But
his thoughts are cut short when Jungkook emerges from behind the trees holding one brown rabbit.

He thinks he should feel guilty for wanting his life to end when the alpha holds the biggest piece of
meat in front of him to take. But he doesn’t.

Jimin has no space in his heart to feel anything but sorrow and hatred. It weighs him down. Pushes
him to the ground every breathing moment.

So when his head hits the grass, eyes red, and stomach empty, he almost feels at ease. Because he
doesn’t have to struggle to keep himself up anymore. He can finally breathe deeply without feeling
his knees buckle.

It’s only what he deserves.

He deserves to suffer for failing to protect her.

Hours pass by in a blur. They turn into days and days inevitably become weeks of following
behind Jungkook with his head constantly watching the grass he crushes under his feet. It turns
from vibrant green to dirty brown until white finally settles on it like a gentle dream.

The snow cracks under every step he takes forward and Jimin swears he’s able to hear it even
when his eyes are tightly shut; trying to sleep, after so many days of hearing it.

Fourteen if he remembers correctly what Jungkook had muttered that morning.

Jungkook…

They don’t talk much and when they do the alpha looks at him with the same hard eyes he had
watched Jimin with when he had called him a wounded animal.

Jimin hasn’t done anything since that day to prove to the warrior that he’s anything but a shadow of
the man he was before, so he guesses he deserves the silent treatment.

What he doesn’t think he deserves is the alpha’s care. But Jungkook still offers it on a silver
platter.

When the weather cooled down enough for even Jungkook to feel the shift, he had offered Jimin
his fur.

“I don’t need it.” Jimin had said back then, barely above a whisper while staring at the black cloth.

“I don’t trust you to use your magic to keep yourself warm enough, take it.”

Jimin takes a step forward, shortening the cold space between them. Two seconds is all it takes to
lift his palm up and place it on Jungkook’s chest, but it still feels like the greatest effort he had
made in the last few weeks.

He keeps his warm palm over Jungkook’s shirt for three seconds before pulling back. “I’m warm
enough.”

And he hadn’t lied. Maybe Jimin was too far gone to actively wish to keep himself warm, but his
body reacted on its own. His magic kept him safe.

So the black fur remains in the alpha’s possession and Jimin stares at it day and night as he walks
and sleeps behind the warrior.

Food is barely enough to keep them going once they cross into the northern lands, but Jungkook
still offers him the biggest piece.

There are nights when Jimin falls back into himself so hard that the alpha has to physically force
Jimin to eat. It’s embarrassing to feel himself be handled like a small child until his back hits
Jungkook’s strong chest and he can’t move, a small piece of meat after another gently being
guided to his wet lips. But it’s also heartbreaking and horrifying to see how low he can fall.

Jimin hates remembering those nights, but it’s all he can think about when Jungkook lifts one hand
up in his direction to offer him food.

The warrior also always shifts his body to face Jimin when he thinks the mage has fallen asleep
every night. Jimin feels the alpha’s eyes on him every second of the night, keeping him from ever
falling fully asleep.

Maybe Jimin should stop sleeping with his back facing the open forest to in turn help Jungkook
sleep better, but he can’t. His mind begs him to be more careful, but his body acts on its own every
night when he falls on the ground in the most open space he can find.

It’s like an invitation to anyone out there that might be looking for easy prey. But Jimin is anything
but that with Jungkook’s red eyes watching over his shoulders.

Jungkook feeds him and protects him every step they take forward and Jimin wishes he could feel
grateful. Wishes he could maybe do the same.

But he can’t. Not when he wishes to meet his mother sooner than later every waking moment.

He’s brought back into the present when his foot hits the ground and he almost doesn’t feel it
anymore.

His eyebrows narrow and his eyes drift to his feet- still moving forward, each step on autopilot.

But the longer he watches them move, the more it hurts.

He feels the wetness in them first and that starts a chain reaction in his whole body. A chill runs
down his spine and his whole face feels like it’s burning from within. He lifts his hands up to touch
his cheeks, but he freezes when he sees he can’t even move a finger.

He gasps, teeth clenching, and he drops on his knees in the snow. Every inch of his body hurting,
the cold settling bone-deep.

“J-Jun-Jungko-“ He tries to call the alpha, but moving his lips seems impossible. He’s so cold.

He can’t believe he had been so lost in his mind to not even feel his body steadily cool down, his
magic no longer keeping him warm.

He parts his lips to speak again but Jungkook is right in front of him before he can force himself to
let out a sound.

“What’s wrong?” The alpha asks urgently. He curses under his breath when his hands settle on
Jimin’s shoulder. “Why did you stop warming yourself?”

Jimin shakes his head, trying to explain with only that that he doesn’t know. He has no idea why he
stopped.

“Jimin- look at me! Hey-“

Was he not?

Maybe he wasn’t because his vision is too dark to mean that his eyes are open. But no matter how
much he tries he can’t open them.

“Use the bond,” Jungkook calls, voice loud and agitated. “Jimin use the bond!”

A heavy weight settles on him, offering a false sense of comfort. He catches the black color of the
fur on his stomach as Jungkook moves him around to hold him in his arms and his words finally
register.

The bond.

He doesn’t feel it anymore.

The realization sends a jolt of fear through his body. He opens his eyes wide and Jungkook’s face
is all he sees, hovering over him. His eyes are red, strong eyebrows narrowed in concern.

“I c-can’t f-feel it.” He manages to say and hearing himself say those words makes his whole body
shake in horror. He can’t feel his magic. Not even a flicker of it.

“What?”

“I can- my m-magic- I can’t-“ Jimin gasps, violently shaking in fear and cold. “It’s gone!
Jungkook-” His hand flies up to grip the alpha’s big arm, eyes burning.

A string of curses leaves the warrior’s lips as he jumps to his feet, Jimin in his arms. He looks
around for a moment before looking down at Jimin again, and whatever he sees has him so
distraught the warrior’s eyes actually widen.

Jimin wishes he could speak. Let out the horror that seems to paralyze his whole body. Because it’s
too frightening to hold it bottled up, but in the darkness surrounding him, he can’t find an escape
route to Jungkook to do so.

Angry red eyes are all he sees before everything goes silent and still around him. But beneath all
that anger, something else lingers. Something Jimin only catches for a split second.

Fear.

Fear that could rival the one burning bright in his own body.
::True Love’s Kiss::

Rough fingers move slowly up and down his naked spine, stirring him from sleep. Jimin opens his
eyes only to scrunch them shut when the sun slipping through the window of the room blinds him
completely. Bringing one arm up to cover his eyes, he turns around to face the man behind him.

Dark, gentle eyes meet his, and strong arms tug him close into a warm body.

“You’re up early,” he mumbles, hiding his face in the man’s chest.

“I had a few things to settle,” the man whispers, kissing Jimin’s hair and tightening his arms
around him.

Their bodies gravitate toward each other like two pieces of a puzzle and Jimin sighs, completely at
ease in the man’s embrace. He feels so warm, every inch of his body completely relaxed, and he
never wants to open his eyes again. But three long fingers curl around his jaw to guide his face up,
and he can’t resist.

His eyes take in the man in front of him and his heart skips a beat. Dark eyebrows he usually sees
narrowed throughout the day now calmly frame two big eyes that look down at him with the same
love Jimin feels traveling through his very being. His eyes settle on a small mole under the man’s
lower lip, and he can’t help but inch forward to place a gentle kiss on it.

“I asked my brother to train Moonbyul while I’m gone this afternoon,” he informs Jimin before
kissing his plush lips.

“Mhh. I think I remember telling you he should learn to control his magic first,” Jimin mumbles
over his lips.

The alpha smirks, brushing their noses together. “And I remember us agreeing that he needs to
learn how to control his wolf as well. He can do both at the same time if we’re careful enough to
not push him too hard.”

“Then I guess magic training is out of the question today if you already asked your brother to
come over.”

The alpha laughs, turning until his body covers Jimin fully. “Don’t sulk, my love. You will have
enough time with him tomorrow. I promise.”

“And the day after,” Jimin adds.

“And the day after,” the alpha agrees easily and Jimin’s lips instantly stretch around a wide smile.
“Now,” the man whispers, voice low, “let’s enjoy our morning together before he wakes up and
starts wreaking havoc.”

His right hand slips down to push Jimin’s thighs apart until he can shift between them. He grinds
his hips forward until there’s no inch left between them and Jimin gasps, back arching off the bed.

“Jungkook-” He moans.

Red eyes look down at him with admiration and lust and Jimin lets himself be carried away by
them.

Jimin gasps, eyes flying open.

He doesn’t know what made him wake so suddenly. But his head hurts and even though he had
been startled awake, he feels strangely at ease.

His eyelids hang heavy as he moves his eyes around the space slowly, wincing slightly when he
has to blink back the pain.

Stone stretches in front of him for as far as he can see and right in the middle, a small fire flickers
steadily. It provides warmth to his face, but what keeps him truly cocooned in a cloud of heat, is
behind him.

Sweat trickles down the back of his neck and when he shifts uncomfortably to try and wipe it off, a
deep grunt from behind turns him into stone.

His eyes widen and his heart starts beating frantically when he finally feels the naked skin
plastered against his own from behind. A strong arm firmly draped over his middle while the other
rests under his head.

No.

Jimin turns his head slowly, so slowly he thinks he’s not even doing it. But then his eyes finally
land on Jungkook’s sleeping face and he can’t stop the gasp that slips past his lips.

His hand flies up to cover his mouth and the sudden move makes Jungkook’s arm around his waist
tighten slightly. The alpha’s fingers dig into the meat of his hips roughly and Jimin closes his eyes,
trying to hold his panic back.

He can’t see beneath Jungkook’s fur draped over both of their bodies. But by the way the fur
brushes over the skin of his inner thighs, he doesn’t need to see anything to know he’s completely
naked.

And that’s when he screams.

He scrambles back clutching the fur to his chest before Jungkook has the time to properly react.

The skin of his bottom scrapes over the harsh ground and he stops right next to the fire, watching
with wide eyes as Jungkook jumps to his feet.

His red eyes snap to the opening of the cave first, chest moving up and down steadily as he
analyzes every inch of the cave.

Jimin’s eyes move from his wide shoulders, over the tattoos on his arm down to the trail of hair
that leads to his black pants. Pants. Jimin breaths relieved.

The alpha’s eyes find him then and they stare at each other for a few silent seconds.

Jungkook’s eyes trail all over him and then his gaze settles on the way Jimin’s hands tightly hold
the fur to his chest, covering his body. He breathes, shoulders relaxing, and settles on the ground
before Jimin.
“Nothing happened,” he whispers.

“Then why am I naked?” Jimin gups drily.

“Your clothes were wet from the snow. I tried to warm you up with the fire only, but you wouldn’t
stop shivering. My body runs hotter than yours and I had to do something to keep you from dying.”

It’s a perfectly reasonable explanation. Deep down Jimin understands why Jungkook did it. But on
the surface, his cheeks burn, and his eyes can’t keep eye contact with the wolf.

“How do you feel?”

“I’m fine,” he mumbles, grateful that Jungkook is not pushing the conversation he had started.

“And your magic? Can you feel it?”

Jimin shakes his head, defeated. And the horror he had felt as his body had run cold returns full
force to him. He clutches the fur to his chest tighter, eyes finally lifting to Jungkook’s face again.
The fire illuminates his face from below. It makes him look rougher, deadlier in the way his strong
eyebrows frame his narrowed eyes.

“How long has it been?”

Jungkook turns his face to the opening of the cave. “The sun should rise in about two hours. So a
little under twelve hours. You passed out right before the dark settled.”

Jimin nods. He bites his lower lip, trying to think past his fear for an explanation. He had never felt
so alone in his life before. Without his magic to guide and keep him warm and safe, he feels even
more helpless now.

“I don’t understand,” he whispers, dejected. “I- it never happened before. I don’t know what’s
wrong.”

“Is it maybe something you’re doing unconsciously?”

“What?”

“Your magic is what we need now. What you just found out I can control through the bond. Maybe
you’re hiding it to protect yourself.”

“No,” Jimin says firmly. “I can’t just- hide my magic. Hide the bond. I can’t do that. It’s a part of
me like your wolf is for you. You wouldn’t be able to completely erase him from you, right?”

Jungkook nods then stands up. His muscles flex under the faint light coming from the fire and
Jimin shifts his eyes away when his stomach knots uncomfortably at the sight.

Flashbacks of strong arms wrapped around his middle intimately surface in his mind and he bites
his lip to hold back a gasp. But maybe his heartbeat is a dead giveaway to how he’s feeling because
Jungkook’s eyes snap to him.

“Are you unwell again?”

“No-“ Jimin squawks, embarrassed. He clears his voice and tries again. “No, I’m fine.”

“Then why are you so agitated?”

“Do you really not understand?”

Jungkook cocks his head to the side, arms crossing over his chest, and Jimin sighs at his oblivious
look.

“I’m uncomfortable with your nakedness,” he whispers, cheeks aflame. “And mine,” he adds after
a few moments.

“I didn’t touch you, Jimin. And my eyes never lingered in places they shouldn’t. My nakedness
doesn’t pose a threat to you. I’m not a savage beast that jumps on the first available body he sees.”

“I don’t know you, Jungkook,” Jimin says. “I don’t know if you’re that kind of man or not.”

“Have I treated you poorly ever since leaving my clan? Have I not done more than it was necessary
to keep you on your feet?” Jungkook fires back, voice growing steadily rougher.

Jimin looks away, embarrassed. “You have,” he whispers. Because he really had done more than it
was ever asked of him. Jimin had only asked for the bond, not for a protector. But Jungkook had
taken on that role willingly with no problem.

“Then you should know me enough to know I’m not that kind of man,” he growls.

Jimin’s eyes snap back up to see Jungkook visibly shaken by Jimin’s accusation and something in
him breaks.

He was too occupied drowning in self-pity to at least try to understand the man underneath that
strong and unbreakable surface. But maybe he should try. For both of their sakes. Working together
now that Jimin had no idea what has happened with his magic should be his priority. And for that
to happen he had to stop pushing the warrior away.

He doesn’t apologize, but he thanks Jungkook for taking care of him through the night and that’s
enough to calm down the alpha.

“I will go get your clothes. Stay here,” he says then he steps into the blasting cold with no shirt on.
Jimin’s eyes widen at that. He expects the alpha to flinch and turn back when his bare skin hits the
cold, but his muscles don’t move an inch and his eyes remain unperturbed and then he’s out of
Jimin’s sight.

He returns a few moments later with Jimin’s garments in hand and places them gently on his lap,
over the fur Jimin still holds over his body. “They were in another cave by the fire,” he explains
before turning around to give Jimin privacy.

“Why in another cave?” He asks. He spares Jungkook’s back a glance before pushing the fur aside.
When his naked skin is exposed to the air of the cave he gasps and quickly stands up to put his
clothes on as fast as possible.

“If any rogues were to attack, they would see that fire first, I made sure to make it bigger. That
would have given me enough time to get us out of here before they felt our scents here.” Jungkook
explains and Jimin nods along even though the alpha can’t see him.

He ties his pants tight on his hips then quickly bends to put the fur over his shoulders. “You can
turn now,” he says and Jungkook looks over his shoulder.

He seems taken aback by Jimin’s appearance as his eyes linger on the fur draped over his smaller
frame and Jimin gulps shily under his gaze.
“What?” He asks after a few seconds of allowing Jungkook to look him up and down.

Jungkook shakes his head, collecting himself. “Nothing.”

“Wait-“ Jimin calls before the alpha fully turns around again. He stops and Jimin walks up in front
of him. “Earlier,” he starts, “you said our scents. What does that mean? I don’t have a scent.”

“Humans don’t. But bonded mages do,” Jungkook says and Jimin’s eyes widen at the new
information.

“I have a scent?” He whispers, amazed. “Why did you never say anything before?”

“Why would I?” Jungkook tilts his head, confused. “I thought you knew.”

“I think we established there are a lot of things I don’t know,” Jimin mutters. “So..” he gulps, eyes
shifting nervously around the cave, “tell me if there’s anything you consider important enough.
There’s a strong chance I might have no idea about it. Like the controlling part and the scent.”

Jungkook nods, silently agreeing to Jimin’s request and the mage exhales relieved.

“We should keep moving now that you’re well enough to stand on your feet again.”

“But what about my magic?”

“We have better chances of finding out what happened to it in the Min clan if you really have no
idea what might have caused this.”

“Why the Min clan?”

“Because we’re already on their territory. If you didn’t do this yourself, they did.”

“Alright. But- before we leave, I have one more question,” Jimin says. His cheeks heat up again
and Jungkook just nods curtly, waiting for Jimin to speak again. “What,” he licks his lips nervously
and he catches Jungkook’s eyes following the movement, “what do I smell like?”

Jungkook is silent for a while and Jimin feels the weight of his dark eyes on him like never before.
The alpha’s eyes move from Jimin’s face to the black fur engulfing his whole frame and then he
finally speaks. His voice is so low it makes a shiver run down Jimin’s spine.

“Like me.”

::The Invisible Front::

Jungkook grows increasingly cautious the closer they get to the Min clan.

He barely leaves Jimin’s side. And when he does so to hunt, he scent marks the ground around
Jimin until he’s sure even the top branches of the tallest trees smell of the alpha.

But Jimin lets him. He doesn’t comment on it and neither does he try to make it harder for the
alpha when he inches closer to brush his nose over his neck. He remembers the first time Jungkook
had done it like it was yesterday.
It happened a week ago, barely two days after leaving the cave. Jungkook had jumped as if burnt
from his position behind a tree, nose twitching and Jimin had barely a second to react before he
found himself staring at Jungkook’s neck up close.

Jungkook’s nose had been as warm back then as it is now as he scents Jimin. But back then Jimin
felt startled and somewhat scared, a stark contrast to the calmness he feels now when Jungkook
scents him.

The first time he had done it he was brief about it. Jimin’s heart skipped two beats and Jungkook
was already pulling back from him, leaving him breathless and confused.

“Rogues.” Was his only explanation and Jimin had been too shocked to question him further.

But now, Jungkook lingers.

He’s not gentle about it. He doesn’t guide Jimin to him slowly and neither does he give the mage
any time to prepare himself. He wraps one arm around Jimin’s middle then his head lowers until
his nose settles right in the crook of Jimin’s neck.

He stays there for a few seconds, breathing Jimin in and brushing his nose against his skin from
time to time and the action has Jimin’s blood pumping adrenaline all over his body. He’s not sure if
he should do the same. If his scent would even remain on Jungkook if he’s not a wolf. He doesn’t
even fully understand why Jungkook scents him if Jimin smells like him already, but he doesn’t
question the alpha because, since the first time he did it, Jimin felt at ease.

For the first time since that horrible day, Jimin felt like he was finally breathing fresh air again.
The smell of smoke didn’t invade his senses every time he inhaled, and his knees didn’t buckle
anymore when he exhaled.

Every time he breathed deeply into his lungs after Jungkook scented him Jimin felt only the
calming smell of the forest around them.

Jungkook pulls his head back after his nose brushes against Jimin’s neck one more time and he
sways on the spot when the alpha’s hand no longer supports his body.

“I won’t take long,” he whispers before disappearing into the cold night.

And he’s truthful to his words because he returns with a small white rabbit in his hand before Jimin
has the time to escape the calming effect scenting has come to have over him.

He watches with hooded eyes, arms holding the black fur tightly to his body, as Jungkook prepares
a small fire and skins the animal.

Jimin’s fingers twitch to start the fire himself, they always do. And his heart sinks in his stomach
every time he’s reminded of the fact that he no longer can do that.

He can’t do much of anything anymore without his magic and Jimin hates it.

He doesn’t know how he had managed to step away from his destructive thoughts when all he
wanted was to be ripped away by sharp claws and teeth to wanting to find his strength again.

He guesses the desire took root back in the cave when he understood how much Jungkook had
truly done for him. And it only continued to burn brighter and brighter the longer they kept
walking to the Min clan with Jungkook constantly fretting over him.
It made Jimin want to do the same for the alpha. Made Jimin wish to be strong again to give the
warrior a break from constantly being the only one powerful enough to take care of them.

Jimin never truly understood how much he depended on his magic before losing it. He can’t feel
any energy around him so he has to rely on his human hearing. He can’t warm himself and, on
most nights, he falls asleep shivering, teeth clutched tight to stop them from chattering.

But where he lacks, Jungkook steps in. His hearing is sharp enough to detect any movement for
miles away. His hands agile enough to start any fire on the first try even though it takes a little bit
of time. And on the nights where Jimin tries to keep his shivering undetected to the alpha, he still
senses Jimin’s discomfort. Of course he does.

He settles behind Jimin, fully clothed, and snuggles up to him until his natural heat seeps into
Jimin over every inch of his body. Jimin never pushes him away. Too tired from a full day of
walking through the snow and too cold to even move his lips.

They’re a team. Even though Jimin can’t do much now. He swears to himself and Jungkook that he
will. Soon enough he will be able to return to the man he was when he first stepped into the Jeon
clan territory.

::Hefna::

Many things in this world are capable of making Jimin stop dead in his tracks, cold fear settling
deep in his bones. But if he would choose one, staring at ten northern alpha wolves right in the eyes
would for sure be up there in the top places.

He grips the back of Jungkook’s shirt tighter while the alpha’s hand shifts from Jimin’s side to his
back, keeping him behind the warrior’s huge frame.

“Stay as far back as you can,” he whispers, and then all hell breaks loose and Jimin has only time
to fall down on the wet, and cold snow before Jungkook jumps forward to stop the rogue wolves
from getting to the mage.

He changes mid-air and for the first time since bonding, Jimin sees Jungkook’s wolf in broad
daylight.

He’s big. Huge. Bigger than most of the wolves that try to tackle him down. Blacker than charcoal
and faster than a falcon ascending from the sky with only one goal in mind; to catch its prey.

Jimin watches with wide eyes and heart in his throat as Jungkook fights off six wolves at once and
then a low growl resonates behind him, making his heart stop completely.

He turns slowly until he’s fully faced with the ugly and horrifying expression of a hungry rogue.

He’s a fast thinker, that’s why the second he sees the alpha behind him he knows his only chance
of escape would be to get Jungkook’s attention. He has no knife on him. No weapon to protect
himself. But before he can open his mouth to scream, the alpha lunges forward and all Jimin can
do is scramble back and roll to his side.

He moans when his head hits a stone hidden under the snow. And when he opens his eyes again
his gaze falls down on the silver and sharp tip of a sword.

Jungkook’s sword.

Jimin doesn’t let himself panic over the fact that he has absolutely no idea how to properly hold a
sword, let alone fight with it. The instinct to survive kicks in and he lets himself be guided by it.

He hurries to scramble forward into the snow until his hands can reach the sword and then he
jumps up, the weapon hanging heavy by his side. But when he looks behind him to where he had
thought the wolf would be, he finds only a dead body and blood spilling over the white snow.

He’s confused and that makes him drop his guard for a second so when a hand abruptly snatches
the sword from his hand, Jimin screams and jumps back, his other hand coming up to punch the
man to his right.

Jungkook catches his wrist before his punch can connect. “I told you to stay back,” he growls, eyes
red. Neck red. Every inch of his bare skin painted red.

“He came from behind I-“ he tries to explain as fast as possible but Jungkook only nods once and
pushes him back again, shielding him with his body from the other wolves.

Jimin counts their heads fast. Seven. Jungkook had killed three in his wolf form.

The alpha takes his sword from Jimin. He lifts it up, body leaning forward.

“Why did you change back?” Jimin asks quickly.

“They’re too out of their mind to fight properly. In my wolf form, I have to fight like them to win
and that would take too much time and effort. But with this-“ he lifts his sword up for Jimin to see,
“I have the advantage of fighting my way.” He explains quickly.

Jimin’s jaw falls open. Words failing him.

Time and time again the alpha shows him why exactly he’s the warrior that he is and every time
Jimin finds himself more drawn in by him.

“This time listen to me. Stay back.”

Jimin nods even though Jungkook can’t see him and steps back until his hands hit the trunk of a
tree and he quickly plasters his back to it.

Jungkook watches him do so from the corner of his eyes and after Jimin nods slowly at him,
holding the alpha’s fur tightly to his body with one hand, he turns back and doesn’t waste a second
before running to the rogues.

It would be an understatement to say that Jungkook barely breaks a sweat while fighting the
wolves. He doesn’t falter in his steps even for a second.

Jimin understands that rogue wolves often barely had the mind to calculate their moves while
fighting, but he had thought seven of them would at least make Jungkook’s knees buckle once.

But that never happens.

Jungkook slices through each of them like he’s merely cutting himself a slice of bread. He’s precise
and fast with it. And every cut is directed to places that could kill instantly.
Blood gushes everywhere as one body after another falls to the ground in Jungkook’s wake and
when the final wolf finally drops on the snow, eyes rolled at the back of his head, Jimin falls on his
bottom as well.

Jungkook turns to Jimin, and the mage has half the mind to keep his eyes trained on Jungkook’s
eyes as approaches him.

Jimin gulps when Jungkook is a few feet away and his gaze slips to the alpha’s stomach catching a
glimpse of a trail of hair covered by blood before promptly jumping on his feet, cheeks burning.

“Are you alright?”

Jungkook nods. He crouches with his sword still in his hand and then with his free hand he starts
collecting snow to clean the blood off of the weapon.

Jimin lets his eyes quickly assess the alpha’s back and when he sees no cuts, he exhales relieved.

“There’s a lake not far from here,” Jungkook informs him when he’s done cleaning his sword.

Jimin nods and quickly moves to take the fur off his shoulders and lift it up for Jungkook. But the
alpha shakes his head and Jimin whines deep in his throat making Jungkook’s eyes widen
comically.

“Just take it!” His words stumble over each other as he narrows his eyes to keep them trained on
the alpha’s face.

That seems to make Jungkook understand why Jimin wants him to wear the fur so badly and he
takes it slowly from Jimin’s outstretched hand.

“Let’s go,” Jimin says. He turns his back to the alpha and quickly walks ahead.

When they reach the lake Jimin is already shivering like a leaf, but he forces himself to quickly
wash away weeks-old dirt and sweat as Jungkook looks around the forest for any other rogues. And
after the alpha cleans himself as well and finishes putting on his last pair of clean pants and shirt,
Jimin doesn’t waste a second before asking for the fur back.

Jungkook gives it to him without a second to spare. He wraps the fur around Jimin’s shoulders. His
fingers brush Jimin’s neck and the mage shivers at the contact.

“Where to now?” He asks before he has the time to mull over the feelings growing low in his belly.

Jungkook steps back, collecting their belongings from the ground.

“We should be able to reach the peak of the mountain by nightfall and by then a few wolves will
probably be waiting for us there. I’m pretty sure they heard the fight or at least caught a whiff of
our scent.”

::Lifa & Daudr::

Just as Jungkook had predicted, three wolves wait at the peak of the mountain that separated the
Min clan homes from the rest of the land when they finally reach it.

Jimin heaves and almost drops to his knees but quickly collects himself when his eyes land on the
men ahead.

Jungkook pushes him slightly behind him with a hand and Jimin remains there the rest of the small
walk until they’re face to face with the three men.

The taller of them takes a step forward and Jungkook’s shoulders tense but he remains in place,
firmly holding Jimin behind him.

“Your brother did not mention anything about your arrival,” he states. His voice comes out rough,
words almost intelligible and when Jimin’s eyes land on an old, big wound right underneath his
jaw, he understands why.

“I guess he forgot,” Jungkook says easily even though Jimin knows for sure he had no idea about
Namjoon being here. But Jungkook wasn’t simply going to admit to that.

“And he?” The man asks shifting his jaw slightly to Jimin.

Jimin’s eyes shift from the tall man to the other two wolves behind him and bile rises in his throat
when he sees the way they’re looking at him up and down.

“My bond,” Jungkook growls, and the other wolves instantly shift their eyes away.

Jimin wasn’t expecting to see any respect from them, but he’s glad they look away as soon as they
understand who he is. Without his magic, Jimin feels powerless in many ways. But with Jungkook
by his side, he seems to be protected anyways.

“Follow me,” the tall man says curtly. He doesn’t wait for Jungkook to respond, he turns around
swiftly, and the other two wolves stand back.

Jungkook starts walking once the wolf is a few feet in front of them.

“Why is your brother here?” Jimin asks quietly, eyes on the man’s back.

“Probably to do what our messengers failed. He wants to know if the attacks on our borders were
done with the Head Alpha’s knowledge. If so, that would mean a breach of our truce.”

“That would mean war,” Jimin whispers, and Jungkook nods.

“And that’s the last thing we need now,” he says grimly.

Jimin bites on his lower lip, thinking about what a war between two clans would mean now when
war had already been started on the other side of the land. They can’t allow the possibility of their
forces being separated.

They follow the alpha through the dark forest until they finally reach the village. It’s so different
from what Jimin has seen in the Jeon pack. Where there children were playing in flower fields,
protected by their warriors, here they were training.

Even the tiniest pup was holding a wooden dagger in his hand, mimicking the movement of an
older pup trying to teach him how to defend himself.

Their houses are bigger than the ones Jimin had seen in the Jeon clan, probably housing more than
a family to save on the wood used to keep them warm.

When they reach the Head Alpha’s house, the tall wolf announces their arrival for the men inside
to hear. Two wolves step out to open the double doors and then they’re invited in.

Jimin expects a wind of warmth to hit his face as soon as they step inside, but the big room is only
slightly warmer than the biting cold outside.

Jungkook steps aside when they reach the middle of the room illuminated by ten candles on each
wall and Jimin stops right beside him.

His eyes land on the three men seated at a small table a few feet in front of them and he recognizes
only one of them.

Kim Namjoon.

The alpha looks at them wide-eyed for two seconds before quickly collecting himself as the man in
the middle stands up, drawing attention to him.

His face is small, framed by long strands of black hair. His eyes are hooded, almost looking bored.
But Jimin knows better than to let himself be fooled by the man’s calm posture.

“Head Alpha Min,” Jungkook greats the alpha with a small nod of his head. Jimin does the same
even though he’s not sure if it’s the right thing to do.

“Jeon Jungkook,” The alpha says and Jimin thinks he hears a certain level of gentleness in his
voice towards Jungkook. “Your brother failed to announce your arrival.”

He’s smaller than Jimin had anticipated. His Sharp eyes speak of nothing but intelligence and
power and Jimin almost shudders when their intensity is directed at him.

“I believe there were more pressing matters he had to attend to as soon as he got here. I apologize.”

The alpha nods and takes his place in the middle of the table again.

Jimin tunes out their voices when his eyes land on the man by the Head Alpha’s side. His eyes
hold the same intelligence, but where the other held only unwavering power, this one had a flicker
of mirth in them.

His lips stretch around a soft, heart-shaped smile when their eyes meet and Jimin feels taken aback
by the wolf’s welcoming demeanor.

But he quickly understands that he had been wrong. His smile wasn’t a sweet sign of peace and
understanding. It was a smirk that held a secret. A secret he was apparently ready to share. Because
the moment that smirk drops, his eyes close, and the air that was once filling Jimin’s lungs leaves
him all at once.

He furrows his eyebrows, trying to keep himself calm. The wolf wouldn’t kill him. He wouldn’t do
that without a reason, right? Jimin had to just wait and see why this was happening to him.

But his vision gets blurry faster than he had anticipated, and he drops down on the floor when his
knees get too weak to keep his weight up.

Jungkook is on him in a second. He lifts Jimin’s body up, holding him firmly with an arm around
his waist.
“What’s wrong?” He asks quietly but urgently and Jimin wishes he could offer him an answer.

His eyes drift over the alpha’s shoulders, to the man behind and Jungkook’s head snaps to look at
the table again.

“Tell your mate to stop whatever game this is,” Jungkook growls and two guards step forward at
his aggressive tone, but the Head Alpha doesn’t seem impressed.

“He’s just giving back what he freely took a while back,” he says.

Jimin trembles in Jungkook’s arms and that makes the alpha turn his attention back to him. He
gasps, burning from the inside out. And then…there’s peace.

Tears start falling down his cheeks without his control because finally, after so long, he has his
magic back.

It shimmers under his skin all over his body like the sweetest memory and Jimin smiles up at
Jungkook in pure happiness.

“I can feel it,” he whispers, and the alpha looks pained, not understanding what’s happening. “My
magic,” Jimin explains, “I can feel it again.”

But Jungkook doesn’t seem happy about it. He keeps his hands on Jimin until the mage can stand
on his feet on his own and then he swirls around like a storm to stare at the three wolves still seated
at the table.

“What was the purpose of taking my bond’s magic from him?” He asks, voice steady. Deadly.

“Are you questioning my decisions on my territory?” The Head Alpha asks, eyes narrowing
dangerously.

“I am,” Jungkook states easily and the other alpha growls low in his throat before a hand lands
gently over his shoulder and he relaxes back on his chair.

“Jungkook-ssi,” the man next to the Head Alpha says sweetly, “please calm down. Your bond is
perfectly fine now. I merely put a barrier around his magic for our protection. He couldn’t feel it,
but his magic was still there all along.”

“He almost-“ Jungkook starts, red eyes coming forward and Jimin quickly steps between them
now.

“Thank you!” He says urgently and Jungkook blinks at him, surprised. “For taking the barrier
down as soon as we got here, thank you.” He lowers his head for two seconds. When he lifts it
back up the wolf is standing up, watching him with curious eyes.

“You’re not upset?” He asks slowly.

Jimin swallows, pushing back the anger he feels burning gently under his skin. “No,” he lies
easily. “I understand why you had to do it.”

And maybe a part of him truly does. But that doesn’t mean he’s not still angry about it. He had
suffered greatly without his magic. He wouldn’t just forgive the man for doing that to him. But he
had to act like it. For both his and Jungkook’s sake. They had more important things to do here.

The man steps back from the chair, robes swaying gently around him as he moves. He’s
breathtaking. Small, but powerful.

“What’s your name?” He asks as he stops two feet away from them.

“Park Jimin.”

His eyes widen for a second and his lips slowly part around a breath of air as he mutters his name
again in wonder.

Jimin doesn’t understand his reaction and he wants to push the man further to understand why his
name had left him speechless. But a second later, a mark on the man’s neck catches his attention
and Jimin forgets all about his name.

“You- you’re a wolf-“ he gasps, looking back at the man. “And a mage as well.”

The wolf nods at him, collecting himself. “A rarity amongst mages, yes.”

“Hoseok,” Min Yoongi’s voice cuts the room like a knife, “step back from them.”

The wolf smiles at his mate, shaking his head. “He can’t hurt me, alpha. No need to worry
yourself.”

But the Head Alpha’s eyes don’t leave Jungkook’s and Jimin understands then that he wasn’t
worried for his mate because of Jimin, but because of Jungkook and the murdering look he still had
in his eyes.

“Jungkook-ah,” Namjoon chooses that moment to step in, “you must be tired from your traveling.
We can continue this tomorrow.”

Jungkook nods curtly, hand gripping his sword. Two wolf guards step in then to push Hoseok aside
and Jimin watches as he smiles softly before taking a step back into the Head Alpha’s awaiting
arms.

He seems calmer now that his mate is next to him, but he still regards Jungkook as a threat.

“The guards will take you to a room you can spend the night in. I expect you to leave tomorrow
after we’ve discussed.” The Alpha says plainly.

“Thank you,” Jimin says when he sees Jungkook is not in the right space of mind to act as he
should, and his quick response seems to please the Head Alpha.

One of the guards steps forward with the intention to grip Jimin’s arm but before he can reach
Jimin and before Jimin has the time to step back after he understands what the alpha wants to do,
Jungkook tugs him roughly behind him.

“Lead the way,” Jungkook says, barely above a murmur but the guards hear him well enough.

Jungkook’s hold on Jimin’s arm doesn’t soften even for a second as they walk behind the guards to
their room and Jimin struggles to keep up with their hurried steps.

When they finally step into the room, Jungkook pushes him in first before blocking him from the
view of the guards as he closes the door.

::Kadizonas::
Jimin bites his lower lip, watching Jungkook intently. He doesn’t know how to approach the alpha.
He seems too angry to think clearly and Jimin is afraid that that anger might be directed at him in
full force if he says something wrong.

Jungkook turns around sharply, eyes red. Jimin’s hand flies to his arm instinctively, to where his
skin throbs from how hard Jungkook’s fingers had pressed on it earlier. Jungkook’s eyes snap to
his hand, a muscle in his jaw flexing before he takes three big steps to reach Jimin.

Jimin takes a step back until the back of his knees bump into the bed and he stops, eyes wide as he
looks up at Jungkook. But what he sees makes him exhale relieved. Jungkook’s eyes are back to
their normal black color, eyebrows soft again.

He reaches out to peel Jimin’s hand away slowly and then he slips the fur from Jimin’s shoulders
and lifts his shirt until the red marks of his fingers on Jimin’s skin are visible to him.

Jungkook curses as his fingers brush over the area softly. Jimin jumps to the side then, a soft smile
on his lips.

“It’s fine! It doesn’t hurt at all, and it will heal in no time,” he says easily. He brings his arm up
over his head and does a number of sharp moves. “See? No pain.”

Jungkook doesn’t seem to believe him, but he steps back to give Jimin space, nonetheless. His eyes
remain black, indicating his alpha is not reaching forward. But his shoulders are tense and his fists
clench and unclench sporadically at his side.

“We have to find the time to speak with your brother before we leave,” Jimin says slowly. He
decides to approach the alpha with something he knows wouldn’t anger him more.

Jungkook nods, almost absentmindedly.

“I, uh. I also need to speak with Hoseok alone. Do you think that’s possible?” He asks, cautious.

Jungkook growls at that, moving closer again. Jimin lifts his chin up, determined to keep himself
from flinching back as Jungkook approaches.

“Why?”

“There are questions only he has answers to.”

“He took your magic,” Jungkook says deeply. The words roll off his lips with such viciousness
Jimin’s eyes widen. But he finally sees why the alpha was still so angry.

“Jungkook,” Jimin’s hand comes up to rest on the alpha’s shoulder, “I’m fine now-“

“But back in the forest, when your eyes rolled in the back of your head like you were dead from the
cold, were you alright back then? He did that to you.”

“Jungkook-“

“I can protect you from rogues. I can protect you from yourself. But I can’t protect you from
something I can’t see and understand.” Jungkook admits. His eyes stare down at Jimin, and his
chest moves rapidly up and down with how irregular he’s breathing.

Jimin’s lips part in surprise. “You were blaming yourself,” he breathes out. The alpha closes his
eyes, nostrils flaring as he tries to calm his breathing down. He steps back from Jimin but he’s
quick to grip the alpha’s arm to keep him from moving too far.

“You couldn’t have seen it coming. It wasn’t your fault. If you have to blame someone, blame me.”
Jungkook shakes his head to stop him, but Jimin keeps talking, unperturbed. “It’s my magic.
Something I’ve had since I was a child. I should have felt it the second another mage tried to access
it. I should have sensed his energy around us. I should have been able to protect myself. But I was
too focused on my hurt and anger to do that.”

His heart skips a beat when he remembers how far gone he had been back in the forest. How
deeply his mother’s death had cut. How big his desire to die had actually been. He had lost his path
and in turn neglected his instincts and that led to more troubles for them.

“I was hurt by your words, but I had no energy to fight back and prove you wrong. You were
right,” he admits. “I promised myself I wouldn’t go on if she were to die. She was the only one that
kept me going. She was my only reason to fight back against everything and to keep growing
stronger. And when she died-“ he stumbles over the word, fingers trembling on Jungkook’s
shoulder, “when she died my whole world died with her, Jungkook. There was nothing left for me
here. Nothing that could keep me moving forward.”

A tear rolls down his cheeks. Jimin watches Jungkook’s eyes quietly as the alpha lifts his hand up
to wipe the stray tear away with a rough finger.

“It will never stop hurting,” Jimin admits, eyebrows drawn together in pain as his throat clogs up.
“But I understand now that I have no choice anymore. I can’t just step back from this. I can’t break
the bond and I can’t return to my clan to live the rest of my days in peace either. I can’t do anything
but move forward. And I will try to do it well.” He gulps, lifting his other hand to wipe his other
eye. “I promise,” he whispers and Jungkook’s palm moves from his cheek to cup his jaw. The
alpha lifts his face until Jimin has no choice but to look into his eyes.

“Sleep,” the alpha murmurs.

Jimin’s eyebrows furrow in confusion “What?”

“You need to rest.”

“I-“ Jungkook’s thumb brushes the underside of his chin lightly before he pulls his arm away and
steps back. Jimin is left utterly cold, missing Jungkook’s warm hand on his skin. He had just
spilled his heart out to the alpha and his only response was this?

Jimin watches as the alpha crouches in front of the fire burning strongly to throw two big logs on it.
He looks at Jimin as he stands up, suddenly taking too much space in the small room. Jimin feels
like he’s suffocating.

The alpha leaves without another word and Jimin falls to his knees on the hard stone of the ground.

What had he expected? For Jungkook to embrace and comfort him? For the alpha to present his
heart on a silver platter as well?

They weren’t friends. They were nothing more than two tools that had to unite to form a stronger
weapon in times of need.

Maybe he had mistaken Jungkook’s protection for something else because he had been too
vulnerable to see it for what it truly was. A necessity.

The alpha took care of him because he had to in order to keep using him. He didn’t care for Jimin,
the human that was heartbroken. He cared for Jimin, the mage that was just a vessel to the power
he needed.

If Jimin was alive, his magic was free to use.

If he was dead, he was good for nothing and all the time Jungkook spent with him would have been
for nothing.

Tears trail down his cheeks like a river until drops fall on his thighs and he finally looks down at
the dark patches on his pants.

He laughs. Dry and humorless.

Stupid and foolish to the bone. That’s what he was.

A foolish boy that had let his guard down.

He wipes his tears away furiously. Getting up feels like climbing a mountain because his feet have
gone numb, but he pushes through it. He drops Jungkook’s fur to the floor and climbs on the bed.

Sleep doesn’t come easy, and he hates himself for it.

There’s no arm around him to ground him in the present. No small puffs of air blowing gently over
the back of his neck to guide him to sleep. No rock-hard body behind him to keep his back safe.

He feels completely vulnerable and alone in the small room and every time the fire cracks behind
him his heart jumps in his throat.
 Purpose

PART V

|| a purpose ||

::Vigridr::

Jimin doesn’t know what woke him up when his eyes snap open. He sees the dead fire in front of
him and the still dark sky outside through the window. His chest feels heavy, and his back feels
exposed and then he feels it.

The eyes that are watching him.

He swirls around, the small blanket that was covering him falling to his thighs as he sits up
abruptly.

“Hoseok-ssi,” Jimin whispers. His voice is rough from sleep, but his eyes are wide open and his
heart beats frantically in his chest.

The man watches him from a chair that Jimin hadn’t even noticed to be in the room a few hours
prior. He sits one leg crossed over the other, black hair reaching his shoulders unkept. His robes
are way simpler than the ones he wore earlier in the evening.

“I’m sorry for waking you up like that, It’s the only way I know how to do it.” He explains
sheepishly.

“You only know how to scare people awake?”

“When that’s the only way you experience welcoming another day as a child, it’s hard to imagine
another, more beautiful one.”

Jimin nods, a little confused as to why he’s suddenly speaking with the Head Alpha’s mate in his
room in what looks like the middle of the night.

“You can relax. I just want to talk.”

“I was meaning to search for you in the morning.”

“It is morning. It’s 6 am.”

Jimin’s lips fall open as he nods. “I’m sorry. I tend to forget how long the nights are here.”

“That’s alright.” Hoseok waves his hand, dismissing Jimin’s apology. “My mate has been in a
meeting with your bond and alpha Namjoon since 4 am. I think you might want to know that.”

“What?!” Jimin jumps from the bed, ready to storm out of the room but Hoseok gets up to step in
front of him.

“You’re not welcomed there now,” he says sternly but with a smile. It makes him look deadlier.
“Why not?”

“Jungkook-ssi thinks you should rest more.”

Or he simply doesn’t deem Jimin sane enough yet to participate in the meeting. Jimin bites his
lower lip, eyebrows narrowing as he steps back.

“I wanted to come see you as soon as they closed the doors to the main room, but I held myself
back until now to grant Jungkook his wish.”

Jimin nods and sits down on the bed. He doesn’t feel like thanking him, he’s too angry at
Jungkook. They should have met with the Head Alpha together. They were still a team.

But there’s nothing he can do about that now.

“Why did you put a barrier around my magic?” He asks, cutting right to the point. He’s tired and
angry and done with acting nice.

Hoseok seems a little taken aback by Jimin’s brazen attitude, but he still keeps an easy smile on his
lips as he settles back on the chair.

“I told you. To protect us.”

“Why would my presence make you think of danger? Mages have never attacked the wolf clans,
especially not after the war.”

“Mages no, but you…” he trails off and Jimin’s back stiffens.

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve had visions of you, Jimin-ssi. Visions in which you killed and burnt wolves without mercy.
I’m sorry if I misunderstood them, but you can understand why they made me do what I did.”

Jimin gulps, mouth opening and closing a few times before he finally speaks again. “Are visions…
normal?” He asks slowly. “I’ve never had them in my life and the healer in my clan never told me
anything about them.”

“They’re normal to me. I’ve been having them since I was a pup, even before learning of my
powers.”

“Even before?”

Hoseok nods, shifting to get closer to Jimin. “You can train yourself to…look for them. But it’s a
matter of what the Gods deem worthy or not I’m afraid. Every vision sent to me was pretty
significant. It led me through life until I met my mate. And after we mated, they stopped. Until I
had one with you.”

Jimin gulps, looking around nervously. “I- uh, I did kill those wolves.” He says sincerely. He
expects Hoseok to be mad or at least ask why, but he only nods in understanding.

“Your technique is quite impressive. I never thought about using it myself.”

“How do you kill your enemies then?”

“I make them bleed out,” he says easily. “It’s quite gruesome and dirty, but I believe it gets the job
done faster than strangulation. Also, my mate quite enjoys watching it happen, so I don’t mind it.”
His words end on a high note, and he laughs softly before collecting himself. “But my preferred
method is simply stopping their heart. It’s quick and clean and I barely have to blink to get it done.
I had enough time to perfect it.”

“Who trained you?”

Hoseok seems confused by the question. “I did.”

“You did…?”

“It wasn’t easy. There were few moments when I knew exactly what I was doing, but mostly I just
followed my instinct. I learned I can completely drain living things when I first went hunting. I
didn’t want to get my hands dirty, and the rest happened naturally. I imagined the rabbit dying and
the only way I knew things could die back then was if they completely bled out. My magic did the
rest. After that, I slowly trained myself to kill bigger animals until I killed my first wolf. I started
getting creative with it only after meeting my alpha.”

“Why only then?”

“He had a lot of enemies back then,” he laughs while saying it. As if remembering times when
they fought for their lives brought him great humor. “And we both got bored of seeing them die the
same way every time, so we started improvising,” he shrugs. A chill runs down Jimin’s spine at
how nonchalant he is while talking about all of this.

“But I’m not here to talk about this,” he says, suddenly serious. “I want to know you, Park Jimin.”
He says Jimin’s name with so much wonder it leaves him momentarily breathless. “I want to
understand why you were important enough to come to me in a vision after so many years of not
having one. I want to know if the Gods want me to help you or just let you be.”

“I don’t think I’m that important to the Gods,” he says, bitter.

“Oh, but I think that you are.” Hoseok’s eyes sparkle in the faint light that starts to filter slowly in
the room from outside. “I might be wrong, but I am very rarely wrong when I let my instinct guide
me. So tell me, do you want to learn something from me? Do you have any questions I might have
answers to?”

He sounds eager, and Jimin shifts a little bit uncomfortable on the bed. It’s been a while since he
had to seriously think about what he has to do. He’s sure Hoseok could teach him a lot of…useful
things, but they don’t have the time for that. Instead-

“I have a question,” he whispers and the wolf nods. “I’ve never heard of mages being born wolves.
How-” he licks his lower lip, “were you turned into a wolf? Was your magic gifted to you
somehow?”

Hoseok blinks at him for a second then his head drops back as laughter bubbles out of him. His
hair flows around him as he shakes his head to hold himself from laughing louder and Jimin feels
like a fool looking at the wolf wide-eyed and confused.

“You don’t know much about your own kin it seems,” Hoseok says finally.

“I- I read books and-“ he stumbles over his words as he tries to justify himself, cheeks aflame. He’s
happy that the wolf can’t see them properly in the low light.

“Humans can’t be turned into wolves,” he cuts Jimin off. “And neither can wolves just be gifted
magic. I was simply born like that. I have to admit I have yet to find another wolf like me, and I
know how rare we are. But I know of another wolf born like me in the Min clan.”

“Who?”

“She was born before the war, and she killed herself right after the war ended.”

“Killed herself?” Was she controlled to do so? The thought makes Jimin’s heart skip a beat.

“After the bonded mages were made to kill the dragons, they were too distraught by their own
actions to move on. They killed themselves one by one in great numbers, starting with her.”

“But why did she bon? If she was a wolf, she didn’t need a bond to access her full powers.”

Hoseok shakes his head. “Maybe we’re stronger than human mages, but we still need a bond. And
the way wolves bond it’s more intense. She bonded her magic with the mate she chose to have for
life. She was more powerful than any mage from the human royal bloodline. But her mate betrayed
her. And a betrayal like that,” his eyes narrow, “cuts deeper than any knife. Hurts more than any
wound.”

“Why would they bond if they knew this could happen?”

“You have to understand that before the war, humans and wolves lived in relative peace. Wolves
very rarely crossed over their borders and rogues almost never went hunting for humans. Humans
lived in the biggest cities scattered around the land with no fear of the wolves. When the war came,
mages had no problem bonding with wolves because nothing before that ever made them fear us.
They thought that with a mage that was also a wolf by their side, they were somehow protected. In
the end, they were wrong.”

“And after they left the humans unprotected, the wolves attacked,” Jimin breaths out, putting the
pieces together. For years he had wondered why the wolves would suddenly kill so many humans,
but he had come up empty each time until he chose to believe that they were just that hungry for
power, just like the Mad Wolf had been.

“Indeed. That was the window they needed to overpower the humans and they took it without a
flicker of guilt. A major part of what is now the Jeon territory used to be the second oldest human
city after Althea, Aryrath. The Jeon Head Alpha conquered the city in less than a day and that
became the heart of his territory.”

“H-he built it around a human city?” Jimin’s heart drops to his stomach so fast he feels like he’s
going to topple over to empty it. All the stone houses and paths he saw and walked over while
there. The huge house the Head Alpha- Jungkook lived in now that he had marveled at, had been
built from the ground up by his kin and now it was theirs.

“Everything you see in our territories made of stone is mostly made by humans. Wolves knew how
to build their houses with wood. The Min clan is still the same, there was no city so far up north to
take. But the Jeons and Yens are a different story. Only one city survived their wrath, but the
humans stuck in it weren’t able to leave it to seek shelter in Althea and their farming lands were
slowly occupied by rogues. After the last mage that was protecting the city died, the Yen clan
overtook it easily.”

“So the wolves agreed to fight one tyrant together with the humans only to turn around and become
the other one,” Jimin growls. He stands up abruptly, mind spinning. How could they? Who were
they to do that to his kin? Fire warms the tip of his fingers dangerously and Jimin doesn’t bother
holding it back, he had missed it too much.
“What happened was normal, Jimin-ssi,” Hoseok says and Jimin snaps his eyes to him.

“How dare you,” he murmurs.

Hoseok stands up at that, matching Jimin’s stare.

“Wars have existed even before we learned how to write and document them. The Great Fall, as
you call it, it’s the only one known to your kin here. But how many more do you think have
happened before that? How many wolf clans do you think have gone extinct at the hands of
humans and mages? I’ll tell you, hundreds. Wolves weren’t always the largest kin. We were few
and scattered all around the land we know today and even far beyond the Great Sea. That’s where
our home used to be. The land beyond the Great Sea used to be ours until humans took every inch
of it from us.”

“If our history is so vast, how do you know all that? It was never written in human books.”

Hoseok laughs, dry and condescending. “Why would humans write about the genocide they
committed across the sea? It happened under the rule of a cruel king your new queen shares no
bloodline with, of course she wouldn’t care about it. But that’s my history and I know it well.”

“And the wolves decided to repay the favor?” Jimin spits.

“You don’t understand one thing, Jimin-ssi. It’s in our blood to conquer. In mine and in yours.
What we have will never be enough if we see the chance to take more. It’s instinct, and no matter
if you’re a human or a wolf, you will always follow it. The humans across the sea followed their
instinct just like the wolves here did and we are just living in the world their actions built.”

“And what world will our next actions build? You must know about the dragon by now. About the
great threat coming from the west. What is instinct leading you to do now?”

“It’s telling me to trust you and offer you the help you need, but I’m still not sure if you’re worthy
of it. You hold a lot of hatred for us in your heart and that will lead you to great errors if you’re not
careful.”

“Hatred is all I have after my ancestors had nothing but hope and blind trust in theirs. Look where
that led us,” Jimin snorts, hands gesturing around himself.

Hoseok sighs, stepping back. “You will not know true power until you understand that we’re not so
different, Jimin-ssi. You, I, your bond, and everyone else- we all want the same thing; to protect
our loved ones and create a better life for the generations that will follow. If that comes at the
expense of someone else’s suffering, then so be it.”

“True power should not be rooted in pain and greed.”

“It’s not. True power is rooted in love, you have felt that. But the consequences of it will always be
pain and suffering, you can’t stop it.”

::A Nearly Peaceful Place::

Jimin chooses to tune out most of what happens after Hoseok leaves his room. Jungkook comes to
find him a few minutes after that, tense and tired if the black bangs under his eyes were enough to
tell.

They don’t talk and they barely look at each other. Or Jimin barely looks up at Jungkook and
chooses to not respond to any of the wolf’s questions.

He had asked about Hoseok’s scent in the room. Of why the wolf had been there. What he wanted
from Jimin. Of what Jimin had revealed to the man. But Jimin was too emotionally drained to care.
He had only shrugged and walked out of the room, walking even faster out of the Head Alpha
home with Jungkook’s intense eyes following his every step.

His brain is a mess of questions and doubts, and his heart is overflowing with mixed feelings as he
stands in the blinding morning sun just outside the Min clan so Jungkook could bid his brother
farewell.

But amidst all the turmoil bustling in his very being, something makes him turn around to the vast
forest behind him.

Something makes him take one tentative step after another into the forest, leaving behind the two
wolves and Namjoon’s guards.

Something makes him search every inch of snow his eyes land on with utmost precision until his
gaze finally lands on a puddle of stark white fur.

He doesn’t move. Doesn’t even breathe for what feels like hours as he stares at the scared pup. He
watches Jimin with wide eyes from where he stands curled up against a tree, trying to protect
himself the best he can.

And Jimin doesn’t think anymore. Instinct drives him forward and he listens to it fully. He kneels
in front of the pup a few feet away and reaches out with an open palm to offer the wolf the chance
to sniff him.

The pup struggles greatly to move his paws. He slips and falls with his snout in the snow several
times before he’s finally able to hold his weight up. He inches forward, one small and unsure step
after another until his cold snout touches the tip of Jimin’s fingers tentatively, scared and unsure of
himself.

Something in Jimin’s heart breaks and his throat clogs up as he watches the pup continue to sniff
him. He falls down on his bum again as he sways on his weak paws and he whines, distraught.

Jimin opens his mouth to assure the pup, but not a single word comes out. He doesn’t know if he’s
old enough to understand him. Doesn’t know if the pup can willingly change back to his human
form. He has no knowledge of wolf pups. But he doesn’t need to read any book to understand his
heart’s desire to protect the child.

His hands move slowly so as to not scare the pup until he’s close enough to pull the child into his
lap. The pup nuzzles against his hipbone as Jimin gently strokes his dirty fur.

“You’re going to be alright now,” he whispers as the pup lifts his doe eyes up at him. “I promise.”

The pup whines in his throat, nipping at Jimin’s shirt.

“You must be hungry.” Jimin guesses, lips forming a pout as he thinks of what the pup might be
able to eat.
But before he has the time to come up with a response to his own dilemma, a sharp voice cuts
through the calmness that had set around them and both of their eyes snap to the direction the voice
had come from.

“Jimi-” Jungkook stops mid-growl as he spots Jimin kneeling in the snow. His eyes trail over
Jimin’s face and upper body. He sighs, probably relieved he doesn’t spot a visible wound on him.
But when his eyes fall on Jimin’s lap- to the pup hiding in Jimin’s arms, the alpha’s eyes widen.

“Jungkook did you find him…” Namjoon’s words die on his lips as he comes to stand next to
Jungkook, his guards a few steps behind him. They both watch Jimin with wide eyes. Unsure of
what to do.

Jimin spares them both the trouble. He sits up slowly, still holding the pup. “I found him here.”

“How did you even know he was here?” Jungkook asks and Jimin bites his lower lip.

He doesn’t know either. He shrugs and Jungkook clenches his jaw, obviously mad at Jimin’s
nonverbal answer.

“He can’t be from the Min clan, Jungkook,” Namjoon whispers as if amazed as he watches the
pup.

Jimin furrows his eyebrows. “Why not?”

“Min wolves are all dark brown or black. I have never seen a white one.

“So he must have ventured from a smaller clan close by, right?”

“Pups are protected and watched at all times, Jimin-ssi. They represent the future of every clan;
they’re never left alone. Especially when they’re so small. He can’t be more than a few months
old.” His eyes narrow as he watches the pup intensely and Jimin has to hold himself back from
turning around to hide the up from the wolf. “He’s not even supposed to be able to shift so soon.
The only thing that could have made him shift is if he went through a very traumatic experience
that would have pushed the wolf to protect the child without the child even knowing. But what…”

“His mother is dead.” Jungkook’s voice cuts like a knife and Jimin’s eyes snap down to the pup.

His eyes are closed now, snot gently tucked right under Jimin’s arm to protect himself from the
cold air. He’s so small and light in Jimin’s arms he fears even the slightest wind could take him
away. A creature so powerless and small all alone in a world that has already fallen into despair.

“We can’t know that for sure-“

“He has no scent, Hyung. He’s weak and malnourished. He has been alone for probably more than
two weeks. Enough time for a pup to become so weak and more than enough time to lose the scent
of his mother. We need to spare his suffering now,” Jungkook says evenly.

Jimin jumps back, clutching the pup to his chest as Jungkook suddenly moves to him. “Back off,”
he warns the alpha.

“Jimin-“

“I said,” he lets his fire burn for the first time in a really long time to melt the snow right in front of
Jungkook’s feet until the bare ground comes into view, “back off.”
He won’t let the alpha make another step forward. He won’t let any of them touch the sleeping pup
in his arms.

“What do you want to do, Jimin? Do you want to take the pup with you all the way to Althea? Do
you want to put him through countless life and death situations when he’s at his worst and prolong
his suffering? Let me take care of him. You don’t have to watch.”

He doesn’t want that. Of course he doesn’t want the child to suffer more. But he can’t bear to think
about Jungkook killing the pup. How could the alpha even think of doing something like that? Was
he truly so cold-hearted that his first instinct was to get rid of something that couldn’t help him
move forward? Then how had he managed to not kill Jimin all these last few weeks? Months now
because they were already a few days away from the third full moon since Jimin had first left his
clan.

Fall was fast approaching, and the pup would not survive it. Jimin is sure he would make it
through another four days at best.

He can’t let the pup die. And he can’t take it with him to Althea, it would be too dangerous.

His eyes lift to Namjoon and he knows the alpha is the only answer.

“Namjoon-ssi,” the alpha straightens his back when Jimin finally speaks.

“Jimin-“

“Please-” Jimin interrupts Jungkook. He closes his eyes to collect himself, holding back his tears.
“If I may only have one request for you as a future mage of your clan once this war is over; Please
take the pup with you.”

“Jimin-ssi-“

“He’s important,” Jimin says, voice rough. He hadn’t wanted to say it, but if this was what would
get the man to save the pup, then he had to. Because the energy he feels from the pup reaching out
to him in small, gentle waves could mean only one thing. “He,” Jimin gulps, eyes wavering, “he
has magic in him.”

Namjoon’s eyes widen and Jungkook’s eyebrows narrow at that.

“Are you sure?” Jungkook asks and Jimin nods without a second to spare, more than sure of
himself.

“Energies all feel different based on how strong the human or wolf is, but mages-“ Jimin’s eyes fall
on the pup. His right eye twitches as a bug settles on it for a second before flying away and Jimin
almost coos at the sight. “Mages all feel the same. Our energy doesn’t change if we’re stronger or
weaker, it stays the same from the first day our power reveals itself. And I would be able to
recognize that energy anywhere.”

Because that energy is with him every second of the day. That energy had protected and made him
stronger ever since he was a scrawny seven-years-old kid.

Now he feels the same warm cocoon of power and protection in the pup’s sleeping body. He
doesn’t know how it’s possible. But he’s not as shocked about it now after having met Hoseok.

And if there’s one thing he needs to learn from the wolf mage, is to follow his instinct and visions.
The child he saw bringing a flower back to life right after his mother died is this one. Jimin doesn’t
have concrete evidence of it. Can’t even see the pup’s human form to make sure. But he knows it
deep in his heart. His throat hurts because of how much he has to fight back his tears and his
mother’s words won’t stop playing in his mind.

“Stop your crying and look toward the future.”

Jimin has no idea what his future holds for him. But he knows that no matter what, this pup will be
in it. He has to make sure of it now.

“If trained he can become very powerful. I’m sure Head Alpha Jeon would...appreciate that.” Bile
rises in his throat as he says that, but it is what he needs to do to make sure that Namjoon will agree
to take care of the pup. Once the war is over, Jimin will make sure to take care of the pup as he
deserves. He will make sure to protect him from the pack that will want to suck him dry of his
powers. Jimin will become stronger for him. And he will make sure to be there for the pup just like
his healer had been for him; to guide and teach him.

Namjoon’s eyes jump between Jungkook and Jimin before taking a step forward, arms
outstretched. “I will make sure he reaches the pack safely,” he promises.

Jimin looks at his arms and then at the pup and he almost takes another step back. He wants to
keep the pup with him because he doesn’t fully trust any of the wolves. But he knows that wouldn’t
be the best for the pup.

So he bends to place a kiss right between the pup’s eyes before gently opening his arms to let
Namjoon take him.

Jimin feels Jungkook’s eyes on him the whole time, but he doesn’t look at the alpha. Can’t look at
the man that hadn’t even stopped for a second to think before deciding to kill an innocent pup.

His heart is heavy as he watches Namjoon walk away with the pup, but his mind is clear.

He had found it. A reason to keep going. To keep fighting.

A purpose.

::Hefna::

Jimin understands why certain things happen all at once or carefully one by one. He knows
everyone has a destiny to follow.

What he doesn’t understand is how he always cracks in the face of danger.

He’s supposed to be used to it by now. Supposed to be able to control the initial shock and dread
that creeps up his body. But even though he knows he should be able to, even though he thinks
about controlling himself step by step, his body doesn’t cooperate.

He goes silent and rigid the moment five wolves from the Yen clan intercept their path to Althea as
soon as they leave the Min territory.

Jungkook tries to fight them off, but clan wolves are not mindless animals. They don’t attack
blindly like rogues do. They wait and analyze every move you make until they see that small
window to attack.

Jimin offers them that window when he decides to stop for a quick bath in a small river even
though Jungkook insists they’re not safe.

He should have listened.

He should have done a lot of things. Keep his guard up. Let Jungkook watch his back. Not shut his
magic off to relax.

But he does every last one of them, making it oh so easy for the wolves to get to him.

That’s how he finds himself in a tent full of Yen clan wolves. Alone.

That’s how Jimin finds himself staring at a beast of a man smirking down at him.

“No,” he says easily, not even entertaining the man’s request.

The wolf growls and stands up from his chair, four other wolves quickly coming by his side.

“No?” The alpha asks, surprised and angry as he watches Jimin with red eyes.

“I’m already bonded,” he explains easily. “I don’t need another bond.”

“Your bond is dead by now,” the alpha spits. “You would do well to listen and just do as I say,
little wolf.”

Jimin narrows his eyes. Wolf?

“And you would do well to not antagonize me,” Jimin says slowly. He eyes the two torches in
front of him. They come up to his chest and he thinks they would make for a fine source of fire.

The alpha booms into laughter and the other wolves that stand behind him and the ones circling
Jimin all around the tent follow him.

“You have the fire in you. I like that,” he says licking his lips, and Jimin shudders. He steps
forward, and Jimin lifts his chin up to look him in the eyes. “But I know omegas break easily,” he
adds, almost pleased. As if imagining breaking Jimin down brings him unimaginable pleasure.

“Omega?....” He whispers.

Wolf. Omega. Why were they seeing him as one of them? Why were they so blind to what Jimin
truly was?

“I will offer you one more chance. Say yes. Link your magic to my strength.”

Jimin snaps out of his thoughts. “Why would I do that? My bond is stronger than you.”

“You little-“

“I don’t know what you need a mage for,” Jimin interrupts him and the alpha growls. “But I know
you won’t be able to find one soon. Rogues killed most of us and the only ones left alive are in
Althea.”

“If I found you, I will find others.”

“Good luck with that.”

“So you really refuse to bond with me?”

“Yes.”

“Then you’re the one in need of luck, little omega.” His eyes sparkle as he takes a step back. He
gestures to Jimin, smirking coldly. “I will gift you this wolf, brothers,” he says loudly and the men
around Jimin cheer at once. “Do with him as you please before we leave at dawn.” He finishes as
his eyes land on Jimin.

Jimin knows the alpha expects to see fear in his eyes. Expects him to go numb just like he had in
the river when they took him away from Jungkook. But Jimin had enough time to think of a plan to
escape while the wolf had run his mouth cold. He’s not afraid.

He watches the tall alpha tower over him as his hands inch forward to curl around the metal frame
of the torches. The flicker of doubt and fear he sees in his red eyes is enough to make Jimin move
forward.

The skin of his hands doesn’t burn. The fire is a part of him. It would never do him harm. But once
he pushes the torches forward and they hit the grass below, the fire comes alive under his
guidance.

A little nudge is all it takes for the red flames to burn bright and engulf the ground beneath them,
and once that happens, the flames waste no time before they climb all over the walls of the tent.
The wolves scream, running for shelter. Some jump to him, but he’s faster than them.

He’s out of the tent before the flames can reach behind him and stop his escape and then he runs.
He runs without looking back once and the further he gets, the stronger he pushes his flames to
grow.

He hears the wolves scream into the night. Smells their burning flesh being carried by the wind.
But he can’t stop to let his heart mourn for them. There’s nothing to be sorry about.

Jimin had warned them. He had tried to nicely ask for his freedom. They had brought this upon
them and Jimin can’t find it in himself to care.

He feels stronger than he had felt in weeks. Even without Jungkook by his side. Even with just a
flicker of the wolf’s energy in him, he was strong enough to escape.

Adrenaline gets the better of him and he stumbles forward when he’s too slow to jump over a fallen
tree.

“Crap-“ he whines, holding his ankle. It doesn’t hurt hard enough to be broken, but it still stings.
Jimin is really not used to physical pain.

Tears gather in his eyes, and he starts laughing.

“How can you burn alive more than a dozen wolves and then cry because of a sprained ankle,
Jimin?” He mutters to himself.

“I would like to hear the answer to that as well.” An amused voice rings from behind and Jimin
turns his head around so fast he almost gets dizzy.

Jungkook stands in front of him, chest dripping blood, hair wild and eyes red.
“Jungkook,” Jimin breathes relieved. He had known the wolf was alive. He was able to still feel his
energy. But seeing the warrior in front of him makes him feel more relieved than he had thought he
would be.

Jungkook reaches him quickly and bends to replace Jimin’s hold on his ankle with his rough hands.

“Does it hurt?” He whispers. He’s so close Jimin can see perspiration dripping from his forehead.
So close he can smell the blood on him.

“Why are you so bloody?” He asks instead of answering the alpha.

“A part of them tried to keep me occupied.”

“Did you know where I was?”

“I can smell you, Jimin. There’s no place they can take you without me finding you.”

“Oh…” Jimin leans back on the fallen tree, relaxing as Jungkook slowly wraps his ankle with a
dirty shirt. “Do I….do I still smell like you?” He asks quietly.

Jungkook’s hands stop working. He doesn’t look up at Jimin and the mage is relieved. He thinks
he couldn’t have handled seeing Jungkook’s eyes right now.

“Mages always take the scent of the alpha they’re bonded with. You will always smell like me,” he
explains after a while.

“And if I were to bond with another wolf?”

Jungkook’s fingers tighten around his ankle suddenly and he flinches back in pain. The sound
breaks Jungkook out of his trance and he quickly massages his ankle to soothe his pain.

“Your scent would change to match his,” he murmurs.

“That’s why they took me. They wanted me to bond with another wolf,” Jimin reveals. He doesn’t
know why. Or he chooses to think he doesn’t. He wants to see Jungkook’s reaction. Wants to see if
the alpha would be troubled if he were to bond with another wolf. He needs a reaction from
Jungkook. Needs the wolf to show that Jimin is not just a weapon he has to take care of. Jimin
needs to-

Jungkook chuckles and Jimin blinks at him, speechless.

The sound comes deep from within his chest and Jimin feels himself melt into a puddle as the
sound echoes around them.

“That’s why you killed them?” He asks, a hint of amusement on his lips.

“I-uh…yes?” Jimin doesn’t know how to react. He had never heard the wolf laugh. Had even
forgotten how Jungkook used to joke here and there in the beginning. They had no time for jokes
now. They were constantly looking behind their backs.

“Mhh. Good,” he nods. “You’re all set.“ He says as he stands to watch Jimin.

“Can wolves differentiate ranks through scent?” Jimin asks suddenly.

Jungkook blinks then nods.

“Is that why wolves think I’m an omega?”

The alpha’s eyes narrow. “What?”

“Back at the lake,” he says, “and even now- they called me omega. Both of them thought I was a
wolf. Is that normal?”

Jungkook crosses his arms over his chest, head cocking to the side. “Normal? Not really. I think
they’re just not used to seeing bonded mages. You…To a wolf that gets to smell you for the first
time, you might smell like an omega.”

“But you said I smell like you,” Jimin whispers, confused. “Then why don’t they think I’m an
alpha?”

Jungkook shifts from one foot to another. Is he uncomfortable? “You don’t…you don’t smell like
me.”

“But that’s what you said.”

“I know,” the alpha sighs.

“Then-“

“You took my smell Jimin, but it adapted to your body and magic. To the core, you smell like me,
but your undertones are sweeter, gentler. That’s why you might smell like an omega. Now,” he
says as he untangles his arms. “We need to go. Can you stand?”

Jimin moves his hands behind him to lift himself up but the moment he applies the slightest bit of
pressure on his leg, he gasps as pain shoots up his leg. Jungkook catches him before his back can
hit the ground.

“I’ll take that as a no,” Jungkook murmurs as he shifts to lift Jimin up properly. One arm around
his middle while the other moves to adjust Jimin’s shirt. The material had slid down his shoulder,
exposing his neck and a good part of his chest.

Jimin gulps as Jungkook’s fingers brush his skin. But they’re gone as fast and only the ghost of
their touch lingers.

“Can we rest for the night?”

Jungkook shakes his head sternly. “We can’t. You made too big of a commotion to risk staying so
close. We have to move.”

Jimin nods, eyebrows furrowing. “I’ll be slow,” he whispers, ”but I think I can manage for a few
hours until we’re far enough- Jungkook!” He gasps as he’s suddenly lifted in the air.

His arms fly out to wrap around the alpha’s wide shoulders instinctively as his mouth falls open in
shock. Jungkook keeps him up, bridal style, a hand around his back and another under his knees.
Their faces are so close Jimin swears Jungkook’s black hair tickles his cheeks.

“I can carry you,” the alpha says. And his voice lets no space for arguing. Not that Jimin has the
mind for it now. He’s too shocked to come up with a good reason why this is a bad idea.

“Ok,” he whispers, eyes falling to the crest that rests on the alpha’s exposed chest. “But not for
long,” he adds shyly.
He feels Jungkook nod above him. “We have to stop by the river quickly so I can clean up, then we
move.”

::Spiral::

Minutes pass by agonizingly slow in Jungkook’s arms.

His heart threatens to jump out of his chest for the first couple of hours of walking after the alpha
cleans himself. And because of it- because he knows Jungkook can hear its frantic beating clear as
day, his cheeks are permanently pink.

He tries to hide it by keeping his head low or by looking ahead. And maybe he succeeds because
the alpha doesn’t say anything about the color of his cheeks or frantic heart.

They walk in silence for hours and Jungkook doesn’t falter in his steps even for a second. He keeps
Jimin steady in his arms, his hold on the mage almost deadly.

“Would you have saved the pup if he didn’t have magic?” Jimin jumps a little when Jungkook
finally speaks. The alpha has to stop to adjust his hold on Jimin, eyebrows furrowed as he watches
Jimin’s blushing cheeks and wide eyes.

“I- probably? I mean yes, I would have.”

“He will grow up a wolf that won’t hesitate to kill a human to protect his clan. Are you still ready
to protect him?”

Jimin gulps, eyes downcast.

“I’ve killed enough wolves to not judge something he might or might not end up doing.”

“Yet you still hate us,” the alpha says plainly.

Jimin’s eyes lift up to watch the alpha. His skin shines under the sun. The mole under his lower lip
moves slightly as the alpha speaks and Jimin finds himself following it absentmindedly. He
doesn’t look mad. Doesn’t say the words as an accusation. The way he slightly tilts his head to the
side tells Jimin he’s more curious than anything.

“Jimin?” The alpha looks down and Jimin snaps out of his daze.

“I-“ he licks his lips, “I don’t know what else to feel.” He whispers, honest. “I grew up hearing
horror stories about rogues killing humans. Then when I was old enough to walk, I saw them in
action with my own eyes. Killing and hating wolves is all I was taught. All I know.”

“Then how can you bare to be so close to me now?”

“I don’t hate you, Jungkook…” he says barely above a whisper. He fears the alpha might make
him repeat his words. But there’s no way he didn’t hear him. “I did at first. But I’m mostly just
afraid. I’m scared I’m not strong enough to actually do something to help. And that translates into
anger and frustration towards wolves- the only kin I saw raining violence on us.”

The hand resting on his stomach inches closer until his fingers wrap around Jungkook’s shirt to
grip it. He spares a glance at Jungkook, but the alpha doesn’t seem to notice. His eyes are trained
ahead.

“Hoseok made me understand some things,” he breathes out. Jungkook’s fingers tighten on his
thigh at that, but Jimin doesn’t let that silence him. “Remember when I told you there are a lot of
things I don’t know?” He snorts. “I’m starting to believe there’s actually nothing that I do know. It
was easy to believe that humans were perfect when I lived in my bubble. It was easy to focus all of
my hatred on only one kin. But now, after listening to what Hoseok had to say, I’m starting to
realize I was wrong. I-,” his fingers tighten around the shirt. “I can’t hate every single wolf for the
actions of their ancestors and the rogues. Right?” He looks up at Jungkook.

He wants reassurance from Jungkook. Craves it like he craves water. Like he needs air to survive.
He wants the alpha to tell him that he will never give Jimin a reason to hate him. Wants the alpha
to say that his words back in the Min clan had been only empty threats, that he would have never
actually killed the pup. He wants…a connection.

Maybe it’s instinctual to crave a deeper connection with your bond. Or maybe weeks of being in
Jungkook’s presence have messed with Jimin’s heart and mind. But he simply can’t hate the wolf.
Can’t stay mad at him even though he might have reasons to.

“Wolves value strength above all else,” Jungkook whispers, and Jimin’s heart stops beating. “Sick
pups are killed after birth if their alpha father believes they won’t survive their first winter. Omegas
are protected in the pack because they carry the weight of keeping the line going, but they’re also
taught how to fight and protect each other and their pups. The minute the Head Alpha shows signs
of weakness, his son has to kill him to take over the pack.”

His eyes lower to Jimin. “You can hate us, Jimin. But the pack will respect you for your strength
once this is over regardless. They will treat you like their own because they will acknowledge the
part you took in protecting them. You might have started this for your people, but you will end it
for us, too.”

Jimin’s lips part as he looks up at Jungkook, fingers itching to cup the alpha’s face in his hands.

“You can hate us for the actions of our ancestors and the rogues, but we won’t hate you.”

“You can’t be sure of it” Jimin whispers, voice cracking. “W-what if I end up doing something so
horrible, they won’t ever be able to forgive me?”

“You would have to betray me to do something like that. And that won’t happen,” Jungkook says
harshly.

“How can you be so sure?”

Jimin gasps as the alpha hoists him up. Their faces are so close Jimin can’t look in both of
Jungkook’s eyes at the same time.

“Do you still not understand how this works?” He questions Jimin softly. Jimin shakes his head
slowly, hands holding on to Jungkook’s shoulders like a lifeline. “We’re bonded, Jimin. You won’t
ever be able to do something to hurt me. To betray me.”

“The choices I make have no link to our bond-“

“But the moment you hurt me- your hurt yourself. I feel you fighting the bond every day. You
want to let it grow stronger, but you’re also afraid of what it might do to you.”
“What about you?” Jimin dares to ask. “Are you also fighting it?”

“No,” Jungkook says honestly. “I did in the beginning. But I understood quickly that it won’t do us
any good to keep doing it.”

“It’s easy for you to say. You’re not the one in danger of being controlled,” Jimin snaps, but his
words are too softly spoken to come out rough. They’re merely his last attempt at getting a promise
out of the alpha. A promise that his fear will never become reality.

“Jimin,” Jungkook sighs. His breath fans over Jimin’s face. “Why do you refuse to see what’s right
in front of you?”

“W-what?”

“This bond,” Jungkook murmurs. “It works both ways. Just like you’re unable to betray me, I
would never be able to do something to hurt you. I know you’re scared. I feel it in you every day.
But-”

“If that were the truth,” Jimin interrupts the alpha, ”The Great Fall would be just a story used to
scare children. How can you say that when hundreds of mages were controlled to kill the dragons?
That hurt them, Jungkook. So why didn’t that, in turn, hurt the wolves that controlled them?”

“It did,” Jungkook murmurs, eyes far away.

“How?” Jimin grits out. “How did it hurt them when they were able to fight and overtake every
human village except one.”

“It didn’t happen instantly. They slowly went mad. It started with them losing control during their
ruts which led to them killing their mates. And ended with them being killed one by one by their
own pack for losing complete control over their wolves. We’re nothing without our wolf, but we’re
also nothing without our human side. We learn from a young age how important it is to keep them
in balance. If it tips in any way, the balance is lost, and we lose our value. A wolf without value
and strength is no wolf at all. He’s nothing. He becomes nothing for his pack and that is worse
than being burnt alive or living as a lone wolf. We gained power and territory, but we also lost too
much in the years that followed. Smaller clans never recovered, and their line died down. Some
managed to survive, but what happened still lingers in their heart.”

“Everything comes at a prince,” Jimin whispers, and Jungkook nods, a sad smile adorning his lips.

“Do you understand now?”

“Promise to never control me,” Jimin whispers.

“Jimin-“ the alpha sighs. He pulls his face away, but Jimin is quick to stop him with a hand on the
back of his neck. He lifts his head until they’re at eye level again.

“I understand,” Jimin says. “But I’m also human, Jungkook. I need words to feel safe. Please,” he
whispers, allowing himself to be vulnerable with the wolf.

“What are words good for when I have shown you with my actions you have nothing to worry
about?”

“When the worst comes you will hurt me to protect your pack even if that hurts you, too. We both
know that.”
“You-“ Jungkook growls, eyes shifting to brilliant red. Jimin gasps, pulling back. But Jungkook is
quick to roughly keep him pressed to his chest. “You’re mine, Jimin.” Jimin’s eyes widen. “Don’t
you understand? This bond makes you mine as much as it makes me yours. And I protect what’s
mine,” he whispers.

He says it with so much conviction Jimin can’t even breathe.

You’re mine. And I protect what’s mine.

Jimin lets the alpha’s word seep into his energy. Lets them find a warm space just for them to
remain forever in him. Lets them linger in his mind until he’s sure he can finally believe them.

His eyes zero in on Jungkook’s lips. His heart feels heavy. Mind dizzy. But when he feels himself
inch forward, he snaps back to himself.

He shakes his head and turns to look up ahead. His heart is up in his throat. His fingers won’t stop
shaking.

And he’s scared again. This time not for his life or his future. But for his heart. Because what he
had just yearend to do could never happen.

Never.

::Loom::

He doesn’t know a single thing about Jungkook, Jimin realizes one morning.

The alpha is on his knees in front of Jimin, checking his ankle. It’s healing fast with how little he’s
using it, and Jimin thinks he will be able to walk without any problems in a few days.

But that’s the last thing he thinks about as he watches Jungkook wrap the dirty shirt back around
his foot.

They’ve been walking on almost every part of the land together for three full moons and Jimin
doesn’t know a single thing about the alpha.

“How old are you?” He blurs out before his mind has the time to actually process the words. His
cheeks heat up instantly. “Sorry- that was rude you don’t have to answer-“

“24.” His eyes don’t leave Jimin’s ankle as he answers and Jimin can’t see his expression due to
the hair that covers his face.

“Oh- I, uh- you’re older than me.”

“Mhh.”

“I’m 21.”

Jungkook nods at that, tightening the knot on his ankle before shifting his gaze up to the mage.

“Should I call you Hyung?”

The silence that follows his question has Jimin rethinking every word until he pulls back, eyes
widening.

Jungkook laughs, standing up.

“If I wanted you to call me that I would have said something.” He tilts his head to the side, arms
crossing over his chest. The movement makes his muscles flex and Jimin’s eyes linger on them for
far too long.

“I thought wolves were serious about ranks and honorifics. Respect.”

“Mhh. We are,” the alpha nods, “but I’m the youngest amongst the people I work around daily.
I’m not used to being called Hyung. Only the pups I train do that.” His eyes trail over Jimin, humor
making them shine almost. “You’re not a pup.”

“I’m no-“ Jimin stops mid-sentence. He closes his eyes briefly to collect himself and when he
opens them again Jungkook watches him with an easy smile on his lips.

“Why did you want to know my age?”

“I was curious. I…I know nothing about you.”

“Of course you don’t,” Jungkook says, eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “I never told you
anything.”

“And do you want to keep it that way?” Jimin asks slowly, unharmed leg bouncing nervously.

The alpha’s eyes shift to it for a second before looking at Jimin again. “I never thought you want to
know more about me. That’s why I never told you anything. You can ask me whatever you want,”
he says, legs pulled apart as if he’s getting ready to be questioned for a crime.

Jimin snorts, relaxing a little. “I’m just curious about small stuff like…” he looks around, gesturing
vaguely with one hand. “Like, what’s your favorite color?” He settles for an easy question.

Jungkook’s eyes narrow. “I-“ he blinks, a little lost and Jimin has to hold back a laugh. “Black?”
He says slowly, unsure.

“Black,” Jimin repeats, nodding eagerly. Jungkook seems to be pleased that Jimin agrees with him
on his own favorite color and his eyebrows relax. “Mine is red.”

Jungkook hums to let Jimin know he has heard him and then sits down, cross-legged in front of the
mage. He looks up at Jimin, waiting for another question.

He looks rather cute like this, Jimin thinks.

“Favorite food?”

“Deer.”

“I was thinking about a dish- never mind. Deer, alright. Favorite season?”

“Winter.”

“Favorite part of the day?”

“Morning.”
“Why?”

“I train three groups of pups every morning.”

“Do you miss doing that?”

Jungkook is silent for a second. He smiles softly before responding. “Yes, I do.”

“Do you have to do that? Train pups I mean. Is that what you…do in the pack?”

“No. There’s not one thing I do in the pack. I patrol the borders if I have to. I go hunting. I help out
with repairing or building houses. I do everything I can. But I train pups because I enjoy working
with them. They’re hyperactive and very eager to learn.”

Images of Jungkook in the middle of twenty or so smiling pups surface in Jimin’s mind. He smiles
when he thinks about the alpha teaching the pups everything he knows gently.

“You’ll be a great father.” He doesn’t know why he says it. But sadness settles deep in his heart
after whispering those words.

Jungkook straightens his back. “In some ways I already am. I care for every pup in my clan. Maybe
they’re not mine in ways you’re thinking about. But they are still my blood. My family. My pack.”

“But don’t you want a family of your own?”

Jungkook chuckles. “You’re thinking very human-like.”

“I am human,” Jimin says plainly.

“Yeah.” The alpha’s laughter dies down. “Like I said. Every pup in the pack is already very dear to
me. I don’t really feel like…something is missing.”

What about a mate?

Jimin shuts that thought down as soon as it crosses his mind. He can’t go there.

“What’s your favorite scent?” Jimin thinks it’s a fairly easy question for a wolf. But Jungkook
locks up instantly and he stands up straighter as well.

“Humans can’t smell us, right?” Jungkook asks instead of answering. He doesn’t look at Jimin and
Jimin blinks a couple of times, taken aback by the question. Jungkook already knows the answer to
that question, why would he ask it?

“Not in the way you can smell us.” He answers anyway.

Jungkook nods. He looks at Jimin then and the air leaves his lungs. “Pine and wildflowers.”

Jimin gulps drily. He nods slowly, keeping eye contact with the alpha. He breathes out, relaxing a
little, only after Jungkook blinks and shifts his gaze over Jimin’s shoulders.

“Any more questions?” Jungkook asks after a few long moments of silence.

“I- uh I can’t think of anything now.” Jimin hurries to say. He can’t make his mind work properly
anymore. Jungkook’s intense eyes still haunted him.

“Then we should leave,” the alpha says. He stands up abruptly to pick up their already packed
bags. When he has both of them over his shoulders, he steps toward Jimin, and the mage shifts
closer to the edge of the rock- preparing to be lifted.

Jungkook bends and sneaks his hands under Jimin’s back and thighs. He scoops Jimin up
effortlessly and he hurries to wrap his arms around the alpha’s neck.

Jimin’s heart beats frantically in his chest and he keeps his head turned to watch over Jungkook’s
back to hide his burning cheeks for what feels like hours.

::Saudade::

It’s certainly interesting how two honest conversations can shift the dynamics of a pair, Jimin
thinks.

Just a couple of weeks ago he had cried on a dirty floor about how he was only a weapon to
Jungkook. About how the wolf would never care for him as a human being, as just Jimin and not a
weapon.

But something shifts between them after that day. After Jimin lets himself be vulnerable and
Jungkook is honest with him.

They talk more and Jungkook makes an effort to be the one to sometimes start conversations.

The change happens gradually and Jimin doesn’t really notice it. It feels almost natural. Like they
were always supposed to get to this point where they understand each other to some extent.

“Can I ask you something?” He asks while munching on a piece of meat. His eyes are set on the
small fire between them, but he feels the alpha’s eyes on him.

“Yes.”

“Why did you scent me if I smell like you?”

Jungkook shifts, uncomfortable or mad that Jimin had asked him something like this. He doesn’t
know which until the alpha laughs softly and he relaxes a little.

“My wolf felt cornered,” Jungkook breathes out. “It’s not used to being so far away from the pack
for so long. It felt like it had done something wrong to be banished. No matter how much I tried to
calm it down, nothing worked. I was restless back then because of that and then we also crossed
into the Min territory, and you lost your magic it…it messed with me. The only way I knew how to
regain some sense of myself was by scenting. You might smell like me,” his eyes lift to watch
Jimin over the fire, “but the scent amplifies after scenting and it calmed me down to feel you…
relaxed as well.”

“Oh,” Jimin looks down at his fingers. He shifts the piece of meat he was holding between each
hand thinking about the times Jungkook had scented him. He had felt more relaxed each time.
“Can you…” Jimin mumbles “No, never mind.” He shakes his head, lifting the meat to his mouth
to shut himself up.

But Jungkook doesn’t seem to want to let it go. “Can I what?”

Jimin bites his lip, gulping drily. How can he tell Jungkook that he wants to be scented again
without making it…weird? They’re not in any danger as of now and both of them are pretty calm.
There’s no need for the wolf to scent Jimin. So why does Jimin… long for it?

“Can you scent me?” He blurs out, eyebrows furrowing.

“Why?” Jungkook asks. He doesn’t sound mad or disgusted by the idea of doing it when he doesn’t
feel the need to. His voice comes out thin, curious.

“Do I need a reason?” Jimin asks a little defensive. He looks up at Jungkook to find the wolf
already on his feet.

He follows Jungkook as he moves around the fire until he’s down next to Jimin. He hates how tall
Jungkook is in moments like these. He feels vulnerable, emotions running wild and the alpha
towering over him doesn’t help calm him down.

“If you were a wolf, no. You would want to be scented every day. But you’re a human, Jimin. And
I just want to understand.”

He doesn’t want to lie to the wolf, but if he wants a reason Jimin has to think of a plausible one
because mumbling about how he needs to feel the alpha closer is not good enough. Baring his
heart for him to see is too much. His mind is spinning, and he just needs to feel Jungkook close
again.

“I- I just,” he frowns, hands clenching over his lap. “I’m anxious,” he lies, “about what’s going to
happen next. Scenting would help, right?”

Jungkook looks at him like he doesn’t believe him. Jimin knows the wolf can sense his energy. He
can feel how troubled Jimin is, but he has no way of knowing the real reason.

The alpha nods. “You reacted well to it when I did it back in the Min territory. It would help.”

“Then,” he shifts a little to get closer to the wolf, “do it.” He leans his head to the side, exposing
his neck at the same time his shirt slides down his shoulder.

He doesn’t see Jungkook with how far his neck is turned in the other direction. But he hears the
sharp intake of breath the alpha takes, and he opens his energy instinctively to feel the alpha.

But the moment he does so, Jungkook’s rough fingers curl around the side of his face to guide his
eyes back to him. And Jimin curls into himself. He can’t feel anything past the ringing in his ears
and the way his heart soars with the alpha’s warm fingers on his skin.

Jungkook’s fingers brush his jaw tenderly, but no matter how gentle the alpha tries to be, his grip
is tight when he finally cups Jimin’s jaw.

“You don’t have to look away,” he whispers so close to Jimin’s ear that goosebumps rise on every
inch of his body.

The alpha leans forward, one hand on the ground behind Jimin to hold his weight up. And like this,
Jimin can swear there’s nothing else around him than Jungkook. He can’t see the fire to their side.
Can’t see the dozens of trees all around them. There’s only Jungkook.

He inhales sharply when Jungkook’s nose finally touches the spot behind his ear and the alpha is
quick to try and calm him down by caressing his jaw with his thumb. But it does the opposite of
that, it makes him tremble more.
Small puffs of air hit his skin as Jungkook trails his nose lower down his neck until he finally
settles right in the juncture between his neck and his shoulder. There’s only skin for miles and
Jungkook takes advantage of it.

Before, the alpha would only move his nose up and down his neck slowly. But now, he rubs his
cheeks on Jimin’s neck as his nose glides further down his shoulders until his lips almost touch his
chest and Jimin inhales sharply.

His hand flies up to tangle in Jungkook’s hair and the alpha growls. It’s such a guttural sound.
Utterly intimate in the position they’re in and Jimin loses himself completely to it.

His back arches into Jungkook’s touch as the alpha lifts his hand to wrap around Jimin’s middle.
His belly tightens and his fingers tremble as their grip on Jungkook’s hair tightens. And when he
finally calms down enough to feel his energy and Jungkook’s again- he’s falling.

Because there’s nothing else that could describe the way his whole body and being reacts to it.
He’s falling and he’s spinning and he’s gripping harder on Jungkook because he’s afraid. Afraid
that at the end of the fall he will be left broken and alone.

But when Jungkook’s lips settle gently on his neck, right on his pulse point for the very first time,
he realizes he’s not alone anymore.

And when his feet reach the ground after the fall, he’s utterly tranquil. A sense of serenity like he’s
never felt before settling in every bone of his body. He almost falls back on the grass.

Jungkook holds him up tightly, lips still pressed on Jimin’s skin.

Jimin doesn’t feel himself anymore. Doesn’t understand where his energy ends and Jungkook’s
begins. And he almost feels like crying because nothing in his life had ever felt better than this.
This moment. This feeling.

Tears gather in his eyes, and he lets his body sag on Jungkook.

Jungkook lays him down gently until his arm is trapped between the ground and Jimin’s back.

In the dark, towering over Jimin like this with only a flicker of light illuminating his face from time
to time from the fire, he looks like the warrior Jimin had come to know he is. Fearless. Deadly. But
then why doesn’t Jimin feel afraid?

Why isn’t his body flinching and scattering away from the predator caging him in?

Why can’t he move a muscle to protect himself?

“Did I hurt you?” Jungkook asks as he looks down at Jimin.

“No,” Jimin whispers, voice cracking.

Because he’s not in danger.

Because the warrior keeping him from pulling away had never used his power against him.

Because there’s not even a flicker of doubt in Jimin’s bones that Jungkook would rather hurt
himself first before hurting him and that scares him to the core.

When had he come to trust the wolf so wholly? So blindly.

How can he feel so calm and protected under a man he had seen kill his own kin with his bare
hands?

His mind is mush. His body numb.

So when Jungkook falls next to him, his hand still trapped under Jimin, and whispers sleep, Jimin
doesn’t have the energy to protest.

His eyes close almost instantly as Jungkook’s fingers rub circles against his back. And he falls
asleep faster than he remembers ever doing in his life.

Falls asleep like he was again back in his mother’s arms.

Falls asleep like nothing in this world could ever be a threat big enough to keep him from resting
like a baby.

Because that’s what it feels like to be held by Jungkook.

That’s what it feels like to be wrapped in his serene and warm energy.

Like nothing could ever touch him if the alpha was here.

Like nothing could ever make him feel terrified again.

Like nothing could ever make him suffer again.

 Origin

PART VI

|| origin ||

::Faldne::

There’s a certain silence that blinds the mind when a storm is set to come. The air feels different;
heavier but also somehow more welcoming. The wind blows gently, but with intent and the sky is
grey, even in the middle of the day.

They’re a week or so away from Althea and Jimin doesn’t really mind the rain. He’s waiting
patiently for it to finally hit.

He’s steady on his feet now, has been for the past week. But he misses Jungkook’s warmth against
his body. It feels weird to walk so far away from the wolf after almost two weeks of being in his
arms for hours upon hours every day.

“Can we stop once the rain hits?” Jimin asks over a powerful gust of wind, eyes up to the sky.

“We shouldn’t if we want to cover enough ground today,” Jungkook says from ahead.

Jimin nods, agreeing with the wolf even though the thought of getting all wet unsettles him. He
pouts as he jogs to reach Jungkook. He winces a few times, but it feels rather good to put pressure
on his leg again.

“What if the rain covers the scents you’re following?”

“You can use your magic to sense energies.”

“We will get soaked head to toe.”

“You can keep yourself warm.”

“What about you?”

The alpha side-eyes him. “Did I not just spend weeks in the north with only a shirt on while you
couldn’t use your magic?”

Jimin’s cheeks heat up. “Then what reason is good enough for you to let us rest while it rains?”

“None,” Jungkook says evenly. “We keep walking.”

Jimin sighs but keeps his legs moving, sulking inside even if his face is stone cold.

They keep walking in the eerie mood of the forest right before it rains. Jimin expects the first drop
of water to hit his cheeks any minute. But it never comes.
The wind gets stronger and stronger. But the rain never comes. And that’s when they realize
something doesn’t feel right.

The wind doesn’t blow from only one direction as it should. It seems to come directly from above,
flattening everything around. And it’s hot. Hotter than early autumn should ever be.

They don’t expect it and that makes it a hundred times more frightening.

They don’t expect the enormous black dragon that flies above their heads.

Jimin is almost knocked off his feet because of the strong wind that follows, but Jungkook keeps
him steady with a tight grip around his arm.

“Can you run?” He asks, eyes focused on the direction the dragon had come from.

Jimin can barely hear him from the way his ears ring, but he still nods, dazed.

The alpha narrows his eyes and cups Jimin’s face to guide it to him. “Look at me- Jimin, look at
me. Good. Can you hear me?” nod. “Do you understand what just happened?” nod. “Can you
run?” nod. “Then run south from here as fast as you can and hide in the first cave you see, alright?”

Jimin blinks at that, his mind finally catching up to him again. “What? No- I can’t leave you he-“

“If the dragon is here, it can’t be alone. I can’t smell any wolves, but they shouldn’t be too far
away. They will reach us soon. I’ll hold them back.”

“No!” Jimin screams, pulling back from the alpha. “We’re stronger together. You know that!”

“Not against a full army!” The alpha growls, eyes wide.

Jimin shakes his head vehemently. “I’m not leaving you.” He says again. His voice is calm.
Deadly so.

Jungkook inhales deeply, jaw flexing as he tries to keep himself from probably jumping at Jimin’s
neck for not listening to him.

“We can risk one of us dying, Jimin. But not both of us. Not now.”

“I know I wasn’t able to show you how strong I am until now. But believe me, Jungkook. We are
stronger together. One of us doesn’t have to die for the other to live.”

“These are trained warriors,” the alpha spits. “They’re not mindless rogues.”

“And I can literally burn all of them alive!”

“What if they have a mage with them that can block your magic?”

Jimin steps back, eyes falling to his feet. “I’m more cautious. That won’t happen again,” he
whispers.

Jungkook sighs, trying to calm himself down. “Jimin-

The strong wind returns full force and the alpha’s words die on his lips as a loud roar makes every
tree around them shake.

Their heads snap up and there it is again- mighty and powerful. A nightmare.
It lands roughly twenty feet in front of them and the ground shakes so much Jimin loses his
balance. He falls on his knees, eyes stuck on the beast.

Jungkook lowers himself down, covering Jimin with his body.

They’re watching the dragon in silence. None of them daring to move an inch. Jimin feels like he’s
not even breathing anymore.

It’s the same dragon. The same cold eyes. The same dark scales. The same guttural roar.

And it’s not fear that he feels as he watches the dragon shake his neck as he settles on the ground,
wings tucking by his body. It’s serenity and then disgust and hatred.

Something calls for him to go closer. Just like it had guided him to the lost pup.

It burns bright red in him. It tingles on his fingertips, and it sends waves of impulse in his feet to
move. But Jungkook’s heavy weight keeps him rooted in place.

“I’ll count to ten and then you-“

“No,” Jimin whispers. “It won’t hurt us.”

“Jimin-“

“I know this might sound…nuts- but believe me. I can feel it. The dragon’s energy. It’s calling for
me.”

Jungkook’s hands hurriedly turn his face away from the dragon then all Jimin can see are dark,
worried eyes.

“I’m not letting you take a step toward that beast. Do you hear me?”

“I want to. But I can barely move with you holding me down.”

“Listen to me-“

“You listen to me!” Jimin snaps, adrenaline rushing through his body. “I think the wolves are
further away than you believe. Look at it-“ he gestures to the sleeping dragon, “it wouldn’t just
sleep here in the middle of the day if the wolves were moving somewhere. They’re resting, so it
went out to hunt and rest, too. That means we can just…go.” His voice gets quieter and quieter as
he finishes, suddenly feeling a little embarrassed. Maybe he was wrong and just made a fool of
himself in front of the alpha.

Jungkook spares the dragon a look. His shoulders are so tense Jimin swears the alpha would jump
into action even if a fly were to land on them.

“What do you feel exactly?” Jungkook asks slowly as he turns back to Jimin, eyes a little bit
gentler.

The corners of Jimin’s mouth lift up a little, pleased with himself and happy that Jungkook is
slowly starting to listen to him. He looks away, concentrating on the sensations rushing through his
body.

“It comes in waves,” he starts slowly, searching for the right words. “It’s like…like it doesn’t
know what it’s doing. Like it doesn’t know how to act around me. The dragon’s energy shifts from
raw, bright light searching for my energy to gentle strokes floating around me. I,” he licks his lips,
eyes turning to watch the dragon, “I want to reach out- my magic is practically begging me to do
so. But I think I might have a heart attack if it actually reacts to it.”

His heart breaks because of the way his magic begs him to reach out. This is the beast that had
killed his mother. His entire clan and dozens more. Bile rises in his throat, and he falls forward,
fingers digging into the grass under him.

“Jimin-“

“I can’t look at it,” he whispers. “I want to- I want to reach out and see what this feeling is, but it-
my mother-“ he chokes on a sob.

The dragon’s eyes snap open before Jungkook can say anything and both he and Jimin stop to
watch its next move.

The dragon’s eyes move lazily between the two, lingering on Jimin. He gasps, the air leaving his
lungs in a rush as that raw energy searches his harsher, as if thrilled that it had finally found what it
had been looking for. But before Jimin can do anything, Jungkook pulls him up and away from the
dragon.

“We leave,” the alpha growls.

Jimin is in the air in the next second, hands flying to circle around Jungkook’s neck. And as the
alpha carries him away from the dragon, his heart gets heavier and heavier.

He feels like crying. Like screaming and punching Jungkook until the alpha drops him to the
ground.

But he stays still in the alpha’s arms and only watches.

Watches the dragon’s eyes turn glassy. Watches the dragon tucks his wings closer to his body, as if
to protect himself. Watches as the dragon simply lets them walk away.

It’s the second time Jimin sees that dragon. But for the first time, he feels it.

Because against his own hurt and despair- he reaches out with his magic.

Their energies shift and turn around each other until finally, the dragon’s raw light settles
protectively over Jimin’s fearful and gentle one.

“Beautiful,” he whispers, amazed.

Jungkook’s fingers digging harder into his skin is the last thing he feels before passing out,
exhausted.

::A Howling Wilderness::

“Don’t stare at anyone. Don’t growl. Don’t turn your eyes re-“

“I thought we were passed you teaching me how to behave around humans,” Jungkook says, a hint
of a smirk appearing in the corner of his lips.
Jimin stops, lips open, hand in the air- three fingers up as he was enumerating the things Jungkook
shouldn’t do. He stands still, staring at Jungkook. The sun shines directly on him from behind,
offering the tall alpha a soft glow around his dark and wild hair. There’s dirt on his face, but that
doesn’t make him any less beautiful. And there’s dirt on his neck. Jimin follows the path of grey
and browns down to Jungkook’s exposed chest between the V-cut of his shirt. He shakes his head
to stop his mind from wandering.

He clears his voice and steps aside to look behind Jungkook at the tall walls ahead. “It’s been a
while since we’ve stumbled upon any humans. I thought you needed the reminder.”

“Am I not doing well around you?”

“You growl every few minutes if we talk longer than ten minutes,” Jimin says plainly, eyes fixing
on the alpha again.

Jungkook narrows his eyes, growling but stops sharply when he realizes he’s just proved Jimin
right.

Jimin’s eyes widen and his hand flies to his mouth, stopping the laugh that was ready to slip out of
him. They look at each other. Jimin wide-eyed. Jungkook’s eyebrows narrowed. Until Jimin finally
breaks the agonizing silence.

“Let’s rewind time to five minutes ago,” he says, smiling. He claps loudly to indicate a time rewind
and Jungkook actually jumps at the sound, surprised and confused. “Let me do the talking and just
try to not look too menacing. Alright?”

Jungkook nods, still watching Jimin as if he’s just come down from the skies.

Jimin smiles widely as he passes the alpha, and he beckons Jungkook to follow him with one move
of his hand.

When they reach the walls that protect the city, Jimin stops abruptly and Jungkook follows,
stepping beside him.

“We have to wait.”

“Why?” Jungkook murmurs, looking up the walls until his head is tilted all the way back. He looks
amazed by them, lips slightly parted.

“A mage will sense my energy and send a guard to see us. The gates won’t open if we simply
knock on them. They haven’t been opened in decades probably.”

“Are humans not searching for safety in Althea?”

“It’s too dangerous to travel so long to get here and they have no way of knowing if the queen
would agree to let new people into the city.”

“That’s not a leader, that’s a coward.”

“She does what’s best for the few humans still living inside the city.”

“And what about those outside of it?” He turns to watch Jimin. “What about you?”

“The army is not what it used to be before the war and there are only a handful of mages inside the
city. Maybe even less now. She has no resources to help the humans trapped outside.”
“And what resources did you have when you came looking for me?” Jungkook whispers.

Jimin’s throat goes dry. He opens his mouth, but he closes it quickly when no reply comes out,
flustered.

Thunder booms around them when the gate finally moves and a man steps in front of them. Jimin
thanks the Gods he doesn’t have to face Jungkook’s piercing eyes anymore.

“State your names!” The man screams. He’s dressed in what Jimin remembers to be the colors of
the royal bloodline. Blue and red. And the sword around his waist indicates he’s part of the guards
that patrol the walls.

Jimin steps forward and Jungkook takes a step to the right to move his body behind Jimin.

“My name is Park Jimin, and this is my bond,” he turns slightly to gesture to Jungkook, “Jeon
Jungkook of the Jeon Clan.”

The man’s eyebrows narrow and his lips twitch in disgusts as he looks at Jungkook.

“Why are you here, mage Park Jimin?”

“Can I speak with a mage? It would be-“

“Why are you here?!” The man interrupts him harshly.

Jimin clenches his fist to keep calm, the small smile he’s put on since the man stepped in front of
them never wavering. “I’m here to hopefully learn something that can help me in the war that’s to
come.”

“The Queen will not get involved in any war.”

“Of course,” Jimin agrees easily. “I’m not here to see the Queen. I’m here for the mages I know
still protect this city.”

“For how long you plan to be here?”

“Two weeks.”

The man seems completely shocked by Jimin’s response. “Two weeks’ worth of resources wasted
on a wolf?” He spits the word out with such pure malice that Jimin jumps, taken aback.

He can feel Jungkook grow restless behind him, and he hurries to shut the man up before the alpha
loses his control.

“It’s the least you can do for a man that’s risking his life for you.”

“Althea is safe. We don’t need you here. We don’t need you risking anything for us.”

“I wonder if the dragon lurking only a week away from here in the forest believes the same; that
you’re safe.”

“Don’t spew lies in front of me, boy. The dragons are dead. All of them.”

“I believed so, too. But now my clan and every other clan far up west are burnt to the ground by
that beast! So you would be wise to let us pass. I need guidance from the mages inside the city.”
Jimin takes a step forward, expecting the man to back down. But the next second the man lifts his
sword up to Jimin, cutting his path.

Jimin looks at the pointy tip of the sword, unflinching. Until a deep growl comes from right behind
him and then Jungkook is between him and the sword, shielding Jimin with his own body.

Jimin gasps and hurries to pull the alpha back. “He wouldn’t actually hurt me!”

“You don’t know that,” Jungkook says, voice steady.

“Step back wolf or you will be sorry!” He tries to sound menacing, but his voice wavers at the end
and it doesn’t go unnoticed by Jungkook.

The alpha relaxes his shoulders. “I would like to see what you’re capable of,” Jungkook says,
curious.

The man blinks, frustrated and flustered by Jungkook’s calm demeanor.

“Enough!”

Jimin’s eyes snap behind the man to the woman walking fast towards them. She’s tall, probably as
tall as Jungkook, and her long blond hair swings behind her body just as her blue and red robes do.

“What’s the meaning of this, guard Jiyhon?” He asks the man once she has reached him.

The guard holds his head down, hands firmly placed by his sides. “He’s asking to be let into the
city for two weeks, mage Yuna. His bond is a Jeon wolf.”

The woman snaps her eyes to Jungkook at that and Jungkook matches her stare dead on.

“I see,” she whispers after a while. “I take it the Yen clan has started moving?” She asks, eyes
moving to Jimin.

“You knew- Yes!”

“Park Jimin?” She asks, his name sounds a little off on her lips. As if she’s heard it countless times
in her dreams but was never able to say it out loud.

“Uh…Yes.”

She nods and her eyes don’t give anything away. She turns around briskly. “Follow me,” she says
over her shoulder as she starts walking without waiting to see if Jimin or Jungkook actually follow
her.

The guard gestures for them to walk forward and then they follow. Jungkook behind Jimin,
blocking Jimin’s body from the guard’s view.

Jimin swallows drily as they reach the gates and walk through them. He doesn’t know what he was
expecting. Aside from a few very old drawings, he had never seen a human city before. But when
his eyes fall on the first red stone house right to the side of the wall, his heart catches in his throat.

The house stands tall at the end of a small stairway. On each side, beautiful flowers of every color
sway slowly in the wind, beckoning any passerby to bend and catch a glimpse of their welcoming
scent. A chicken coup occupies the side of the house, beautifully fenced in with a white, wooden
fence.
Jimin looks away, slowly. And everywhere his eyes move, he sees the same beautiful image.
Humans everywhere working in front or behind their houses. Dogs running wild after playful
children.

The sun shines down on them from high above, making everything around them bright and
welcoming. But Jimin feels like crying.

Althea seems like a piece of heaven only a few chosen ones could benefit from. A perfect dream.

Something he had hoped to bring to life for his mother. Something Jimin had wished for his clan.

But outside these walls, this dream dies. Withered away under the fire of a dragon.

“Where are we going?” Jungkook asks from behind Jimin, calm. Jimin turns to look at the alpha.
He doesn’t seem as taken aback by what he sees. His eyes are trained on the mage ahead.

“To the mage’s quarters. We reside just outside the inner walls that protect the palace.”

And with every sharp turn they take through narrow streets, Jimin feels his heart grow heavier and
heavier.

There’s no dark cloud looming over these people. They smile and laugh freely eating fresh fruits in
front of their homes. Parents don’t run after their children to protect them if they disappear for a
minute, they know they’re safe here.

How is this his reality?

How can there be such a peaceful place in the world he grew up in?

There’s a river that flows through the northern side of the city. It cuts the inner wall and the palace
from the rest of the city, and right before it, the mage’s quarters lay beautifully at the base of the
hill that hides the palace.

It’s the most beautiful building Jimin has ever seen. With intricate stone carving and big windows
that probably lit up the space inside all throughout the day, reaching every dark corner.

If he wouldn’t know better, he would have thought this is the palace.

There are no guards inside and Jimin guesses the mages don’t really need any to begin with.

Yuna turns to them, eyes a little bit softer now. “I will provide a room for each of you and a warm
bath and food will be prepared. After you’ve bathed and eaten something, we will meet to talk,
Park Jimin. Alone,” she adds, eyes sliding behind his shoulders to Jungkook.

Jimin doesn’t argue with her. As much as he’s come to trust and care for Jungkook, he needs to
speak with the mage alone first.

Once they enter the building, the guard that had followed them here leaves and Yuna ushers them
through countless corridors until she stops in front of two white doors.

“This is yours,” she gestures to the one on the right. “And this is for your bond,” she says opening
the one on the left.

Jimin takes a quick peek inside. The room is fairly small but white and very bright. Welcoming
like everything else in the city.
“Where’s the bathing tub?” He asks after he fails to see one inside the room.

Yuna seems a little confused. “All mages and other people living here use a public bath. It will be
cleared for the two of you for one hour. I will take you to it now.”

A public bath.

For the two of you.

It can’t be.

But just as they step through two white doors, Jimin’s heart jumps in his throat.

::brot::

The room is spacious, and so bright Jimin’s eyes hurt. Sunbeams flicker in through huge windows
placed on the wall at the far end. In the middle, a big pool of water lies untouched.

“The water is warm enough,” The mage says and Jimin nods, mouth dry. “You have one hour and
then some food will be prepared. I will come back for you when it’s ready.”

She leaves the room, closing the doors behind her with a heavy thud.

Jimin flinches, finally taking his eyes off the shimmering water. He lifts his eyes up only to see the
alpha already watching him.

“Do you want me to wait outside until you’re done?”

Yes.

“No- uh it’s fine.”

The alpha nods curtly. His hands grip the ends of his shirt and Jimin turns around hastily before
Jungkook can reach his chest as he lifts the shirt up.

Jimin stands with his back turned, heart beating hard in his chest as he listens to Jungkook
shuffling around before he hears the tale-tale sound of water rippling as something steps into it.

He turns to face Jungkook after no other sound breaks the silence for a few seconds. The alpha
stands in the middle of the pool, water covering him only up to his hips. “Turn around.”

Jungkook listens easily, turning his back to the mage.

Jimin shuffles out of his clothes fast, eyes trained on the alpha, ready to hide if he so much as
moves a muscle. But Jungkook keeps his eyes firmly locked ahead.

Jimin steps into the water and glues his back to the stone walls of the pool as far away from
Jungkook as possible. Then he sits down on the edge, making the water hit his chin.

“You can look now,” he whispers.

Jungkook turns slowly, eyes lading on Jimin instantly. The corner of his lips twitches when he
spots Jimin’s red cheeks and completely covered body, but he doesn’t say anything. He scoots
back, hitting the other end of the pool right in front of Jimin. But when he sits on the edge, the
water comes up to his chest only. He spreads his arms out over the edge, eyes falling shut.

He looks completely out of place. Against all the white and bright light in the room, the alpha
looks like a nightmare with his black hair, healed cuts, and intricate tattoos. But Jimin can’t stop
looking at him. Can’t stop wanting to lose himself completely in Jungkook’s dark eyes.

His eyes travel over the alpha’s wide shoulders, lingering every two seconds on an old, healed scar.
Some are completely faded almost; some are wider or longer. One travels down his shoulder to his
chest and Jimin follows it eagerly until his eyes settle on the crest resting there.

Power and Protection

Two things Jungkook believes in. Two things he offers Jimin every single day. His tattoos speak of
the same story.

Jimin’s heart stops beating when the alpha moves slightly and the water ripples around his upper
body, exposing more skin to his hungry eyes.

He snaps them closed at that.

What is he doing? Ogling the alpha when he’s just trying to relax after such a long journey.

His eyes open again to look at Jungkook’s neck. At the way his skin moves slightly as he
swallows.

Something in him shifts. Warm tingles travel up between his thighs until his stomach swoons and
he almost gasps at the sensation.

And then he’s absolutely mortified.

He looks down, mind spinning.

Jungkook can’t see him. But he can definitely smell him.

He doesn’t know how to stop the way his body reacts to the alpha. He closes his eyes tightly, fists
clenching until his nails cut into the sensitive skin of his palms. But his thighs still tremble when
images of Jungkook play over and over in his mind.

“Jimin,” Jungkook’s smooth voice cuts through his turmoil. It’s so loud and clear Jimin’s eyes
snap open just to find the alpha mere inches from him. He gasps, pushing back, but he has nowhere
to go. He hadn’t even heard the alpha move.

Jungkook stands over him, water trailing over his face from his hair and down his chest. Jimin
follows the trail until his eyes catch a few small strands of hair that start right below the alpha’s
belly button and then his eyes snap up. Jungkook’s eyes are hooded as he looks down at Jimin and
Jimin thinks his cheeks are redder than blood.

“I think I should leave,” the alpha says. But he doesn’t move an inch to step back from Jimin. His
eyes linger on Jimin’s face. On his eyes. On his furrowed eyebrows. On his red cheeks. On the
freckles right below his eyes. On his lips-

Jimin jumps up to hurriedly step aside and away from Jungkook. His chest moves rapidly as he
tries to calm himself down but fails.

“You should go, yes-“

Don’t go.

“Do you want me to go?” The alpha stops him.

Jimin’s mouth opens, heart stopping. They face each other in the middle of the pool and Jimin feels
like fainting.

“Why would I want you to stay?” He asks barely above a whisper.

Please stay.

Jungkook’s eyes move from Jimin’s eyes to his chest then down to where the water finally covers
his body. They settle there and Jimin has to hold back the urge to cover himself. Jungkook can’t
see him through the water. There’s no way he can.

“Are you scared?” The alpha asks, eyes moving slowly up again. “Or are you confused?”

“I don’t know what you mean.”

“There’s no point in lying to me, Jimin. I can smell you.”

“I think the heat is getting to your head. You’re imagining things.”

Jungkook’s eyebrows furrow. “I should have waited outside for you to bathe alone,” he says. “It
would have been better if you kicked me out of the room like you were probably thinking about.”
He sounds guilty and Jimin almost goes to him, needing to comfort the alpha. A muscle in his jaw
flexes and his eyes linger on Jimin’s lips before he hastily turns around.

He gets out of the room faster than Jimin can remember how to breathe and when the white doors
fall shut after the alpha, Jimin almost drowns. In the water or in the feelings taking hold of his own
body, he doesn’t know.

His mind is spinning, and every inch of his body burns and the white pleasure making his heart
beat frantically only grows stronger every time his eyes close and images of Jungkook’s strong
body invade his mind.

Jimin is no stranger to the pleasures of the body. Every boy goes through puberty imagining how
beautiful and freeing a moment like this can feel.

But Jimin feels afraid and confused.

He wants the alpha. There’s no doubt in his mind and body about it. But he’s too afraid to act on it.
After all, if Jungkook had truly wanted to stay, he wouldn’t have left, right? He wouldn’t have been
so quick to turn his back on Jimin.

::The Hanging Tree::

Jimin doesn’t see Jungkook for two days after that.

Or more correctly, Jimin hides from Jungkook for two days straight. And can you blame him for
it? The alpha had smelled his arousal. Jimin will never be able to look Jungkook in the eyes.
Never.

“Jimin,” Jungkook calls from behind.

Jimin snaps shut the book he was staring at while overthinking every second of that half hour
spent with Jungkook in the pool when the alpha’s voice cuts through the silence of the library.

He swirls around, eyes wide. He had truly thought the alpha would never think of looking for him
here.

Jungkook stands by the white double doors, leaning against the wall. He seems to sense Jimin’s
troubled energy, and he doesn’t step forward.

He points with his chin at the book Jimin holds limply at his side. “Found anything interesting?”

Jimin gulps, blinking a couple of times to collect himself. He can’t even remember what the book
was about. He lifts it up to look at the title. Energy manipulation. Oh, that.

“Energy manipulation,” he says while lifting the old book up, avoiding eye contact with the alpha.
Pages might fall out of it if he’s not careful enough, so he quickly lifts his other hand as well to
hold it better. “How did you find me here?”

“Yuna-ssi told me you’ve been here since yesterday morning.” His eyes fall on the dirty dishes
placed on a small table next to a bookshelf. “At least you didn’t forget to eat something.”

“She has been bringing me food,” Jimin mumbles.

Jungkook nods. He pulls himself off the wall and starts walking toward Jimin. He backs away until
his back hits the shelf and Jungkook stops at that, head tilted to the side. He seems to analyze
Jimin- eyes moving slowly up and down his body. They settle on Jimin’s eyes, and the mage
quickly looks away, cheeks aflame.

“Why energy manipulation?” Jungkook asks after a moment, keeping his distance.

“Uh,” Jimin clears his throat. He moves his weight nervously from one foot to another until he
finally settles on sitting down at the table. “I’ve been thinking about it since we saw the dragon,”
he whispers, eyes focused on the book. “Remember how I said there was this energy that was
calling for me?” He doesn’t look at Jungkook to see if the alpha reacts in any way. “It felt
overwhelming. It felt like…like that time you controlled me at the lake.”

Footsteps echo around the room until Jimin catches sight of Jungkook standing to his right.

“It might sound crazy- trust me I know,” he says quickly, playing with his fingers. “But I think it’s
possible to control it- the dragon.”

Jungkook pulls the chair from the table with one hand. He turns it around so it faces him then sits
down with his legs spread, one hand resting on the tall back. “And did you find something useful
in that book?”

“Not really,” Jimin murmurs. “It’s focused on humans mostly. On how wolves can control mages.
But I think that it’s at least worth a try. I can’t shake this-“ he narrows his eyebrows, biting his lip,
“feeling that it’s actually possible to control it. I know what I felt. I know what my instinct is telling
me. But my mind is constantly making me doubt myself.”

“Even if you’re right and it could be possible. You won’t be able to do it without any prior
training. You need to try it on small animals first. From a butterfly to a bird and a rabbit. And then
bigger ones.”

Jimin hums, nodding along. Jungkook is right. It would make sense to try it out and see how it
goes instead of just reading vague theories about it.

“Can you help me?” He asks, eyes finally finding Jungkook’s.

The alpha watches him with gentle eyes. One corner of his mouth almost lifted in a smile. “Of
course,” he whispers.

Jimin can’t bare Jungkook’s eyes on him longer than that. He stands up abruptly, Jungkook lifting
his head slightly to watch him. He puts the book aside and lifts the tray of dirty dishes off the table
before turning to walk out of the library.

“Let’s go,” he says when he reaches the door, but Jungkook is already next to him opening the
door for him.

“Try not to think too much about it,” Jungkook’s low voice echoes around him in the wide clearing
behind the mage’s quarters.

“Easy to say,” Jimin snaps through gritted teeth. He’s been trying to somehow control the white
butterfly that rests on a wooden bench for more than three hours now.

“It is just as easy to do if you actually try.”

Jimin’s eye twitches in annoyance.

“Feel it,” Jungkook’s voice comes from right behind him suddenly and Jimin almost jumps to get
away. But he relaxes into it the longer Jungkook speaks. “You said your mind can’t explain what
you’re feeling. What instinct is telling you, right?” Jimin nods, eyes still closed. “Then stop
thinking about it. You’re trying to rationalize it to make it work, but that is only pushing you back.
Let yourself feel.”

Jimin shifts his shoulders to relax his back and then Jungkook’s hands are on him. His rough
fingers settle right around Jimin’s wrists, and a shiver travels up his spine. His thumbs push down
on Jimin’s pulse point, and the pressure has Jimin leaning his back into the alpha’s strong chest.

“Let your magic guide you, Jimin.”

He inhales deeply and exhales slowly before focusing on shutting his mind off.

It happens slowly, gradually. Until he can’t think of anything and all he feels is pure energy pulsing
all around him.

Jungkook’s energy overpowers everything else, but Jimin doesn’t let himself be distracted by it.
He shifts his focus ahead. To the bench he can picture perfectly in his mind.
It rests right in the middle of two, big oak trees. The river that separates the castle from them flows
right behind it and flowers sway slowly with the breeze all around. And then- right on the far right
of the bench, is the white butterfly they’ve kept their distance from as to not disturb it.

He feels a pulse. A very faint one. But he clings to it like a lifeline. He’s gentle as he lets the
smallest fraction of his magic reach out to the butterfly. Its wings twitch once and Jimin holds his
breath. But the butterfly doesn’t move.

He can’t explain it. Can’t make sense of what he feels, and he doesn’t even try to.

His magic circles around the butterfly and then there’s only one word playing on repeat in his
mind.

Fly.

Fly.

Fly!

“Jimin,” Jungkook whispers from behind.

“Is it,” he licks his lips, “flying?”

“Yes,” Jungkook breaths out, wonder thick in his voice.

Jimin laughs, happy. Utterly happy.

He opens his eyes to watch the butterfly. It flies in circles around the bench just like Jimin had
imagined him doing in his mind.

“I did it,” he murmurs. “Jungkook-“ he swirls around, big eyes looking up at Jungkook. “I did it!”

Jungkook moves one hand around Jimin’s waist while the other rests at his side as he shifts his
gaze from the butterfly to the mage. “You did it,” he agrees easily.

Jungkook’s hand on his hip feels too intimate. But right. Jimin doesn’t pull away. He doesn’t avert
his eyes from the alpha even when he feels his cheeks heat up.

Instead, he sneaks one hand up the alpha’s chest until his fingers brush the crest that rests right in
the middle. He lets his hand rest there. “Should we move to something bigger?” He asks, eyes
wide. Adrenaline pulsing in him wildly. The euphoria of finally being able to do something right
made him jittery to keep going.

“Only if you’re not too tired.”

“I’m not. I’m perfectly fine! I think we can skip the bird and move to a rabbit or something or what
if I try even some-“

Jungkook’s fingers dig in Jimin’s flesh over the soft material of his shirt as he pulls him closer.
Jimin shuts up instantly. He arches his back as he pulls back a little to still be able to look up at the
alpha. “Calm down,” Jungkook says softly. “I know you feel like you could do just about anything
now. But you still have to take it step by step. We won’t skip the bird.”

“Alright,” Jimin gulps drily. His fingers twitch to curl in Jungkook’s hair, but he keeps them glued
to the alpha’s chest.
“Good,” Jungkook murmurs, voice deep. Jimin feels goosebumps rise on his skin at his tone.

He jumps back and turns around to hide his face from Jungkook before his emotions get the better
of him. Before they have a repeat of what happened in the pool.

“Can you go find a bird’s nest for me?” Jimin asks the alpha. He needs to be alone for a second.

Jungkook leaves without saying anything and Jimin goes straight to hyperventilating.

He hunches over, hands on his knees to keep himself from falling down.

“You’ve gone completely insane, Jimin.” He scrunches his eyes tight to fight back whatever
sensation threatens to take hold of his body.

He can still feel Jungkook’s fingers on his waist. His skin burns and everything in him begs him to
search for the alpha. Glue himself to Jungkook and never step away.

“Pull yourself together!” He snaps back up, eyes narrowed.

He can’t let whatever this is distract him. They’re here for a reason.

He breathes once. Twice. Exhales and then his eyes open slowly. Mind somewhat clear again.

::At The Summertide Feast:

How can his mind remain clear when Jungkook looks down at him with a gentle and somewhat
timid smile on his lips? How can his heart stop beating fast when the alpha turns to show him the
colorful lights that decorate the trees down in the valley?

“Jungkook,” he breathes. Then nothing else comes out as he takes a step forward, eyes falling on
the people singing, dancing, and walking through the trees.

“I heard three guards talking about the celebrations humans were preparing for this year’s equinox.
I- uh, I thought you would like to participate.”

Jimin gulps, throat tight. He had never seen something like this. In his clan, they never had enough
energy in them or food to celebrate anything.

The music is so loud it reaches them even from where they stand up on the hill and Jimin’s legs
itch to run down into the middle of the dancing humans.

“Jimin?” Jungkook whispers as he comes to stand in front of Jimin.

Jimin shifts his gaze to Jungkook. The lights from below wrap the alpha in a colorful shadow. His
eyebrows are relaxed, and his shoulders aren’t tense. But he does look a little anxious as he watches
Jimin with big eyes.

“I love it,” he speaks softly. “I want to go down. Now.”

“Yeah- of course,” Jungkook steps back, smiling wide. It makes Jimin’s heart skip a beat. “We can
go right now.”
Jimin follows Jungkook down the hill. The alpha bends and breaks every small branch for the
mage to walk without getting hurt. Jimin gasps when Jungkook turns to lift him up over the trunk
of a fallen tree.

“Sorry,” Jungkook says as he puts him down gently. “I should have warned you.”

“No-“ Jimin clears his throat, eyes focusing on Jungkook’s neck. “It’s fine. Thank you.”

“Come. We don’t have long to go.”

Jimin nods and follows Jungkook with trembling hands. They reach the singing and dancing crowd
sooner than Jimin can calm down his heart, so when Jungkook guides him to enter the crowd with
a hand on his lower back, Jimin steps back- eyes wide.

“Maybe we can- walk around? Or have a drink first?” He asks over the music.

“There are food and drink stands on the other side by the river. Do you want to go there?”

“Yes!”

Jungkook nods. “Come,” he says stepping into the crowd to make space for Jimin to go through.

They walk for a few minutes without a problem, until Jimin is roughly pushed by a man to the
side, and he falls to the ground with a loud yelp. He reaches blindly with his hands for something
to catch himself on, but he comes up empty.

“Sorry, man!” The man laughs and then steps over Jimin’s legs to continue walking.

“At least help me up, asshole,” Jimin grumbles as he dusts his hands off. Luckily there are no
sharp stones in the grass so there are no cuts on his skin.

He pulls himself up slowly, only wincing slightly once. Nothing’s broken. Nothing hurts too bad.

“Jimin! Jimin?!”

Jimin lifts his head up to see Jungkook pushing his way back to him.

“I’m here!” He screams, arms coming up to grip the alpha’s shoulders as he comes to stand in front
of Jimin. The alpha searches his body quickly and Jimin chuckles before pulling back a little. “I’m
fine. I just slipped.”

“I’m sorry I should have been more care-“

“Jungkook,” Jimin stops him with a smile, ”look how many people are around us!” He laughs.
“You were careful enough, but I wasn’t. I’m fine. I promise. Let’s just go.”

The alpha nods. He steps back and lifts one hand, palm up. Jimin’s eyes fall to it and all the air
leaves his lungs.

“So I can catch you if you slip again,” The alpha says easily. But Jimin catches the slight tremble
in his voice. Catches the twitch in his fingers.

He wants to hold Jungkook’s hand. Wants to slide his smaller palm over Jungkook’s rough one and
feel the alpha’s tight grip around his fingers. Wants to feel Jungkook’s warm skin directly on his
own. So he does it. He lowers his palm over Jungkook’s while looking into the alpha’s eyes.
Jimin thinks that if he’s still able to stand as Jungkook’s big fingers wrap around his hand while
looking at each other, he will be able to do anything.

He doesn’t feel anything but Jungkook’s warmth as the alpha guides them through the crowd. His
heartbeat is so loud in his ears even the music can’t filter through them anymore. And he feels
giddy. He feels himself smiling like a fool without being able to stop himself and that makes him
even happier.

When they reach the other side and the sweet scent of food and alcohol invades his senses from
every side, he doesn’t let go of Jungkook’s hand. The alpha tugs once, slightly- as if testing Jimin,
and when the mage only tightens his hold on the alpha’s hand and tugs him in the direction of a
stand with soju, Jungkook follows without a word.

“Uh,” Jimin stops abruptly at the end of the short line in front of the stand. “I don’t have any
money,” he whispers as he turns to Jungkook.

The alpha shakes his head. “Don’t worry.” He reaches inside his pant with his other hand and after
a second pulls out a small satchel filled to the brim with coins. Jimin’s eyes widen.

“Ho-how? What?”

“Remember the guard that welcomed us in the city?” Jungkook asks with a smirk. “I bumped into
him the other day and he felt so sorry for being so rude to us that he couldn’t stop at only
apologizing to me, he also gave me this,” he lifts his hand to Jimin’s eyes to shake the satchel in
front of him, making the coins hit against each other. “I couldn’t say no,” the alpha chuckles.

“Tell me you didn’t beat the guard into giving you money,” Jimin murmurs, still in shock.

“Why don’t you believe my story?”

“I’ve talked with that man for only a few minutes, but I saw enough to know he would never
apologize to a wolf.”

Jungkook cocks his head and puts his arm down. “I didn’t beat him.”

“Then what did you do?”

“A few…carefully chosen words were more than enough.”

“Jungkook-“

“I know I shouldn’t have done it. But I don’t have a single coin of the ones they use inside the city,
and I knew we would need some tonight. Let me do this for you without you feeling guilty for my
actions.”

Sighing, Jimin closes his eyes before murmuring a brief alright. The alpha looks pleased, squaring
his shoulders to make his chest bigger as he throws the satchel into the air only to catch it without
breaking eye contact for a single second.

“What can I help you with?” A gentle voice calls from behind before Jimin can react to
Jungkook’s playful smile.

He turns around with a soft smile, dropping Jungkook’s hand. “Hello! We would like a cup of soju
each.”
“Comin’ right up, darlin’,” the old woman calls before turning around to quickly get two cups for
them. She pours the alcohol and then lifts her hands to Jimin. “That’ll be two coins.”

Jungkook steps in right as Jimin turns around to him. The alpha pays the woman and then quickly
tugs Jimin to the side.

Colorful lights are all Jimin sees for a second as he lifts his head to look up at the tall tree above.
Every branch is decorated with beautiful ribbons and Jimin wonders how long they have been
preparing for this. The valley was big. It must have taken them at least three days to prepare
everything.

“You’re not drinking?” Jungkook’s voice makes him finally lower his gaze to the wolf.

“Oh,” he whispers then lifts the cup up. “Forgot about it.”

“You don’t have to drink if you don’t want to,” Jungkook assures him.

“I want to,” he says with an easy smile. “I- uh, I actually never drank before. I’m curious.”

“Never?”

Jungkook’s eyebrows rise all the way up and Jimin throws his head back in laughter at his reaction.

“My mother never let me when I was younger and after I grew up, I always had to be on my toes in
case something happened. Protecting a whole clan is no easy thing, you know?” He tries to joke,
but he knows his smile does nothing at hiding his sad eyes.

“You can count on me to protect you tonight,” Jungkook says firmly. He steps closer to Jimin until
the mage has to tip his head back to look up at him. “I will buy you as many drinks as you want.”

You can count on me.

When had he ever been able to share his burden with anyone before? Never. For years he had
trained, cried, and bled alone. For years he had gone to bed dreading falling asleep in fear that a
rogue might break into the clan while he was resting.

But he’s not alone anymore.

Jungkook lifts his hand between them again, just like he had in the middle of the crowd. Palm up,
eyes soft. Not pushing, just an invitation. And Jimin takes it. His hand slides so easily over
Jungkook’s rough skin. His fingers tangle themselves so naturally with Jungkook’s. His hand fits
so well in his.

He can lean on Jungkook now. He can trust the wolf to help him carry that burden now. He can set
himself free for one night. Just for one night, he can be the free spirit he always dreamt of being as
a child.

There’s not a food stand Jimin doesn’t drag Jungkook to. There’s not a single soju flavor he doesn’t
try. And there’s not a single thing that makes his smile drop in the next three hours as they walk
around the valley.

His hand never lets go of Jungkook’s and the alpha never tries to pull away.

But when they settle a little further away from the crowd behind the trees to rest for a few minutes,
Jimin wished he had pulled his hand away sooner because it felt too much to hold the alpha’s hand
as they sat so close to each other.

His head is leaning on Jungkook’s shoulder, and the alpha holds their intertwined hands on his
lifted knee.

Jimin thinks all that alcohol must make his cheeks feel so hot. But at the same time, he knows he
hadn’t drunk that much.

“Are you alright?” Jungkook whispers.

Jimin hums without lifting his head to look at the alpha.

“We can go back if you’re tired.”

“I’m not tired, Jungkook.”

“Then why are you staring ahead like that? What are you thinking about?”

Jimin gulps drily, not really wanting to tell Jungkook what he was thinking about.

“I- uh…” he shifts a little, searching his mind. “You never told me what you and Namjoon-ssi
talked about with Head Alpha Min.” Good enough. He was meaning to eventually ask Jungkook
about that anyways.

Jungkook’s shoulders tense a little.

“Am I not allowed to know?” He asks softly.

“No- I mean, you are. Of course you should know.”

“Then tell me. Why didn’t you wake me up that morning?”

“I wanted you to rest more.”

“That’s what Hoseok-ssi told me but I didn’t believe him.”

“It’s the truth.”

“You’re sure? I thought you just didn’t think I was worthy of being there. Or that you didn’t need
or wanted me there-“

“Who puts these stupid ideas in your mind?” Jungkook growls. He turns to look at Jimin and that
makes the mage lift his head from the alpha’s shoulder. The light coming from the trees shines
softly on them. “I don’t speak in riddles, Jimin. What I say is exactly what I mean and think. After
weeks of sleeping in caves, constantly shivering at night, and barely eating, I knew you needed all
the rest you could get in one night in a warm bed. That’s all.”

“Then why didn’t you tell me that? You said one word and then just left. Right after I cried and
poured my heart out for you. You just left me there-“

Jungkook drops his hand to cup his cheeks. Jimin feels the wolf’s hands guide his face up until
their eyes meet. “I’m sorry,” he whispers, eyebrows narrowed. “I don’t know how to be gentle
when my wolf is restless. Back then,” his cheek moves as he pokes it with his tongue from the
inside, “my wolf was on edge, and I was too worked up to think clearly. I know you told me you
need words to feel safe, but in those moments my actions speak louder than words. Can you-” he
swallows, hands tightening a little on Jimin cheeks. “Can you accept that?”
Images of Jungkook kissing his forehead and putting logs on the fire even when Jimin didn’t need
it, come back to him. Jungkook’s actions have always spoken for him more than words ever could.
And maybe even if a part of Jimin craves those spoken assurances, he thinks he can learn to
understand Jungkook’s actions better.

He can learn to read and accept them for what they are.

He nods, one hand coming up to grip Jungkook’s wrist. The alpha’s jaw relaxes, and his eyes
soften.

“But I need to know what you spoke with the Head Alpha. If you never brought it up, I guess you
didn’t settle on a plan with him, right?”

“No,” Jungkook murmurs. “He only agreed to have his mate search his visions for any signs of
actions from the Yen clan. If they are to attack the Jeon territory, they will help us fight.”

“And what about the humans?”

“He’s protecting the ones on his territory.”

“What about the ones not on his territory?” He already knows the answer, but he can’t help but
ask, teeth clenching.

“He doesn’t have the men to help more,” Jungkook says easily.

Jimin breaths in, calming down. He can’t lash out at Jungkook for something that is out of his
control.

“There’s a meeting I was asked to attend tomorrow morning with the other mages,” Jimin starts, “I
think I should ask for help on how to search for visions.”

“You can have visions, too?”

Jimin gulps, looking away. “I had one after my mother died,” he whispers. Jungkook doesn’t ask
about it and he’s silently grateful for it. “And nothing since. But if I can train to have them then we
can learn more about their plan.”

“Are you sure you can learn how to have them?”

“Hoseok-ssi said that he trained himself to have them and mage Yuna also mentioned something
about how she looked for me more ever since she had her first vision of me. So it’s possible, I just
have to learn how.”

“It would definitely help if we knew first-hand from you what their next move is.”

“Don’t you trust Head Alpha Min to be honest with his mate’s visions?”

Jungkook clenches his jaw and pulls away. His hands fall from Jimin’s cheeks, and the mage leans
forward for a second at the loss of warmth.

“He agreed to help us because he owes me, but I don’t trust him to be completely honest.”

“He owes you?” Jimin asks as Jungkook lets his head hit the tree, eyes on the people dancing
ahead. He doesn’t follow Jungkook’s gaze, instead, he searches the alpha’s face for any hint at
what he’s feeling. But he comes up empty.
“I killed his father for him,” Jungkook reveals, eyes distant. “He owes me for that.”

“For him?” Jimin splutters, eyes wide. “I never asked but I didn’t think that you killed the previous
head alpha for him.”

“I was a wild pup. Our borders are very close together and when I was younger, I used to venture
into their territory a lot. My father punished me for doing so every time, but I was restless on our
territory. I came to learn every inch of it as soon as I was old enough to run by myself in the woods
and at some point, I got bored of seeing the same things over and over again. So I would cross their
borders and push my luck further and further each time. One time I pushed too hard, and five
wolves caught me. I tried to fight them off, but I was still untrained back then,” he chuckles, and a
shiver runs down Jimin’s spine at the deep sound.

“I did put up a good fight, though. I broke a few bones before they knocked me out.” He stops for a
second, fist clenching and unclenching over his lifted knee. “Min Yoongi was the one that came to
see me when their guard reported a trespasser. I don’t know how, but he recognized me instantly
and I knew I needed to get out of there before they could use me to somehow get to my father. I
tried to escape but I failed over and over again and after seven days of being kept in a cage without
water and food I became too weak to try again. That’s when he came to me.” Jungkook snorts,
head leaning to the side to look down at Jimin. “He told me I could go back home if I kill his
father. I laughed in his face at first. Why would he ask a fourteen-year-old pup to kill his Head
Alpha? Until it dawned on me that even if I succeeded or not, he had nothing to lose, he could
blame it all on me.”

A glint of smugness crosses his eyes as he smirks down at Jimin. He holds his breath, unable to
look away from the alpha’s sharp eyes.

“What do you think I did next?”

Jimin’s eyebrows furrow. “You know I already know.”

“You know I ended up killing him. But do you know how?”

Jimin looks away to think for a second. He remembers the old tale saying he killed the alpha with
his bare hands. But how could a starved pup overpower a trained wolf so easily?

“You poisoned him,” Jimin whispers while turning his head to look up at the alpha.

Jungkook smiles, proud. Of himself for doing that or of Jimin for figuring out, he doesn’t really
know. But the look suits the alpha.

“Every full moon, the Head Alpha of the Min clan goes out hunting alone. It’s a tradition they
follow to this day. That full moon, Min Yoongi released me and told me exactly where his father
would go hunting. I knew the second I started running to him that I would never be able to fight
him- kill him a fair fight. So I did the only thing that I knew had the best shot at working. You
know what wolfsbane is?”

“Yes. But I’ve never seen it. It’s rare and I could never find it around my clan’s territory.”

Jungkook hums. “It thrives in the coldest, most humid spaces. I searched the first cave I found for
hours until I found just one.”

“But how did you make him eat it? I’m sure he knew what it was- smell it on you or something.”

“I didn’t,” Jungkook says plainly. “I made the boar he was going to kill eat it.” He leans back on
the tree, eyes closing. “I found the boar before he did and I made him eat the wolfsbane by planting
it inside a dead rabbit. When he finally killed the board and ate some of its meat- he lost control of
himself. He screamed and begged for me to kill him when he saw me walking up to him.” He
shakes his head, eyebrows narrowing.

“Wolfsbane is a different kind of pain. We’re used to cuts and bites. We’re used to physical pain on
the surface. We train to overcome it. But wolfsbane kills us from within. One organ at a time. It’s
an excruciatingly painful and slow death. I did end up killing him with my hands because I feared
his howls would reach the clan. I ran straight home after that.”

“And then you told your father?”

Jungkook chuckles. “No. I was scared shitless of him when I was younger. I told him I got lost in
the woods. He either believed me or chose to completely ignore what happened.”

“But then how did people come to know about it?”

“Two of our guards found me right at the border we share with the Min clan. I was a wreck, blood,
and dirt all over me. And a few days later we hear the Head Alpha had died. I guess they decided
to put two and two together and that spread around the land. Drunk people talk a lot. But almost
never the honest truth.”

Jimin swallows, leaning on the tree as well.

“Does this sadden you?” He hears Jungkook ask. A hint of fear in his voice.

“What?” He stands up again to look at the alpha. “Why would it?”

“I was not the cruel and powerful pup you humans made me out to be.”

“Uh, you still killed him all by yourself. In what world is that not powerful? It’s chilling to say the
least…that you did that at such a young age.”

Jungkook cocks his head. “That scares you?”

“No,” Jimin hurries to say. “It’s just- you must have been scared, no?”

Jungkook blinks, surprised. “Scared?”

“I mean- I know you were already training. But you were still so young-“

“Jimin,” Jungkook stops his rambling. “For better or for worse, killing is what I’ve been doing all
my life. I had my first kill at,” he pauses, eyebrows narrowing, “crap- I don’t even remember.”

Jimin’s eyes widen. “You were that young?”

“I told you I was a menace,” Jungkook murmurs. “I convinced my Hyung to explore the woods
with me. I told him I would go without him either way and that scared him into coming with me. I
was the youngest and he knew he had to protect me. My inexperienced nose led us right into a
rogue having his breakfast. Hyung tried to convince the rogue we weren’t there to steal his meal,
but he was too far gone to understand. He attacked us and we fought together to bring him down. I
sliced his throat off. I don’t remember how old I was, but I remember how proud that made my
father. Killing doesn’t scare me.”

“Then what does?” Jimin asks quietly.

“Weakness,” he admits, and a deafening silence settles between them before the alpha speaks
again. “I trained my body and mind to be strong for as long as I remember, and I never did it for
myself. I did it for the people I love. As long as I’m breathing, I won’t allow myself to be weak
because I have people I need to protect.”

Jimin’s heart skips a beat. His hand trembles and his skin burns as he lifts it up to cup Jungkook’s
cheek, but he doesn’t let that stop him.

“And who protects you?” He whispers, eyes set on Jungkook’s.

Something seems to break in Jungkook at that. He inhales sharply and his hands snap up to Jimin’s
face. His fingers curl under Jimin’s jaw and behind his neck. All air leaves Jimin’s lungs when the
alpha pulls him forward roughly.

“I don’t need protecting.” Jungkook looks down at him with intent. He wants Jimin to trust his
words, but he can’t. “If it ever comes down to it- never pick me over your own life.”

“I can’t promise you that.”

“Why?”

Why?

Why can’t he say he would never risk his own life to save the alpha? He wants to. But his throat
clogs up around the words and his lips don’t dare to move.

It should be easy. It shouldn’t even be something to think over. He should always pick himself if it
ever comes down to it. But his heart breaks if he imagines that moment and his magic revolts
against that thought.

His feelings are one messy pile he has to sort by himself. But his magic is another story. It’s the
only and most important thing that brings them together and Jimin knows he would never refuse to
use it to save Jungkook, even if it means his own undoing.

He realizes then that Jungkook is foolish for even asking. He knows exactly why Jimin would
never leave him behind. It’s the same reason why Jungkook never gave up on him.

“You know why.”

“Now more than ever you have to understand that you are more important than I am. I’m not worth
risking everything for.”

“I’m worth nothing without you and you know that,” Jimin says harshly. “It’s you and me.
Alright? We’re a team. Don’t make me promise to leave you behind. Don’t ask me to do
something you would never even consider.”

Jungkook’s hands on him soften and Jimin lifts his body to stand on his knees in front of the alpha.
Their faces are so close now Jimin feels small puffs of air hit his face every time the alpha exhales.
Jungkook’s right hand slips from Jimin’s neck to wrap around his middle and the mage almost falls
over the alpha. Like this- he feels like he’s drowning in Jungkook. He can barely breathe, but he
knows he needs to speak more to make the alpha understand.

“I know instinct tells you you have to be the strongest. That you have to put yourself aside for me
for the sake of this mission and for your clan. I understand that. But you have to understand as well
that I want to protect you, too. You are worth saving, Jungkook,” he whispers. Jungkook’s fingers
on his hip tighten to pull Jimin closer. “You are worth protecting.”

Jungkook’s eyes are hooded now, moving slowly between Jimin’s eyes and lips until his gaze
finally stops to look into Jimin’s eyes.

“It’s not only instinct,” he whispers. His thumb moves to touch Jimin’s bottom lip, eyes falling to
it. Jimin inhales sharply, lips parting.

His knees tremble and he has to grip the alpha’s shoulders to keep himself up. Jungkook’s hand
moves up his back slowly until he reaches the back of Jimin’s neck. His fingers wrap around his
small neck and shivers run up his spine at the touch.

Jimin feels dizzy with the way the alpha’s fingers make his skin burn. But his eyes are what truly
make Jimin’s heart stop.

Jungkook watches Jimin with intense, crimson eyes, moving between his parted lips and eyes. His
thumb caresses his lip gently. The alpha applies pressure on it for a second, squishing the plump lip
down. Jimin gasps and that seems to break the alpha out of whatever daze had taken over him.

His hands leave Jimin in a second and he quickly stands up and away from the mage.

“I will-“ he stops to clear his voice, back turned to Jimin. “I will go get us something to eat.”

Jimin blinks, staring at the empty space in front of him- cheeks aflame. He parts his lips to say
something and stop Jungkook from leaving, but when he finally lifts his head up, the alpha is
already walking away from him.

He watches Jungkook’s broad back as he gets further and further away, and his skin doesn’t stop
burning. He feels hot all over. Yet utterly cold all alone.

He should be grateful nothing happened. Should be relieved the alpha had stepped away before
Jimin could push him.

But his heart feels heavy and his fingers itch to feel the alpha again. His bottom lip burns from
Jungkook’s touch and he knows he wouldn’t have pushed Jungkook away.

His stomach tenses and he falls on the grass.

He would have let Jungkook do anything. He knows it. He wishes he could say he wouldn’t. But
his body doesn’t lie and neither does his mind.

He doesn’t feel relieved that he’s alone. He feels completely disappointed.

He wanted to feel the alpha.

Wanted to be pulled closer and closer until their lips finally touched.

But Jungkook had chosen to pull away.

Despite his wandering touch and hooded eyes, he hadn’t wanted Jimin. The realization feels like
iced water on his heated skin.

And then he’s pushed back into reality. A reality that hurts him more than he had ever expected.
::The Elder Path::

His hands are clammy. He tries to sneakily brush them on his pants, but he feels like every little
move he makes is heavily watched.

Jimin had never thought being in a room full of mages could be so suffocating.

His eyes move around the room slowly but there’s not much to look at aside from a few portraits of
the royal family hanging on perfectly clean white walls. The room holds only one purpose and
judging by the bored faces of the mages seated at the round table around him, they’re not too happy
to be here.

A girl suddenly whines to his right and every head in the room turns to her. She has her head
thrown back over the tall back of the chair, hands in the air in an exasperated gesture.

“Why do we have to do this so early, Yuna? You know I train at night. I should be sleeping now,
not staring at Minho’s ugly face.”

The man in front of her narrows his eyes but doesn’t say anything. Jimin guesses that must be
Minho.

“It’s almost lunchtime,” Yuna says calmly. She stands between Minho and the tired girl, sorting
out some white papers. Jimin has no idea what’s written on them.

“I never wake up for lunch,” the girl grumbles while plopping her hands on the table before letting
her head fall down on them. Her eyes find Jimin. He straightens his back suddenly. “You’re
Jimin?” She asks after yawning.

“Yeah- Yes. Hi!” He waves awkwardly with one hand. The girl blinks at him, face stoic. Jimin’s
hand falls down over his lap again. Slowly.

“You can go to bed love,” a boy chides in from across the table. Jimin turns to stare into big brown
eyes. “Yuna, I can tell her everything she needs to know later.” He says before turning his gaze to
the girl next to Jimin.

The girl shakes her head before Yuna can say anything. “It’s fine. I’m already awake. Let’s just get
this over with it already.”

“What is the meeting for, Yuna?” Minho asks. “We had one this week already.”

“But that was before he came here,” Yuna says. She points at Jimin with the paper she now holds
neatly in one hand and all heads turn to him.

Jimin almost blushes under the attention.

“So this meeting is about him?” The boy next to Minho guesses.

“You’re so smart, baby,” the sleepy girl coos. Jimin can’t tell if she’s being sarcastic or not.

“Don’t inflate his ego, Mina.”

“Then can we leave so I can inflate something else?”

Minho scrunches his nose. “Gross.”

Mina laughs, suddenly more energic. She spread her legs wide as she leans back into the chair.
“You’re just mad you’re not getting any. But you know we can always welcome you into the fun,”
she winks, and Minho narrows his eyes at her.

“I thought you couldn’t bear looking at my ugly face.”

“I don’t need to see your face to have a good time.”

“Baby-“

“Don’t get jealous, Jinnie.”

“I’m not. But I think the newbie is about to pass out.” He says evenly while pointing at Jimin with
one finger.

Jimin’s eyes widen. “No- I’m fine-“

“What do you prefer?” The girl interrupts him.

“W-what?”

“Do you like men or women?” She asks directly and Jimin chokes on his spit.

“Mina!” Minho yells at her while the other boy starts laughing.

Jimin just wants to die. He thinks this could be the perfect day to end it.

“What? He looks old enough.” She gets into his face, sharp eyes watching Jimin’s burning cheeks.
Jimin sees the smirk that settles on her lips and his heart drops in his stomach. “I’ve never done it
with a wolf,” she whispers low enough to maybe not be heard by the other three people in the
room. “Tell me about it. Please,” she pleads while bouncing her right leg in anticipation.

Jimin’s mind goes white.

A heavy thud fills the room as Yuna drops the papers on the table. Jimin snaps his eyes up to her,
but he can still feel Mina’s burning gaze on him.

“Mina,” Yuna says slowly.

The girl sighs and leans back in her chair. “I was just curious,” she murmurs defeated.

“Then go and look for the wolf. I’m sure he’s somewhere around here sniffing the grass or
whatever,” Minho says.

A bitter taste settles on Jimin’s tongue at the words.

“I can’t do that. Jinnie will have a heart attack.”

“You bet your perky tits I will,” the boy snaps. “Don’t even think about it!” He says, one finger
pointing at Mina in a threatening manner.

“Enough!” Yuna snaps. She sighs to collect herself. “This is important. Focus.”

“Tell us already,” Mina breathes out. Her eyes are closed as she rests her head on the back of her
chair.
“Mina, you and I have both had visions about the Yen clan and Jimin. You know what him being
here means.”

“They’re too close to keep still anymore.”

“Exactly.”

“What have you seen?” Jimin speaks for the first time. He pushes his discomfort down and tries to
focus on what’s more important.

Mina shrugs. “Nothing you haven’t probably seen with your own eyes.”

Jimin’s lips thin as he thinks back on the burnt fields.

“Mina,” Yuna sighs. The girl lifts her hands up in defeat, eyes closing. Yuna turns to Jimin.
“Everything we’ve seen so far has become reality. Especially my vision of you being able to
control animals.”

Jimin’s eyebrows furrow. “I think any mage can do that with a little bit of training. It took me two
days to control a bird and another two for a rabbit.”

Yuna shakes her head. Minho leans closer in his chair, eyes wide.

“You can control animals?” He asks, shocked.

“I- yes? You can, too-“

“We can’t,” Yuna says calmly. “I had that vision almost a year ago and ever since I tried doing it.
But I never managed. There’s not a single record of mages controlling animals. Humans? Yes. But
animals? Especially dragons? Never.” Her eyes settle on Jimin, sharper suddenly. “Yen clan
wolves are the only wolves to ever control the dragons. And you’re the only mage to ever control
an animal, even the smallest one so far. Do you understand what that means Jimin?”

Bile rises in his throat. Perspiration making his hands slide down his pants.

“It was a hunch at first but then I looked into it and now I’m sure,” Yuna continues. “From what I
could see in my visions, you couldn’t have been older than 25.” She lifts up the papers she was
folding earlier. “Marriage records of the past 30 years.”

Jimin gulps.

“Yuna“ Minho stands up.

“Your mother’s name was Park Jyiho. Right?” Yuna asks Jimin without looking at Minho.

Jimin nods, dizzy.

“And what was your father’s name?”

Jimin shakes his head. “I don’t know,” he whispers.

Mina opens her eyes suddenly, watching Jimin intently.

“Yen Dong-Hyun.” She reveals, voice low.

Jimin blinks once. His heart stops beating. “No,” he breathes.

“There’s no way,” Mina says.

“How could a Yen clan wolf enter the city and get married without anyone finding out?” Minho
asks.

“Yuna,” the other boy stands up as well. “Are you sure?”

“Look at the freaking records for yourself, Jinho” she snaps before throwing the papers in the
middle of the table.

Jimin’s eyes slowly turn to them. And there, on a perfectly intact paper written cursively with
black ink, it’s his mother’s name. Right next to a name he had never heard in his life. A name of a
man he never came to know as a father. A name his mother took to the grave.

He can’t breathe properly. Can’t think clearly with how loud his heart is beating in his heart.

“I don’t know how he was able to infiltrate the city. I don’t know why he would marry a
commoner. I don’t know how they managed to escape on their own. But what I do know is that
this piece of paper doesn’t lie, and we at least have an explanation for your power, Park Jimin.
Maybe we should thank your father for deciding to have you. He unknowingly created the only
weapon that could stop his own clan. Or better, steal the only thing that makes them so strong.”

“Tell me this is not the Queen’s plan,” Minho snaps. “We can’t control the dragon-“

“We can’t.” Yuna sits down finally, arms crossing over her chest. “But he can.”

Minho’s eyes turn to Jimin.

“The Queen wants to use Jimin to control the dragon and regain the lost cities,” Minho breathes
out.

Mina’s laugh suddenly echoes around the room. Sharp and joyless.

“What a bold woman,” she lets out through her laughter.

“She’s the Queen. Don’t address her like that.”

“She’s not here to hear anything. Can you unclench your butthole for once, Minho?”

Their banter falls on deaf ears.

Jimin can’t see anything past the names in front of him. Can’t hear anything other than his ragged
breathing.

He should have known. Should have figured it out the second he was old enough to understand
what his father’s red eyes meant. But the truth hurt too much to confront it. He had managed to
bury it so deep down that he had completely forgotten about it.

Why would his mother marry a wolf? Why would she leave the comfort and protection of Althea to
live in a small clan with him? Why would she keep everything a secret from her only son?

“Jimin,” Minho’s voice filters through his mind. He stands up abruptly before the man can say
anything. His chair scratches the floor loudly and he flinches at the sound.

“I-“ he inhales sharply, eyes shifting in every way. “I need some time alone-“
“We don’t have time for that!” Yuna snaps. Jimin’s eyes fly up to her

“We don’t have time…?” He breaths out, nose scrunching. “I don’t have time to think about how
I’m related to the clan that threatens to kill us all?”

Yuna’s eyes narrow as she looks up at Jimin. “This is not about you and your feelings, Jimin. This
is about the whole land. You need to sit down and listen to our plan.”

Jimin shakes his head to clear his eyes. He’s getting dizzy with how fast his heart is beating. His
hands slide on the polished surface of the table due to how wet they are when he tries to steady
himself. He falls on his chair with a thud.

“Yuna, I think we should let him-“

“He’s not a child, Minho. He needs to suck it up. This is not about him anymore.”

“It was never about just me,” Jimin murmurs through his ragged breathing.

“You’re right. It was about your mother.”

Jimin stands up again, eyes finding Yuna. “Don’t you dare-“

“Or what? You’ll kill me? Now when you need all the help you can get to control that dragon?
You won’t be able to do it alone.”

Fire burns in his fingers as he tries to calm himself down.

“I don’t need to kill you to make you regret ever speaking of her. Did you train yourself to have
visions of every day of my life?”

“Just what was most important.”

“Then you know what happened to my mother, yet you still dare bring her up.”

“It’s your trigger,” she says calmly. “If that’s what I need to do to make you listen, I really don’t
care. We’re not friends. We’re not even related. I don’t care if you suffer or if you’re happy. All I
want is to use you to get to that dragon.”

“You could have said that from the beginning. Why act nice for a whole week?” Jimin asks.
Images of the woman bringing him food and talking to him late at night in the library and in the
garden surface in his mind and he cringes at his own naivety. When will he learn? When will he
understand gentle smiles and comforting words can hide the sharpest sword?

His mind is a mess. His feelings are running wild. And that reflects perfectly on his magic and
energy. He’s beyond distraught. And he can’t even take one minute to sort himself out.

“We weren’t sure if you could actually control the dragon. We had to sit back and watch for a
while.”

“That’s so fucked up, Yuna,” Mina whispers. But her smirk speaks of another story. She’s far from
mad for Jimin. “I didn’t think you had it in you,” she chuckles.

“Mina,” Minho shakes his head, trying to make her shut up.

“What?” She throws her hands up. “I know you’re thinking the same. I just have the courage to say
it.”
Stop.

“Read the freaking room. This is not the time to joke around.”

“I’m actually helping you.”

“How fucking so?”

Stop.

“I’m giving him time to relax while we talk. See-“ Jimin sees her lift her hand to point at him.
“He’s thinking about it quietly.”

“How can you be so oblivious? He’s in shock by now probably. He’s not thinking about anything
he simply doesn’t know what to do.”

“What’s there to be in shock about? He just found out he’s basically the strongest mage alive. He
can have a cute dragon as a pet and fly around the land as he pleases.”

“I’m about to fucking punch you in the face, Mina-“

“STOP!” Jimin screams just as the door behind Yuna bursts open.

Jimin can’t even process fast enough what he’s seeing before Jungkook is right in front of him.
Strong arm circling his middle to keep him from falling. Wide and concerned eyes looking down at
him.

“Breathe,” Jungkook whispers, and Jimin’s eyes water instantly.

The alpha’s hand comes up to wipe away the first tear that falls. “Not here. Not now.”

“Is this the wolf?” Jimin hears Mina ask.

“You can’t be in here,” Yuna says. Voice strained.

Jungkook doesn’t turn back to look at her and Jimin finds comfort in his black, calm eyes. The
alpha pulls him closer while turning to the side to tuck Jimin under his arm.

“Come,” he says as he gently starts guiding Jimin out of the room.

“We’re not done-“

“I think you are,” Jungkook growls at Yuna. His eyes are fully red and the woman steps back.

Curses and strained words are all they leave behind as they exit the room. But Jimin can’t stop to
care.

::saman::

Jimin doesn’t know where Jungkook leads him until his ass hits the soft mattress of the bed and he
realizes they are in his room.
The alpha bends down to get Jimin’s shoes off. He throws them aside and then he pushes Jimin
down until his head hits the white pillow. He hovers over Jimin for a few seconds. When he finally
pulls away slightly, Jimin’s hand shoots out.

He grips Jungkook’s wrist so hard he thinks he will for sure leave marks, but the alpha doesn’t
even flinch.

“Stay,” he whispers. And once he makes his lips move around one word- the wall inside him
breaks. He sobs and Jungkook scrambles to quickly embrace him. He shifts Jimin so he doesn’t
face the alpha, then his strong chest is right next to Jimin’s back.

The alpha breathes steadily, holding Jimin tight.

Jimin tries to mimic his breathing. Tries to bite his lip to stop the loud sobs from slipping out. But
he winces and cries even harder when blood fills his mouth.

He doesn’t even know why he’s crying. He can’t focus on one thing that makes him feel like this.
He’s afraid. Angry. Confused. But above all else- sad.

He cries for his mother. Grits his teeth while thinking about his father and then he pushes himself
further back in fear while thinking about the dragon.

There’s so much weighing him down. So much making him unable to breathe properly.
The first touch is tentative, but Jimin feels it on every inch of his body.

Jungkook keeps his nose right on Jimin’s pulse point and Jimin’s whole body goes still as he waits
for Jungkook’s next move.

He doesn’t expect soft lips to trail up his neck until they settle on his jaw. Doesn’t expect strong
fingers gripping his hips. Doesn’t expect the low hum that echoes around the room like a dream.

But he welcomes it all.

He doesn’t turn his head away as Jungkook starts kissing down his neck. Doesn’t pull away when
his fingers dig deeper into his flesh.

He doesn’t stop crying for hours. But he stops shaking after only a few minutes of Jungkook
scenting him and his mind clears almost instantly. His heart calms down enough to let him breathe
properly and then his whole body falls into tranquility.

He expects Jungkook to leave once he notices the dry tears on Jimin’s cheeks. But the alpha keeps
his face deeply buried in the crook of his neck, breathing calmly while stroking Jimin’s side.

“My father was a wolf from the Yen clan,” Jimin whispers when darkness settles inside the room.

Jungkook stiffens behind him. But he doesn’t say anything.

“And they want to use me to get the Queen the dragon.”

Jungkook growls, his fingers gripping Jimin’s hip so tight he actually inhales sharply in pain. He’s
turned around before he can tell Jungkook to pull his hand away and then red is all he sees.

“Nobody will use you,” Jungkook growls. “Nobody.”

Jimin shakes his head. “I’m scared,” he breathes out because he can’t be anything but honest with
the wolf. He can’t help but open his heart and mind completely to Jungkook. “What if he’s alive?”
He whispers. “What if I have to face him? I can’t do that. I can’t fight him- What if the Queen
forces me to control the dragon in her favor somehow?”

“There’s nothing she can give you to make you do what.”

“Yuna seemed really sure I would do that for them so they must have a plan. What if they want to
help us-“

“They will help us only to use the dragon to get their cities back.”

“And what would be so wrong about that?” He asks, barely above a whisper. Jungkook blinks at
him as if he’s just brutally reminded of what Jimin is. “Why can’t we try to rebuild what was taken
from us?”

Jungkook turns his head, eyebrows narrowing. “She won’t stop at that. She will come for the wolf
clans.”

“But I would be the one controlling the dragon and I- I wouldn’t do that.”

“Until when?” Jungkook snaps, eyes on Jimin again. “Until when do you want to sacrifice yourself
for everyone else? Until when will you settle for being a weapon?”

Jimin gasps, pushing back from beneath the alpha. But Jungkook doesn’t let him go far. He grips
Jimin’s wrist in one hand and pulls him back to him.

“Let go-“

“We can rebuild the human clans without her help. We can wipe every rogue off the land with the
dragon if you want. We can spend decades building new cities from the ground up if that’s what
you want. But I will not let you fall into her greedy hands. I won’t let you become a pawn in her
game.”

“Won’t I become that for your father?” Jimin snaps back. “Or have you forgotten why he chose
you to bond with me? I will never be free. After this is over, I will have to do whatever your father
asks of me as one of the people in his clan or you will control me to do so. I won’t have the time
nor the luxury to walk around the land helping humans rebuild entire cities.”

“No,” Jungkook growls.

Jimin blinks up at him, finally stopping his struggle to get away. “No?”

“I won’t let him use you like that.”

“He’s Head Alpha, Jungkook. Maybe you can protect me from everything out there in the woods
and even inside the city, but you won’t be able to protect me from your father. I will have to do
what he asks, or you will make me do it.”

“Nobody will use you,” Jungkook says again. His fingers tighten painfully around Jimin’s wrists.
He tries to free himself again, but that only makes the alpha grip him tighter. “I won’t ever force
you to do anything.”

“Why?” Jimin lets out through gritted teeth. “Why do you want to protect me even from him? Why
are you promising to help rebuild entire cities with me? Why?”

Jungkook blinks, taken aback by Jimin’s harsh tone. Jimin sees his eyes clear, crimson turning
black before the alpha lets go of his wrists to push himself off Jimin. But Jimin doesn’t let him.

Jungkook puts his hands on either side of Jimin’s head to push himself up and away, but before he
does that Jimin grips his forearms.

“No- you’re not leaving. Not this time.”

Jungkook looks pained above him, muscles flexing under Jimin’s fingers to pull back. “Let me go.”

“No. I can’t bear to see you walk away again.”

“You can’t bear to let me stay either. You’re not ready.”

“How can you be so sure? How can you know if you walk away every time?”

“I can feel how scared you are, Jimin. Your heart is practically out of your chest with how fast is
beating and you’re almost trembling under me. You don’t want me here.”

“You’re an idiot,” Jimin whispers.

“What?”

“I said-“ his palms slide from Jungkook’s arms to his shoulders, “you’re an idiot.”

“Jimin-“

“Shut up,” he snaps. “For once- listen to me before you pull away.” The alpha nods, jaw flexing,
and Jimin takes a deep breath before opening his lips again.

“What you sense is nervousness, not fear. My heart is not threatening to jump out of my chest in
fear but in anticipation. My fingers won’t stop shaking because I’m scared and I want you to leave,
but because I want you to stay. How can you read me so wrong?”

Jungkook holds himself up with one hand while the other sneaks up Jimin’s arm until it settles on
his neck. His fingers curl around the mage’s neck. He doesn’t press down on his skin, but
Jungkook’s strong fingers around his throat feel more intimate than anything ever had before.

“What do you want from me?” The alpha whispers, eyes on his own fingers wrapped around
Jimin’s skin.

“I want you to be honest with me- please. Why are you so quick to promise me everything? Why
did you say it’s not only instinct that makes you protect me? I need you to be honest, Jungkook.”

“Why do you need that so badly?”

“Because I will never recover if you turn your back on me again,” Jimin whispers.

“Then you already know why I’m acting like this, but you’re not ready to admit it. If it hurts you
when I pull away, then you know it hurts me just the same.”

“Then why do you do it?”

“Because I can’t let myself do anything if you’re not sure of yourself. I can’t bear the thought of
forcing you into something you don’t want.”

“I want you to stay. What more do I have to say?”

Jungkook’s face softens, eyes shifting to watch Jimin’s face.

He should feel trapped under Jungkook’s strong body and eyes. But trapped and scared is far from
how he feels.

“If I stay, it won’t be just for tonight. It won’t be just for a few days. It won’t be just for a few
weeks or months. If I stay-“

“I never want you to pull away again. I-“ he licks his lips watching Jungkook follow the action
intensely. “I want you to hold me every night and I want you to do whatever you want without
reading what you sense in me wrongly.”

“Jimin,” Jungkook whispers his name so softly. So tenderly Jimin melts under the wolf. The alpha
lowers his head until his face is a breath away from Jimin’s. “Can I?” His thumb presses down on
Jimin’s pulse and everything turns on its axis.

There’s no air that can fill his lungs. No rock strong enough that can keep him from tumbling
down into the warm abyss that is Jungkook’s embrace. No world in which he would rather bury his
feelings and turn Jungkook away now.

He nods, or at least he hopes he does. His whole body feels ice cold, his fingers locked on the
alpha’s shoulders. But when Jungkook’s lips touch his, he burns brighter than any star.

It’s only a peck at first. A very tentative one. Jungkook’s thumb doesn’t move from his pulse point.
And when Jimin’s hand finally unclench from the alpha’s shoulders only to slip upwards and curl
into his hair- that tentative peck becomes hungrier.

Jimin had kissed some girls before. He thought he knew what kissing should feel like. But when
Jungkook’s lips press harder against his and his tongue slips between Jimin’s parted lips, his brain
stops working completely.

He doesn’t know what he’s doing, but by the way the alpha growls as his tongue tastes Jimin’s
mouth, he vaguely thinks he’s doing alright.

Hot pleasure builds steadily deep down in him the longer Jungkook roughly kisses him. And when
the alpha’s teeth catch his bottom lip for the first time, Jimin’s legs open wide.

Jungkook pulls his body up only for a second to settle between Jimin’s thighs and when his weight
falls down on Jimin again, he doesn’t keep much of it up.

“Jungkook,” Jimin gasps into Jungkook’s mouth as the alpha’s strong hips fall against his. “I-“

He forgets every word that was about to slip past his wet lips when Jungkook roughly pulls his
mouth back to his with strong fingers around his jaw.

There’s nothing tender about how Jungkook’s lips move against his. Noting delicate about how the
alpha’s fingers keep his mouth pressed to his, barely giving Jimin a chance to breathe.

But it feels perfect, nonetheless. Because Jimin can feel Jungkook in every touch. Every bite. All of
it is him. He’s not holding back at all and Jimin welcomes everything that is him with open arms.

Jungkook sucks Jimin’s bottom lip as he pulls back and Jimin lifts his hips up instinctively. His
crotch brushes Jungkook’s and his body goes rigid as waves of pleasure travel through him.

“Oh God-“ Jimin whispers, pulling his face back from the alpha. “Jungkook-“
“I know,” he whispers. His lips find Jimin’s forehead and the mage trembles under him as he tries
to calm down the fire in his body. “Do you want me to…?”

“No!” Jimin snaps, mortified.

Jungkook chuckles above him. His fingers move from Jimin’s face to his hair. He starts stroking
his hair slowly, calming Jimin a little.

“Don’t be embarrassed,” he says after a few seconds of silence.

“Please- just don’t say anything.”

“Jimin,” the alpha pulls back to look at him, but he turns his head to the side- eyes shut tightly.
“Look at me- Jimin.” He guides Jimin’s head back to his with two fingers under his jaw. “There
you go,” he smiles once Jimin finally opens his eyes to look up at him. “The last thing I want is to
make you feel uncomfortable. Do you want me to leave?”

“I don’t want you to leave.”

“Then don’t hide from me.”

“It’s embarrassing.”

“You want me,” Jungkook says easily, and Jimin groans. He tries to push the alpha away but he’s
like a brick wall over him. “And I want you,” he adds, and Jimin stills.

“I- I don’t think- not tonight,” he mumbles.

“I know. I didn’t say that to make you do anything. I just want you to know I feel the same.”

“Then how come you’re so calm?”

Here he was- a blushing, mumbling, and trembling mess while Jungkook was as collected as ever,
an immovable object.

“I’m far from calm on the inside.”

“Why do you hide that from me?”

“Because I don’t want to frighten you,” the alpha whispers, sincere. His hair covers most of his
eyes and Jimin lifts his hands to brush the black locks away. He moves his fingers to burn the logs
in the fireplace and then he sees it.

Under the soft glow coming from their right side, Jungkook’s eyes shine in hues of black and red.
They move constantly, each side battling for control while his body remains unmoved on top of
Jimin.

“Jungkook-“ Jimin whispers, fingers moving to caress the alpha’s cheeks.

Jungkook closes his eyes for a second and when he opens them again the red is subdued to only a
slight shimmer.

“Your alpha-“

“Is an asshole,” Jungkook grunts.

“It’s a part of you- you’re one and the same. And I want you here with me- fully.”

Jungkook shakes his head, his hands clench into tight fists beside Jimin’s head. “Trust me-“ he
laughs drily. “That’s the last thing you want right now.”

“But-“

“I won’t stop,” he snaps, eyebrows narrowing. He pins Jimin down with two intense eye- but two
different colors and Jimin holds his breath. “If I let it take control over me, I won’t be able to stop
and I know you want nothing more to happen tonight. So please-“ the alpha whispers, pained.
“Don’t push me. Don’t make me do something both of us will regret.”

“I’m sorry- I.”

“No. Don’t apologize.”

“Can you stay? Can you sleep with me?”

The alpha lowers his head to kiss Jimin’s forehead. “If you want me to.”

“I want you to stay.”

“Then I will.”

On a rather chilly summer day when Jimin was barely ten years old, his mother had found him
crying alone at the back of their small home. He still remembers how heartbroken he had been that
day- it had been the first time he couldn’t save one of his own from a rogue. He had blamed
himself. Used his magic until he passed out. Cried until tears wouldn’t come anymore. Anything to
forget his failure. Anything to forget how weak he was. Until his mother’s warm embrace found
him. Until her soft voice saved him from the crashing waves. Until her gentle eyes took him back
to shore where he could finally breathe again.

He remembers every word she told him that day.

“You don’t have to hold the weight of the world on your shoulders, my son. Don’t hide from me.
Don’t cry alone. Don’t hurt yourself to forget. For as long as I’m here you can count on me to hold
you up when you’re ready to fall. And after I’m gone, embrace the one that will come after me to
do the same. Don’t push them away like you’re trying to do with me. Don’t keep your feelings
bottled up. You will never be alone. Don’t be afraid to open up your heart and mind.”

Don’t be afraid.

His fists tighten around Jungkook’s shirt, and he pushes his head further into his neck. The alpha
holds him tight against his firm chest, the soft blanket keeping them warm- maybe too warm with
how hot Jungkook’s body runs and the fire burning behind Jimin’s back. He has one arm loosely
over Jimin’s middle- hand splayed on his back, while the other rests under Jimin’s neck.

“Sleep,” he whispers from above after kissing Jimin’s hair.

Jimin hums.
Don’t be afraid.

He won’t. Not anymore.

Jimin holds his breath as he lifts his chin up slightly. His lips find Jungkook’s neck and when he
feels the alpha not moving back, he lets his lips peck Jungkook’s skin gently.

It’s a soft touch, barely even there to any other wolf’s standard. But Jimin knows Jungkook feels it
just as strongly. He knows the alpha understands what it means.

Jimin won’t hide from Jungkook or his feeling anymore.

His hand tightens around Jimin’s middle, and his chin settles on Jimin’s head. “I will wake you up
in the morning.”
 Pain & Fear

PART VII

||pain & fear||

::The Invisible Front::

Being truthful to your feelings and not being afraid proves to be harder than Jimin had expected.

He’s giddy around Jungkook. Embarrassingly shy. And worst of all, expectant. Maybe he should
have known better, considering the kind of man the alpha is, but against his better judgment, Jimin
expects Jungkook to be different.

He expects the alpha to maybe wake him up with a kiss, and not only a fleeting caress on his puffy
cheek. He expects wandering hands on his body- on his arm, neck, hips, throughout the day, not a
soul-piercing distance between them. He expects secretive glances and tender smiles, not hard eyes
watching him like a hawk while training.

He expects something different, but Jungkook is just the same. And Jimin doesn’t know what to do
with himself. And no matter how much he tries to remember how honest and gentle Jungkook had
been the other night to help him keep him from feeling insecure, he fails. Because the longer he
spends under the bright sun right before noon trying to control a dog with a stone-cold Jungkook,
the faster he forgets how sweet the alpha had been.

He’s agitated and that in turn keeps him from being able to focus on the task at hand.

“Jimin,” Jungkook calls from behind. His voice is leveled, but Jimin senses the frustration in his
tone. “You should have been able to do something by now.” I know. “What has you so distracted?”
You. “Jimin. Open your eyes for a second. Look at me. Jimin.”

Jimin opens his eyes to find the alpha looking down at him, brow furrowed.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.”

The alpha sighs. “I can feel that something is wrong. Why are you trying to deny it?”

“Maybe I don’t want to talk about it,” he snaps. He scrunches his nose, immediately feeling bad.

He expects the alpha to let him be. To not bother with him anymore. But Jungkook only watches
him with concerned eyes and Jimin feels even worse for snapping at him.

“I’m sorry.”

“Am I reading you wrong again?” The alpha asks softly. “I can sense in your energy you are
deeply troubled. Tell me what’s wrong. Let me help you.”

“I just- are you- do you regret what happened last night?” Jimin bursts out, giving into Jungkook’s
gentle request.

“What?” The alpha asks, confused. He steps closer until Jimin has to tilt his head all the way back.
“What do you mean?”

“Do you regret staying? Being honest? Do you want to forget and act as if nothing happened?”

“Why would you think that? Is this what’s keeping you from focusing?”

“You-“ he looks around, embarrassed. “You’re just- you barely smile and you haven’t even
embraced me once today. I- Gods, I just feel like I imagined last night because you’re acting the
same way you did yesterday and a week before that. But we are not the same, right?” He looks at
Jungkook again, hands crossed over his chest protectively. “Maybe I’m just stupid. I’m sorry- I’m
so sorry let’s just go back to training we only have two more hours until the meeting. We shouldn’t
waste it like this.” He moves to step aside, but a hand on his cheek stops him abruptly.

“Jimin,” Jungkook’s soft voice beckons him to look up at the alpha again. “I don’t regret anything
of what happened last night, and I don’t want us to act as if nothing happened. I’m sorry I made
you feel like that. I’ve trained for all of my life, and I’ve been training others for almost half of it.
The first thing I learned was to never let my emotions blind me while doing it. I’m not ignoring
you. I want to embrace you. I want to feel your skin on mine, and I want to kiss your pretty lips
again.” Jimin bites his lip, blushing under Jungkook’s intense stare. “But I also know that all of
that can wait until we have more time alone. Guiding and helping you train is more important to
me right now.”

His other arm curls around Jimin’s middle, pulling him closer until their bodies are flush against
one another.

“Believe me when I say I want nothing more than to hold you close like this all day,” the alpha
whispers. “But I hope you can understand what we’re doing here is more important than that.”

“I know,” Jimin says hastily. He clears his voice, eyes moving from Jungkook’s black eyes to the
flowing river behind the alpha’s shoulders. “I just-“ God, he feels so stupid for bringing this up.

“I know you need words of assurance. You’ve told me before. I’m sorry for not offering them to
you sooner.”

“No- That’s not-“

“Maybe I won’t be as affectionate as you would like me to be. I-uh,” the alpha stumbles over his
words and Jimin’s eyes widen. “I was never taught how to be gentle. How to care for a lover,”
Jimin squeaks at the word, heart in his throat. “But I can learn. For you. I can learn how to act
around you the way you need me to,” the alpha says, truthful.

“I don’t want you to learn how to act a certain way, Jungkook,” Jimin whispers. “I don’t want you
to be sweet, kiss me or embrace me because you think I want that. I want you to be you. I want the
real you. Every part of it.”

“Then this is me. I meant every word I said last night. Every kiss and touch. But I can’t be that
man when I believe other things require more attention.”

“I understand.”

“You say you want every part of me,” he starts slowly. “But I fear some things might be a little
too…intense for you. I’m trying to keep that away for your sake.”
“Your alpha?” Jimin asks tentatively. Jungkook nods and his eyes flash crimson. Jimin gulps, eyes
swimming in a pool of red. “I don’t want you to hide a part of yourself from me.”

“That’s the part of me that relies solely on instinct and the second I let it take a hold of me, I’ll
forget how to control my strength and myself around you. And I don’t want that. Not so soon.”

“Oh…w-what is instinct telling you now?” Jimin breaths out, cheeks aflame.

Jungkook’s nostrils flare and his hand tightens around Jimin. Jimin arches his back into the touch,
a small gasp leaving his parted lips.

“I’m an alpha, Jimin,” Jungkook growls deep in his chest. “I know that doesn’t mean much to you.
You don’t understand that side of me like another wolf would. But trust me when I say that my
alpha’s intentions are anything but pure when it comes to you. He understands he’s here to protect
you, but he also wants to feel you underneath me every second of the day.”

Jimin’s eyes widen. White noise fills his ears, and his heart threatens to jump out of his chest.

“That side of me wants to take you away and forget everything else that’s happening around us.
And I can’t allow that to happen now. So….please,” the alpha whispers, and Jimin’s hands fly up
to hold his cheeks gently. “Be patient. Don’t push me. Let me focus on what’s more important for
both of us now.”

Jimin nods, mouth dry. There’s nothing for him to say. Nothing for him to do except understand
the alpha. Because, after all, he’s right. Right now, they have more important things to focus on.

He smiles gently before moving to step away from the alpha, but Jungkook stops him by curling
his fingers behind Jimin’s neck. He turns to look up at the alpha again, watching carefully his next
move.

Jungkook seems to battle with himself. His eyes shift back to blinding black, but hues of red are
still visible. His lips are set in a tight line and his jaw flexes as he keeps gritting his teeth. And
then, in a split second, Jimin watches his eyes turn a brilliant red before his lips are pulled into a
bruising kiss.

Right there, in the middle of the day under the bright sky- Jungkook kisses him like it’s the last
thing he will ever do.

Jimin gasps into his mouth, unable to keep up with the alpha’s rough lips. His hands grip
Jungkook’s shoulders and his knee buckle, but Jungkook keeps him up with an iron grip around his
middle.

He had thought last night’s kiss had been rough, but this is far beyond anything he would have
imagined.

Jungkook’s fingers dig dangerously hard in the skin around his hip and his hand at the back of
Jimin’s neck prevents the mage from pulling back even for a second. The alpha is restless in the
way he explores Jimin’s mouth with his tongue and Jimin feels dizzy on his feet.

Jungkook’s teeth catch Jimin’s bottom lip and Jimin moans and the slight pain. It’s airy and barely
above a whisper, but the alpha hears it as if Jimin’s lips had been right against his ear. And that’s
all it takes for him to pull back, fast.

Jimin leans his forehead on the alpha’s chest. Not moving an inch. Not opening his eyes. Not even
breathing. Every inch of his kin buzzes with energy and he’s sure his knuckles have turned white
around Jungkook’s shirt.

He feels so weak he can barely blink his eyes open. And maybe now he understands why Jungkook
wants to keep his alpha at bay.

“Are you alright?” Jungkook asks softly. His hand had moved from Jimin’s hip to gently stroke his
back and Jimin relaxes into the touch.

He hums, unable to let out a sound.

“Was that enough to make you understand? I’m not acting cold around you because I don’t care. I
do it because it’s the only way I can keep my mind clear.”

“I- uh,” he clears his throat, eyes opening fully. “I understand.”

He moves back to look up at the alpha. The red in his eyes had disappeared completely and the
muscles in his face have visibly relaxed.

“I’ll go get us some water. Then we can try one more time before we go back.”

Jimin nods, swaying forward as Jungkook steps back from him.

Maybe he had been a little foolish. But he’s glad Jungkook had pushed him to talk. Because even
though his heart is running laps and his stomach knots up in pure want, his mind is clear.

::Blood of My Blood::

The tension in the room almost makes Jimin hide under the round desk. Almost.

Jimin loathes being in this room again. But with Jungkook standing tall behind his back, he feels
just a tad bit stronger. His hands don’t sweat profusely and his back never slouches. He keeps his
eyes on Yuna, unwavering even when the woman narrows her own at him, lips turned downwards.

She looks downright murderous, pinning Jimin down with what he believes to be the sharpest gaze
she can pull together.

“No?” He asks. A simple word, uttered as if she had never heard it in her life before.

Jimin nods, calm.

“Do you even understand the power you have?” She grits out, fists pressing into the table as she
leans over it to get closer to Jimin.

Jungkook growls behind him, low and threatening. A warning. But the woman doesn’t spare him a
single glance.

“I do. That’s why I’m not willing to use it for your own benefit.”

“OUR!” She snaps. “Our benefit, Jimin. Yours, mine- the whole humankind. I won’t benefit from
it. You won’t benefit from it. But countless generations to come will.”
“You’re wrong,” Jimin says slowly. “Retaking the old cities by killing thousands of wolves will
only bring more pain and suffering.”

“This is why we no longer bond with wolves,” she growls, disgust laced in every word. “You’re so
blinded by him you can’t even see the great future that lies before your eyes. So close to grasping
it.”

“It’s not great,” Jimin shakes his head. “It’s filled with only fire, blood, and pain. And I don’t want
that.”

Yuna closes her eyes, inhaling deeply. “Who would dare stand up to you with a dragon at your
feet?” She asks.

Jimin’s brows furrow. “That would make me no different than the wolf currently controlling the
dragon. This is what you want? You want to get rid of one tyrant only to give birth to another?”

“Haven’t we suffered enough? Haven’t we cowered and hidden away enough?”

“We have. But killing every wolf on the land is not the answer you’re looking for.”

“Then what is the answer?” Mina chimes in after minutes of leaning against the wall behind Yuna
silently. “Wha is your plan? You must have one.”

“I will control the dragon,” Jimin says easily. “But only to kill the Head Alpha of the Yen clan.”

“We don’t know anything about the man. He doesn’t show up in any of our visions and no
whispers of him have been heard around the land. How do you plan to find him?”

“He will come to us,” Jungkook’s voice comes from behind. Steady and low.

Mina lifts one delicate eyebrow at him. She watches Jungkook with stark coldness for a few
seconds, then her lips stretch around a shy smile.

“Has anyone ever told you how scary you are?” She asks. It’s a weird question. One that should be
uttered in fear, but her eyes hold nothing but excitement. “It’s quite exhilarating to be in your
presence,” she chuckles.

A groan slices through the room from in front of Jimin and all eyes fall on the man. Minho rolls his
eyes, hands crossed over his chest.

“What?” Mina snaps at him.

“What?” Minho mimics her tone before looking at her. “Can you keep it in your pants for one
hour?”

“Can you stop being so stuck up for once?” She asks back, pulling herself from the wall. She walks
to Minho quickly, slender legs moving like water on the shiny floor of the room. Minho stands up
as well, towering over her. But she doesn’t seem the slightest bit intimidated by it. She meets the
boy’s gaze head-on, unflinching.

“Someone needs to put you in your place from time to time,” Minho barks.

“Oh?” Mina quirks one brow at him. “And you would love to be the one able to do that, right?”

“In your dreams,” the boy scoffs.

“Maybe, yes.” She says easily, laughing when Minho’s eyes widen. “What? I have the guts to be
honest whit myself. But you will never know how that feels, sadly.”

“You-“

“What do you mean by he will come to us?” Yuna asks over them, loud and clear.

“Uh,” Jimin shifts his eyes from the mage to Mina and Minho then back to the mage. “We believe
he will attack the Jeon clan in the following season,” Jimin says. He tries to recall word for word
what he and Jungkook had talked about earlier that morning before training. “The Jeon territory is
the largest and the closest to them. Even with a dragon, Althea is still protected by strong mages
and I’m sure they must know they can’t waste manpower trying to overtake this city first. The Min
territory is vast but protected by mountains and few, but very strong warriors. With its position, it
would be easy for us to corner them in the mountains, and they won’t risk it. That means the Jeon
clan is the next target after the human clans to the west. And after what we’ve seen before coming
here, they must be almost done with those.”

Jimin only hopes that his plan had worked, and no more humans were harmed while the Yen clan
traveled toward the Jeon clan.

“And you plan to fight them there?” Minho asks, now seated again.

“Yes.”

“Before taking the dragon?” Jinho speaks for the first time.

Jimin turns to him. “I can’t predict its movements. I don’t know where to find it. So our best
chance is for me to control it when they come for us.”

“But that’s too dangerous. Everything relies on you being able to control the dragon, but what if
you fail?”

“I won’t,” Jimin says plainly. “I won’t fail.”

“But you could-“

“No.” Jimin cuts him off. “I won’t,” he says with finality. He’s still learning. He still has a lot of
training to do. But when the day comes, Jimin won’t fail. There’s no reality in which he does. He
won’t accept it.

“Then why did you come here?” The boy asks perplexed. “If you refuse to help us, why are you
here?”

“For knowledge. I knew from the very beginning I can’t count on the Queen to help up. But I need
training. I grew up learning what I know from an old healer, and I know there are a lot of things I
could learn from a mage. That’s why I’m here.”

“You refuse to help us,” Yuna starts. “But you expect us to help you?”

“It will benefit us both if you do.”

“You think you’re some kind of savior,” she chuckles, eyes void of warmth. “You think you’re
more important than anyone here because you want to save everyone and bring peace to our land
again. But you’re nothing but a child blinded by the beast you decided to bond with.”
“Watch it,” Jungkook growls. He steps forward from behind Jimin, but Jimin’s hand snaps up to
stop him.

“He’s more human than you will ever be,” Jimin says slowly. “You can see me as a child if that
makes you feel better about being the Queen’s puppet, but at least I am free. I’m here because I
chose to be here. I’m here because I grew up watching humans die and suffer and I want to change
that. I am here because I know we deserve more than that and I know exactly how to help us. You
only want glory and revenge for the Queen, but that won’t help the humans outside these walls.”
He stands up, knuckles white with how hard he’s clenching his fists. “I came here only looking for
guidance because I thought that another mage would be the only one capable of understanding
what I’m going through. I see now how wrong I’ve been in believing that.”

Yuna looks at him for a few long moments. Mouth set in a thin line, eyes narrowed. “You will
learn the truth once this is over and he shows his true face. Whatever promise he made to you. He
will end up breaking it. Whatever dream you have after the war, he will crush it with his bloody
hands. And then you will regret the decision you’ve made today, but it will be too late.”

She leaves the room leaving a storm behind her. Minho jumps to his feet, yelling at her to wait for
him while Jinho stops Mina from coming closer to Jimin.

When Jimin finally moves his eyes from the closed door to Mina, he finds her smiling at him.

“I will teach you,” she says, delighted.

“What?”

“Mina-“

“Five days and I can teach you the most important things I know. Don’t tell anyone,” she leans
closer to Jimin, pushing Jinho aside. “But I am stronger than Yuna. That’s why she acts like I’m a
child just because I’m younger.” Her head lolls to the side, slender hands crossing over her chest.
“She can control me now, but soon enough I will be in charge.”

“Mina!” Jinho yells.

“What?” Her eyes narrow at him. “You know it’s true. I am stronger.”

“What can you teach me?” Jimin asks.

“Besides how to seek visions?” She hums, thinking for a second. “I can teach you how to control
fire.”

“I already know how to do that.”

Her eyes lit up. “You do? Isn’t that the most beautiful thing? Oh, I can’t believe I’ve finally found
someone like me!”

Jimin steps back a little as the girl jumps around in happiness. She sighs loudly, eyes falling on
Jimin again.

“I can teach you how to block someone’s power from them just like the wolf mage did to you.”

“You know about that?” A chill runs down his spine. Just how much had they seen?

“Of course,” she says nonchalantly. “And I can teach you how to do that.”
“But they don’t have a mage with them. I would love to learn but it would be useles-“

“She’s talking about the wolves,” Jungkook stops him.

Jimin turns to the alpha, brows furrowed. “What?”

“Handsome and smart,” Mina whispers.

“Someone’s power. She’s talking about our inner wolf,” he says. His eyes are red now, watching
the mage closely.

“You can do that?” Jimin asks, turning to face Mina gain.

She smirks. “It’s a piece of cake to me.” Her cunning eyes move from Jimin to Jungkook. “One
second and your wolf just-“ she lifts her hand to gesture an explosion. “Goes puf. It disappears for
as long as I want it to.” Jungkook narrows his eyes but doesn’t say anything. “And if that part of
you is gone, we both know you’re pretty much useless.”

“I’ve killed and won battles without accessing my wolf countless times,” Jungkook says easily.

“But you still rely on your hearing, sense of smell, and speed.” Jungkook blinks, jaw flexing.
“That’s right. I could take all of that away. And I can teach Jimin how to do that, too.”

“When can we start?” Jimin asks before Jungkook can say anything more.

“Tonight. I will come to get you when I’m ready.”

“Why at night?” Jungkook asks.

Mina looks at him with a bored look now, leaning against Jinho who looks almost afraid of what
Mina is doing right now.

“I only train at night.” She says plainly, no room for discussion.

Jimin nods. He remembers how tired the girl had been during their other meeting.

“I will wait for you then.”

Mina smirks at him. “Prepare yourself.”

::Hagall::

Jungkook heaves, hands gripping his knees as he tries to calm himself down. Jimin watches pained
as the alpha struggles in front of him.

When Mina told him to prepare himself, he had thought she meant physically or mentally. Not
emotionally. Jimin had not seen this coming.

“You can stop now,” he says hurriedly when Jungkook’s right hand slips from his knee and he
almost falls on the concrete. They’re in Mina’s private training room and Jimin already hates it.

The room is twice the size he remembers Head Alpha Jeon’s Great Hall to be and there’s
absolutely nothing in it besides concrete and torches on the walls to light up the room.

“Not yet.”

“It’s enough!” Jimin snaps, worried. He can barely feel Jungkook. His energy is so small he had to
reach out entirely to feel the slightest flicker.

“What do you feel?” Mina asks.

“I- uh…not much.”

“Concentrate.”

Jimin tries. Gods does he try. But between Jungkook’s pained moans and his own hurt at seeing
the alpha like this, he can barely do that.

He closes his eyes, breathing through his nose. Jungkook’s energy disappears completely for a
brief second, and Jimin almost falls to the ground.

“You can’t feel his alpha, right?”

“No, there’s-“ His eyes twitch as he concentrates on reading Jungkook’s energy. “It’s not there.,”
he breathes out.

“It is,” Mina says easily. “But my magic is hiding it from you and him. Concentrate on finding
me.”

“You’re hiding your energy away. I can’t”

“Yes, you can. Try harder.”

“I don’t think-“ A sharp groan from Jungkook stops him and he opens his eyes to look at Min.
“Stop! Stop it you’re hurting him!”

“Stop me yourself.”

“How is this training?” Jimin screams in her face. “Teach me how to do it not how to undo it!”

“This is the best way to teach you. You will learn how to do it if you stop me.”

Another cry. Another cut in Jimin’s heart.

“Why is it hurting him?” He asks, trying to think clearly.

“His alpha is a vital part of him. More than just another side of his soul. More than just something
that lives in him. It’s him. His alpha is in pain at being constricted and he’s trying to fight me. That
means Jungkook, too, can feel the pain even though he can’t feel his other half.”

“Right. Alright. Just-“ Jimin panics as he turns around. Jungkook is on his knees on the ground
now and he almost runs to the alpha.

“Find my magic and break my hold on his alpha, Jimin,” Mina says again and this time Jimin
listens.

He breathes through his nose, eyes closing. It’s hard. Harder than he had thought. Jungkook’s
energy is practically nonexistent and Jimin barely keeps himself together. A part of him screams at
him. Begs him to save the alpha. But the stronger part remains calm. Thinks. Analyses the situation
he’s in.

And then he feels it.

A looming presence over Jungkook. It’s not a line of energy he can follow. Not a burst of magic he
can block. It’s like a shield all around the warrior. Barely there- but still so present and powerful.

He’s moving forward as if in a dream, his energy searching for a way in. For a crack in the
darkness surrounding Jungkook. But there’s none. The shield settles like fog around Jungkook’s
energy and no matter how hard Jimin pushes through it, he never gets to the other side of it. He
feels like drowning.

The longer he searches, Jungkook’s painful groans grow in intensity, and right when Jimin is sure
he’s ready to give up. To beg Mina to let Jungkook go- he hears it. A growl.

He hears it directly in his mind. In the bond still present between him and Jungkook. But he knows
the alpha can’t be there. He can’t reach out to Jimin like Jungkook can. That means Jimin is the
one that had found the alpha.

He opens his eyes suddenly, but he doesn’t see Jungkook hunched over in pain. He doesn’t see the
concrete under his feet nor the torches on the walls.

He sees a black beast running towards him through the fog. He sees Jungkook’s alpha howling and
fighting the invisible shield. And then he understands.

“You’re not blocking the alpha from Jungkook, but the other way around. You’re hiding Jungkook
from the alpha and that’s why he’s in pain. That’s why I can barely feel his energy,” he breathes
out, eyes moving frantically.

“Bingo,” Mina whispers from beside him. “Now stop me.”

Jimin has no idea how to actually do that. But when his hands lift towards the alpha still running,
he understands his magic knows exactly what to do.

He reaches out to the alpha and the beast finally stops running. He looks at Jimin, for the first time
seeing that he’s not alone in the fog and then they’re only an inch apart. Jimin’s hands lower on the
alpha’s head, between his pointy ears, and the beast whines at the touch, falling on his belly.

“It’s alright. You’re alright,” Jimin whispers.

He lowers himself down and guides the alpha’s head to his lap. And then he does the only thing
that feels right in that moment. He lets the alpha feel the bond between him and Jungkook. The
bond the alpha himself is a part of.

Black fur is all he sees as he looks down at the alpha, opening his energy to the wolf. Until the fog
slowly ebbs away. And the second the shield disappears from around him and the alpha,
Jungkook’s energy returns full force.

Jimin gasps, eyes finally seeing what they should just as Jungkook falls to the ground.

“Jungkook!” Jimin jumps forward. “I’m so sorry-“ he lifts the alpha’s head, bringing it to his chest.
“I’m sorry- I’m so sorry- I’m sorry. I didn’t know- I- sorry. I’m sorry.” He mumbles over and over
again while gently stroking Jungkook’s black hair.
Jungkook groans and Jimin turns his face to look at him. A few strands of hair cling to his sweaty
cheeks. He’s pale and his eyes barely blink open.

“D-did you learn?” The alpha mumbles, licking his dry lips.

“Yes,” Jimin sniffs, trembling hands still stroking Jungkook’s hair. “Yes. I did.”

“Good,” the alpha nods slowly. He scrunches his nose at the action, probably getting dizzy.
“Good.”

“I’ll take you to your room. Alright?” Jimin whispers above him. He has no idea how he could
possibly carry Jungkook all the way to his room. But he will do it. No matter how long it takes. No
matter how many times he falls while trying.

“No,” Jungkook grunts when Jimin moves one arm under his back. “I’ll be fine in a few-“ another
groan of pain.

“You need to rest-“

“I’ll be fine. I promise. Let me just-“ his eyebrows furrow. “Let me breathe.”

“I feel horrible,” Jimin says in a broken whisper. He feels like crying. He never wants to see
Jungkook so weak again.

Jungkook lifts one hand to his cheeks, rough fingers feeling like home on his skin. “Don’t be. Look
at me- Jimin, look at me. I’m fine, alright? I promise. Look, I can already talk without gasping for
air. Just give me a few moments.”

“That’s all you have, big boy,” Mina says. She’s still where Jimin had left her, watching them
closely. “But then we have to do it again.”

Jimin wipes his head to look at her. “No.”

She lifts one eyebrow at him. “Oh? Then how will you learn? You understood how I did it and
stopped me. But now you have to do it yourself.”

“No.”

“Jimin,” Jungkook sighs. He shifts until Jimin lets him go then he stands up, offering one hand to
Jimin. He takes it in a daze, eyes locked on Jungkook’s. “You need to do it.”

“I don’t want to hurt you. I’ll try it on someone else!”

“Do you have another wolf hidden under your bed or something? No? Too bad then. Jungkook is
your only option.”

“Why don’t I train on you?” Jimin asks. He takes a step forward with Jungkook behind him and
Mina lifts her hands up, laughing airily.

“You don’t need to act so scarily, Jimin-ah.”

“I’m older than you.”

“But I’m the teacher here so I suggest we forget all about being polite altogether. We’re humans,
after all, we never really cared about that.” She leans on the wall, yawning before beckoning Jimin
with one finger. “Now come here and let’s get this over with.”
“I told you-“ He’s spun around by a hand around his middle and every word of protest dies on his
lip when Jungkook’s lips touch his neck.

He’s hyperaware of Mina’s eyes on them, but he doesn’t let that make him push Jungkook away.

“Please trust me,” Jungkook whispers only for his ears. “I promise I’m fine. I want you to learn.”

Jimin nods, eyes unfocused. He can’t fight the effect Jungkook has on him when he’s so close.
Even the slightest touch turns him into mush.

“Come on, come on. We don’t have all day. All night, actually. My bad. Sometimes I forget that
normal people sleep when I’m awake. You wouldn’t believe the number of times I went into the
dining hall waiting for lunch to be served at three in the morning.”

Jungkook touches Jimin’s neck with his nose one last time before letting the mage go.

And from then on, the night passes agonizingly slow.

Seeing Jungkook stumble on his own feet and groan out in pain takes a toll on him. And add how
tired he is after being woken up at seven in the morning to that? Yeah, it’s not a good time. But
Jimin thinks it’s a small price to pay for something as powerful as this.

It takes five hours for him to master it. But when the sun finally shines through the only window at
the back of the room, Jimin is smiling because he has the power of rendering any wolf useless in a
matter of seconds.

He’s swept off his feet once Mina announces the session and his arms fly out to wrap around
Jungkook’s neck as the alpha takes him to his room. He doesn’t know how Jungkook has the
energy to walk up three flights of stairs with Jimin in his arms after hours of having his energy and
wolf be played with. But he can’t complain. He loves being in Jungkook’s arms.

When they finally reach the door to Jimin’s room, Jimin has his head resting on Jungkook’s
shoulder, barely being able to blink his eyes open.

“I will let you sleep longer today. Rest,” Jungkook whispers after maneuvering Jimin in his arms
on the bed. His back is flush against the alpha’s chest and both of Jungkook’s strong arms cage him
in protectively.

Jimin falls asleep in a second.

::The Elder Path::

Turns out that by I will let you sleep longer, Jungkook only meant one more hour.

He’s so groggy when Jungkook wakes him up that he almost slaps the alpha across the face.
Jungkook catches his hand in mid-air. They stare at each other for a few seconds, both wide-eyed.
Then Jungkook laughs. It bubbles up from his chest, low at first then his whole body falls on Jimin
in laughter.

Jimin groans from being crushed under Jungkook’s weight but the alpha doesn’t flinch when he
tries to push him away.
They get out of bed at some point after Jungkook finally calms down. And they reach their training
spot fairly quickly even when Jimin keeps mumbling about how unfair the alpha is for waking him
up so early after a full night of training. As if Jungkook hadn’t slept just as much as him.

But through his tiredness and discomfort, he still manages to concentrate enough. And when the
sun reaches the highest point in the sky, the horse Jungkook had brought for Jimin to control
finally kicks his hind leg on command.

It’s a simple thing. The easiest command he could think of. But it feels monumental, and he can’t
help but jump in Jungkook’s arms out of happiness.

The alpha catches him quickly and Jimin wraps his legs around Jungkook’s hips as the alpha keeps
him securely to him with both arms wrapped around his waist.

“That went better than I expected,” Jungkook murmurs into his hair. Jimin has his face tucked into
the alpha’s neck. Smiling from ear to ear with his eyes closed.

“That’s how much faith you have in me?” Jimin mumbles, legs tightening around Jungkook’s hips
to hurt him slightly. But the alpha doesn’t wince in pain. Instead, his hand sneaks from Jimin’s
waist to his thigh. He massages the muscle with his fingers, making Jimin loosen his hold.

“Careful,” Jungkook whispers into his ear and Jimin practically melts on the alpha at the sound.

His mind is spinning from how good Jungkook’s fingers feel on his leg. But just how fast
Jungkook had touched him- that fast he lets go. He places a kiss on Jimin’s head before placing
him on the ground gently, letting go only when Jimin is steady on his feet.

When he sees the alpha’s eyes, Jimin understands why Jungkook had pulled back. Crimson swims
in the pool of darkness that are his eyes and Jimin steps back to offer the alpha space.

Space that he needs, as well.

“Can we go eat?” He asks instead of apologizing. He wants to, but he knows he has nothing to
apologize for.

Jungkook nods. He takes Jimin’s hand and together they walk to the dining hall.

“You want to focus on anything that might link you with what you’re trying to see,” Mina explains
from the side.

They’re in the concrete room again. Jimin really hates it, but any attempt at convincing Mina to
train in any other room had been futile. He’s sitting in the middle of the room, legs tucked
underneath, eyes closed as he tries to relax his mind. He feels rather eager for this part of the
training because he won’t have to hurt Jungkook again. The alpha stands leaning on the wall, on
Jimin’s right side. Watching carefully.

“What do you want to see?”

“Anything related to the Yen clan,” he says easily but Mina groans.
“No. Try something smaller. Although is possible to seek that, it’s too soon. This is only your first
try so let’s dream small for now. How about Jungkook?” She asks and Jimin opens his eyes to look
at her. “You’re bonded. It should be very easy to seek visions of him. Try it.”

Jimin nods, biting his lip. He closes his eyes again, relaxing his shoulders.

“What…what do I have to do exactly?”

“You have to relax your heartbeat and mind as much as you can. Block everything around you
except Jungkook. Concentrate on feeling the bond between you two. The longer you do that, you
will fall into a dream-like state. That’s where you will see the vision. You won’t be able to talk
with us and you will probably forget most of what you see the first time. But the more you try the
better you will get at remembering even the smallest detail.”

“Alright. I-“ he breathes out, hands gripping his knees. “I’ll just do it now-“

“Jimin,” Mina interrupts him. “Please don’t let the pressure overwhelm you. Let your magic guide
you. If you only think about what you need to do, your magic will know where to take you. Just be
patient with it.”

He nods slowly, fingers digging into his knee.

You can do this.

You haven’t come this far to fail now.

You can definitely do this.

Jimin follows Mina’s advice and concentrates as much as possible only on Jungkook and the
energy bonding them together. It’s been quite a while since he had last let himself feel the alpha.
When he reaches Jungkook’s energy, he’s almost left breathless by the utter strength he feels in it.

Jungkook’s energy radiates power and protection. Just like everything else about him and Jimin
quickly falls further into it. It’s easier than he expected. He feels so warm and protected with
Jungkook’s energy floating all around him that the second his mind goes blank, and darkness
engulfs him he doesn’t mind it. He’s not scared of it.

At first.

There’s a different type of darkness looming over his head as he looks up and his heart almost
drops in his stomach.

You can’t be hurt here. Nothing will hurt you here. He reminds himself over and over again as he
reaches his hand higher and higher until his finger press into the dark smoke. And then all that
darkness falls on him and he’s left breathless.

He gasps, eyes wide and hands trembling.

“You have to listen to me!”

Jimin turns around, alarmed by the voice piercing through the darkness. It sounds strangely
familiar.

“I can’t leave you here alone!” A higher voice floats around him and Jimin barely notes that it
must be responding to the first one. A conversation. He’s hearing a conversation.
“Go!” The first one scream, a heartbreaking urgency in his voice.

Jimin feels the pain in his heart. It leaves him breathless. He falls to his knees, eyes burning. Mina
didn’t say anything about being able to feel here. He feels like crying. As if he’s connected to the
broken voice in ways he can’t understand now.

His stomach hurts and he topples over. He feels so violently ill he forgets for a second where he is.

“JUNGKOOK!”

What?

He blinks. And then he wishes he had never come here.

“Please- please. Oh, Gods- please. Jungkook, look at me! You have to keep your eyes open! Look
at me, please! PLEASE! JUNGKOOK!”

No…

No-

Nonononono

Jimin falls on his ass, pushing back from the people sitting in the middle of the void in front of
him.

No. No.

He can’t close his eyes. Can’t scream. Can’t speak. He just crawls back from the horrific image.
But no matter how much he thinks he moves, the distance between him and the bleeding body in
front of him doesn’t change.

“Please-“

Jimin watches the man cry over the limp body and then he breaks.

That’s him.

He’s the one gasping for air over the bleeding man. He’s the one begging and crying. And the
bleeding man in his arms is not just anyone. It’s-

“JUNGKOOK!”

He screams over the bleeding alpha.

There’s so much blood Jimin can’t even see his face properly. So much blood on his hair. All over
his face. On his clothes. Everywhere. Just blood. Blood dripping underneath him. All around
Jimin’s knees.

Blood.

So much of it.

And he’s not moving.

Not an inch.
The alpha stays motionless in his arms. Chest unmoving.

Unmoving.

Dead.

Out. He thinks he whispers, but he can’t hear it at all over the sound of his own heart-wrenching
sobs.

I want out.

Take me out. Take me out.

I WANT OUT.

I WANT OUT. OUT. OUT. OUT!

“Jimin!”

OUT!

Blood. So much of it. His eyes fall to his hands. Blood on his hands as well. Everywhere.
EVERYWHERE.

Outoutoutoutoout-

“JIMIN!”

He gasps, eyes snapping open.

“You’re alright. I’m here- I’m here.”

Strong arms wrap around him and then he’s lifted off the ground. He blinks, confused. His eyes
burn and his hands won’t stop shaking. His eyes land on Mina, over Jungkook’s shoulder. The girl
watches him with sad eyes, bottom lip almost bleeding from how hard she’s biting on it.

“I’m here.” Jungkook keeps repeating into his neck as he tries to calm Jimin down. It’s only when
his heartbeat slows down after Jungkook places a few gentle kisses on his skin, that he realizes he
has been crying.

“W-what happened?” he mumbles.

“You don’t remember anything?” Mina asks slowly.

“No- I….no?” His mind is spinning. He doesn’t know what’s happening. He can’t remember
anything before letting himself be consumed by Jungkook’s energy. “Did I have the vision?” He
asks, eyes wide.

Jungkook growls in his neck.

“Mina?” Jimin turns to the mage, asking for answers.

“Yes. You had a vision.”

“And?”

“And if you can’t remember anything then there’s nothing I can tell you. I told you, you can’t
communicate with us when you’re in there. We don’t know what happened. You just-“ she stops,
eyes moving from Jimin to the alpha.

“What? What happened?” Jimin asks urgently as Jungkook finally lowers him to the ground until
his feet touch the concrete. But he doesn’t let Jimin go.

“You started crying.”

“Oh…” That’s why his eyes were burning.

“You,” she looks troubled. “You started screaming.”

“I thought you said I can’t speak. Screaming is speaking in a way, right?”

“You weren’t actually full-on screaming. You were gasping for air and opening your mouth wide
around some words. I could only make out one word.”

“Tell me.”

“Out. You kept mouthing out. Then you started trembling and crying violently and Jungkook
jumped in.”

Oh.

Jimin’s eyes turn to the alpha. His feet touch the ground again, but most of his weight is held up by
Jungkook’s arms. Jungkook’s eyes are a mixture of fear, pain, and anger and Jimin doesn’t know
what to do to calm the alpha down.

“Jungkook,” he whispers tentatively.

The alpha shakes his head, fingers digging into his hips. “Enough for tonight.” He says sternly.
“But-“

“I think he’s right, Jimin,” Mina steps in. “Whatever you saw in there,” she stops to shake her head.
“Whatever you saw in there troubled you too much. Your energy is all fucked up. You’re scared
out of your mind of something you saw, and we don’t have any way of knowing what exactly.
You’re not stable enough to go again. It would be better to rest for tonight and try again
tomorrow.”

Jungkook kisses his temple, cupping his face with both hands as he watches Mina leave the room,
and then it hits him.

The exhaustion.

He hadn’t felt it right after coming back. Or he hadn’t let himself feel it. But now his head feels
heavier than stone on his shoulders and he lets it fall on Jungkook’s chest.

::Saman::

“Come,” the alpha whispers while hoisting Jimin up in his arms. “You need to rest.”

“What happened, Jungkook?” He asks softly, watching the walls shift around them as Jungkook
starts walking.

The alpha’s jaw tightens, and his fingers dig into Jimin’s thigh. “We will talk tomorrow.”

“Please,” the word- or Jimin’s broken voice makes the alpha close his eyes. “I need to know. I
know you must have felt more than Mina saw.”

“I felt pain and immense fear, Jimin. That’s what I felt,” the alpha murmurs. “You were in so much
pain. And something had made you so frightened I almost jumped at Mina.”

“You what?”

“I wanted her to get you out of there,” he says. “I couldn’t bear to feel you like that.”

“I don’t remember,” he whispers as Jungkook opens the door to his room with his elbow. “I don’t
remember anything.”

“That’s alright.”

“No,” he shakes his head. Jungkook places him on the bed after taking his shoes off. “I have to
remember. I have to know what happened,” he says. He scoots closer as Jungkook stretches beside
him. This time facing him.

Jimin buries his face in Jungkook’s chest, and the alpha wraps his arms around the mage, holding
him tight.

“You can try again tomorrow. But now, rest.” His lips find Jimin’s temple, and they stay there for
a few seconds.

“Jungkook,” he whispers. His voice breaks at the end and the alpha pulls back a little to look down
at him. “There’s only one thing that could make me so scared.”

“Jimin-“
“It must have been something about you,” he doesn’t let the alpha stop him. “I was searching for
visions of you. You were there for sure. And if I was so scared then-“

Jungkook shifts better on his side while pulling Jimin closer. The alpha covers him almost
completely with his body and Jimin can’t stop the sob that slips past his lips. His hands come up to
grip Jungkook’s shirt over his heart.

“Jungkook- what if- I must have seen you-“

“Don’t imagine things. If you can’t remember, then we have no way of knowing.”

“But-“

“Jimin,” Jungkook says sternly then again gentler. “I’m here. I’m not going anywhere, I promise.”

“Don’t ever leave me alone. Don’t go anywhere. Don’t leave me behind. Don-“

“I won’t,” the alpha shushes him. “I won’t. I promise. I won’t”

“Please,” he pulls the alpha closer by the shirt. “Please just-“ He doesn’t know what he’s asking.
What he wants of Jungkook. He just wants to feel the alpha closer. Needs it.

The alpha shushes him gently. Jimin doesn’t question Jungkook when he pulls back a little to pull
his shirt over his head. Doesn’t even feel embarrassed when the alpha grips his shirt, eyes flying up
to Jimin’s. He just nods and lifts his head, making it easier for the alpha to take his shirt off.

There’s nothing sexual about the way Jungkook settles on the bed on his back and tugs Jimin over
him. And the second their naked chests meet and Jimin feels the alpha’s heartbeat right under his
own, he relaxes completely.

He lets his entire weight rest on the alpha and Jungkook doesn’t even bat an eye. He wraps Jimin
in his arms and holds him as tight as possible.

And when Jimin closes his eyes, head resting against Jungkook’s neck he understands that this is
exactly what he needed. Intimacy. His heart is content. His mind free of worries.

Their energies float around their bodies in soft, tender waves. Intertwining with each other just like
their bodies are.

It’s bliss and it’s everything Jimin wants to cherish and protect for the rest of his life.

::Runatal::

He doesn’t know what makes him snap his eyes open. His heart is beating fast and all he sees for a
few seconds is complete darkness until his eyes shift up and then he sees Mina’s angry face
illuminated by a small fire she keeps burning in the middle of her palm.

“Get up,” she says hurriedly while pulling Jimin’s limp hand.

“W-what?” He mumbles, lost. “What are you doing here wh-“ he turns around to look for
Jungkook. But what he sees is an empty bed. The alpha is not here. “Jungkook?”
“He’s not here.” Mina pulls him up and tugs him towards the door without even letting him get his
shoes. “Move. We don’t have time to waste.”

“Where? What is happening?”

“Yuna took Jungkook,” she says and Jimin stops in the hallway. Eyes wide.

“She- she did- what?”

“Jimin,” she grunts. “Let me say this as fast and simple as possible. Yuna took Jungkook to torture
him in hopes of making you reconsider controlling the dragon for the Queen. Jungkook was out
patrolling the perimeter like he does every night for two hours before waking you up. Yuna and
Minho took him. He put up a damn good fight, but they managed to make him pass out in the end.”

“How do you know all of this?!” He almost yells as Mina pulls him again.

“I saw it on my way from training.”

“And you didn’t help him then?”

“I figured it would be better to get to you before Yuna does. Don’t worry. I know exactly where he
is.”

What the fuck. What the fuck. What the fuck.

“They didn’t hurt him…right?” Jimin asks in a small voice. He’s afraid of the answer.

Min opens a door hastily then they’re running down steep stairs. Jimin stumbles more than he
would like to admit before Mina finally speaks.

“Aside from a few cuts? No. Not yet. But they will soon.”

Relief washes over him. He squares his shoulders and blinks his eyes rapidly to get rid of the sleep
still lingering in his body.

They stop in front of a huge black door. There’s only stone around them and it’s so cold Jimin
barely keeps his teeth from chattering.

“They shouldn’t be here,” Mina mumbles as she focuses on opening the door. “But if they are.
Prepare for a fight.”

“With Minho and Yuna?”

“Yes,” she grunts, and the door finally opens by an inch.

“You will fight your friends for me?”

Mina scoffs. “They’re not my friends. Yuna is so full of herself she can barely see the truth and
Minho is too blinded by his love for her to refuse her anything. She made him do it for something
as lame as a kiss on the cheek I’m sure of it.”

“Love?” He doesn’t remember a moment in which the man had made him think he was in love
with the mage.

“He’s in love but he hides it well because she has refused him more than once. But it doesn’t
matter,” she stops as she finally pushes the heavy door all the way open. “Come.”
They walk down a narrow hallway and Jimin can see in the low flicker of the fire still burning in
Mina’s palm the filthy doors that no wonder we’re meant to conceal the horror some of these
rooms have seen over the years.

“I never thought Althea would need such a place.”

“You would be surprised to hear how many greedy people I’ve tortured in here.”

Jimin scrunches his nose at that. He tries really hard to not think of his naked feet as he walks
behind Mina. But he fails when his right foot slips slightly over something akin to liquid. But not
really.

He stops, a shiver of disgust running up his spine. But he quickly regains his composure. This was
not important now. He would walk through literal shit if he had to for Jungkook.

“What do we do with him?” A deep voice comes from behind the corner. Mina stops instantly, arm
up to stop Jimin.

“Beat him up visibly. He’s too proud to talk if we ask him any questions and he will never agree to
convince Jimin to do it. Make him bleed profusely so Jimin can see when we bring him down.”

Jimin steps in front of Mina in a heartbeat. Eyes landing on the mages looking at an open door.

“Don’t you dare touch him,” he says. Voice low and calm.

Their heads turn to him at the same time Mina curses and steps from behind the wall.

“You could have waited for me to think of a plan,” she mumbles.

Jimin has no time for a plan.

“Mina?” Minho asks into the darkness. His eyes shift between her to Jimin. “You didn’t…”

Mina laughs, dry and sharp. “I am the one in the wrong here? You stupid ass-kisser. Why would
you help her with something like this?”

Minho opens and closes his lips like a fish on land.

“Minho understands how important this is,” Yuna steps in calmly.

“Or you offered him something nice enough to convince him.”

“Shut up, Mina!”

“You shut up! You disgust me.”

“Mina,” Yuna smiles at her gently. “This is important. Please leave Jimin with us and go.”

“No,” Min shakes her head. “I’m here to help them.”

“That will make you guilty of treason.”

“So be it,” she says with finality. Her hands come up and before Jimin can understand what she’s
planning, Yuna’s robes catch fire.

“Mina!” Minho screams and tries to stop the flames with one sharp gesture. But Mina’s fire is
stronger than Minho’s gust of wind.

“Don’t kill her!” Jimin screams at Mina, and the girl narrows her eyes before stopping the flames
herself.

“It wouldn’t be like she didn’t deserve it.”

“Do you even hear yourself?” Minho screams at her, his face red from anger. “You would kill one
of your own for him?” He gestures to Jungkook, face scrunching up in disgust, and Jimin snaps.

Jimin can’t see the alpha, but guessing by his calm energy and silence, he’s passed out.

“He’s risking his life for you! For all of us! And you want to use him to get to me?” Jimin asks.

Yuna raises her hands in their direction, but before she can do anything. Jimin closes his fist. She
gasps, hand flying up to grip at her neck.

“Stop it!” Minho snaps. He rushes to catch Yuna’s body before she can hit the dirty floor.

“Not before you wake him up,” Jimin says. Yuna’s eyes are now red and Jimin lessens his hold on
her briefly. She inhales sharply but then her eyes widen as Jimin cuts her air again. “Now.”

Minho stands up, eyes on Mina. “You will regret this,” he says before his body turns to face the
open door that hides Jungkook’s body from view. He closes his eyes, brows narrowing and after
fifteen long seconds, Jimin hears a gasp for air.

“Jungkook!” He screams. “I’m here! I’m alright!”

The alpha topples over as he passes the door, pushing Minho aside. The mage hits his head on the
wall behind and he falls on the ground, eyes closing.

“Jungkook,” Jimin gasps as the alpha collides with him. They hold each other until Jimin feels like
he can barely breathe. But even then, he doesn’t let go.

“Jimin-“ Jungkook gasps.

“I’m alright! Don’t worry,” Jimin hurries to say. He buries his face in Jungkook’s neck, body limp
in the alpha’s strong arms.

“You have to go.” Mina’s voice comes from behind Jungkook suddenly. She stands up, with
Minho hanging on her right shoulder. He looks as heavy as Jungkook, but somehow the girl holds
him up easily. “The gates will be open for you, I’ll make sure of it. Leave now.”

Jimin shifts his gaze from them to Yuna’s unconscious body.

“What- what about you? You-“

“I’ll be fine.”

“But-“

“I’ll be fine, Jimin. I told you I am stronger than she will ever be. I’m sure she did this without the
Queen knowing. They won’t punish me. And if they plan to do so, I will run before they catch
me.”

“If that happens you can-“

“I will. I will come to you. Now go!”

Jimin is reluctant to leave the girl behind, but Jungkook drags him away before he can let another
word out.

They run up the stair. Between each now bright hallway and when they step outside into the early
morning sun, Jungkook undresses hastily.

Jimin barely has the time to register Jungkook’s naked skin before black fur covers him completely
and he falls on four legs in front of Jimin.

Jimin had never seen the alpha’s wolf so close before. He’s so big that Jungkook’s snot reaches
Jimin’s lips when he moves to stand in front of the wolf.

The alpha moves his head to his clothes then to Jimin and to his back and Jimin hurries to do as
said.

He collects Jungkook’s clothes in his arms and then quickly jumps on the alpha’s back. Jungkook
makes it easy for him by lowering himself to the grass. He doesn’t move until Jimin grips his fur
and steadies himself.

“Alright- I-uh go?”

Jungkook jumps to his feet and runs.

He runs so fast that Jimin yelps and lowers his head to stop the wind from hitting his face. At some
point, Jimin tries to guide Jungkook through the narrow streets, but the alpha takes one sharp turn
after another before Jimin can even register where they are, and he understands Jungkook must be
more familiar with these streets than Jimin.

They reach the gates just as a guard steps out of the only house so close to it. He’s so stunned he
can’t react fast enough and before he screams at Jimin, Jungkook is already on the other side and
the gates fall shut behind them.

There’s nothing but grass and trees in front of them for miles and miles but somehow Jimin feels
more at ease than ever before.

They’re together. Safe and unharmed. And he knows that everything will be alright. They will be
alright no matter what happens next.
 Warmth

PART VIII

|| warmth ||

::they sink::

Being in the forest with Jungkook again makes Jimin feel strangely at home.

It’s hard without any of their bags. They never carried much, but they still miss a few supplies.
Right on the first night after leaving Althea Jungkook had hunted a boar to make Jimin a pair of
shoes. They don’t look like one, but they protect his feet from the dirty ground and that’s all he
could ever ask for in that situation. The weather is not freezing yet, and even if it were it wouldn’t
matter because Jimin can warm himself and Jungkook never cared much about the cold in the first
place.

They easily fall into a routine. During the day, they cover as much distance as they can to the Jeon
clan. They had recognized fast that there was no other place they needed to go now but back to
Jungkook’s territory. Jungkook shifts in his wolf form to carry Jimin on his back because Jimin
could never run as fast as Jungkook and that helps them travel faster. And right after the sun settles
and darkness engulfs them, they stop to rest.

Jimin uses their rest time to continue looking for visions while Jungkook keeps an eye on the forest
and maybe sleeps for two hours. Jimin never sleeps at night. He rests only during the day because
there’s nothing else he can do on Jungkook’s back.

It takes him five nights to learn how to properly seek visions of Jungkook and he can barely
remember any of them. But by the fourteenth night spent in the forest, he masters it.

The first vision he remembers clearly is of Jungkook laughing with a dozen pups around them.
Jungkook smiles gently at that when Jimin tells him. He can see it in the wolf’s eyes that he misses
his pack. Misses being surrounded by his people.

The second one he remembers clearly is of Jungkook watching over a sleeping pup with pure
adoration in his eyes. Jimin doesn’t tell the wolf about that, and it leaves a sour taste in his mouth
for hours.

And that’s when he decides it’s time to stop looking into Jungkook’s future and actually search for
what they need. The Yen clan.

It’s much harder to seek visions of them because Jimin has no direct link to them as he has with
Jungkook. But after four nights of trying, he finally gets it.

“Head Alpha won’t be happy with that.”

“Don’t be stupid. We won’t tell him.”

“You won’t tell him his freaking son is alive?”

“Why should we? He believes he’s dead after burning the clan to the ground. He doesn’t care
about him.”

“That’s what he thought but now he knows he could have been of use to us. He’s angry at himself
for killing him. He needs to know.”

“We will tell him when we reach the Jeon clan.”

“But that’s more than five weeks from now.”

“It doesn’t matter.”

Jimin’s eyes snap open. He gasps for breath, eyes wide. Jungkook catches him in his arms just as
he’s about to fall on the grass.

“You saw something.”

“I did-“ he breathes out. “I-I did they-“ he closes his eyes to focus on the vision. Remember. Come
on remember. “They will reach the clan in five weeks.”

“When the first snow hits,” the alpha whispers.

“We should arrive three weeks before them, right?”

“If we continue at this pace, yes. We will.”

“We will have enough time to prepare.”

“But not enough time to call upon the Min clan.”

Jimin shakes his head, shifting closer to the alpha. “If Hoseok is searching for visions like you said
he would-“Jungkook pulls him until Jimin is straddling his lap, his thighs on either side of the
alpha’s hips. “Then they must know already. They have to.”

Jimin circles his arms around the alpha’s neck and lets his head fall on his shoulder. He closes his
eyes, giving himself time to calm down. Seeking visions always made him feel anxious. He was
always scared of what he would see after what has happened the first time.

Jungkook strokes his back and hip gently while kissing his hair from time to time.

“Now that we know when they will attack. We need to train your control more. You managed to
control a horse the last time. But that’s still not even close to a dragon.”

“I know,” Jimin whispers. “I will focus on that the rest of the way.”

Jungkook hums and silence falls upon them.

It’s so quiet around them. Only the withering leaves swaying with the gentle wind can be heard and
the sound almost lulls Jimin to sleep. But Jungkook’s hands moving on his back keep him
conscious.

He feels so warm and protected in Jungkook’s arms. A feeling he had longed for ever since leaving
Althea. They hadn’t had the time to just hold each other like this between Jimin seeking visions
and running every day.

His hands move from Jungkook’s shoulder to his cheeks as he pulls back to look at the alpha. Like
this- with Jimin in his lap, they see eye to eye. Jungkook looks at him gently, so gently Jimin
doesn’t even think before his lips touch the corner of Jungkook’s mouth.

It’s a tentative touch. Barely there. Soft enough to give Jungkook room to pull away if he wishes
to. But the alpha’s hands stop their caress only to firmly hold Jimin’s hips as he moves his head to
capture the mage’s lips in a hungry kiss.

Jungkook never kisses Jimin on the lips softly. It’s like he’s unable of controlling himself once
their lips touch. And Jimin doesn’t mind it. The alpha is gentle enough when he pecks Jimin’s
cheeks or temples, he doesn’t need that from him when their lips collide.

When the alpha guides Jimin’s lips open for his tongue to explore the mage’s mouth freely, he
moans wantonly. The sound slips right into Jungkook’s mouth from deep within him and he barely
has the time to be embarrassed by it before the alpha’s hands pull Jimin flush to his chest.

Jimin’s hips slide against Jungkook’s at the motion and his eyes snap open wide. Desire
overwhelms him as he stares into Jungkook’s red eyes. The alpha pulls back, a string of saliva
connecting their lips.

“I’m sorry-“

“Don’t stop,” Jimin rushes to say, cheeks aflame. “I-“ his eyes move from the alpha’s eyes to his
wet lips and back to his eyes, unsure of himself. “Don’t stop,” he repeats because it’s the only thing
he’s sure of. He doesn’t want to stop. He doesn’t want the alpha to pull away.

“Jimin,” Jungkook says almost pained.

“Please-“ It’s wrong of him to push Jungkook like this. He knows it. He sees it in the way
Jungkook’s eyes battle for control. But he can’t help himself. His body craves more, and his heart
can’t bear to see the alpha pull away again.

“What do you want?” Jungkook whispers against his lips, eyes on Jimin. “What do you need,
Jimin?” His hand falls from Jimin’s hips to his backside and Jimin gasps at the touch.

He brings his legs underneath him, instinctively searching for purchase. When his knees touch the
ground, he shifts his hips once. Barely even an inch. But the reaction that simple movement gets
out of Jungkook is enough to snap the air out of his lungs.

Jungkook’s eyes fall shut as his fingers dig harshly into Jimin’s flesh. And even with his pants in
the way, Jimin feels their burning touch as if he were naked.

He doesn’t know what he’s doing. He had never been in this situation before. But where his mind
fails to guide him, his body takes control. His eyes close slowly just as Jungkook finally looks at
him again and then their lips meet.

And this time- while Jungkook lets go of his hips completely to hold his chin in place and kiss him
senseless, Jimin doesn’t just stay still. He moves.

His hips rut forward on their own accord and his mind goes blank at the feeling.

Hot white pleasure overwhelms him as it builds low in his stomach. And the longer he moves- still
in gentle inexperienced strokes, the restless Jungkook becomes under him.

The alpha goes from kissing him deeply to biting his lip and neck. He moves from one to another
almost erratically. As if he can’t decide which one is best. But when he finally settles on keeping
his head buried in the crook of Jimin’s neck, his fingers slip from the mage’s chin to his hips. His
fingers push into Jimin’s skin with so much force he’s sure it will leave small bruises in the shape
of Jungkook’s fingers, and then the alpha guides his hips to move faster and deeper.

Jimin gasps and whimpers right against Jungkook’s ear. Fingers trembling as they tangle in the
alpha’s unruly hair and his thighs shake as he moves faster and faster with Jungkook’s help.

His pants are so tight around his groin that Jimin almost cries and his lip hurts from how hard he’s
biting into it to keep his sounds to a minimum. His whole body just burns.

“Jungkook-“ he gasps when the knots in his belly tighten almost painfully. His hips stutter,
stopping for a second but the alpha growls and moves his other hand on his hips, moving Jimin on
his own. “Jungkook- I-“

The sensation builds and builds until he feels wetness trail down his cheeks. Until he can no longer
keep his cries hidden and he gasps and moans into Jungkook’s ear. Until one of Jungkook’s hands
sneaks underneath his shirt. Until his rough fingers brush against his chest and then it breaks.

It happens so suddenly he gasps in surprise and cries out as his hips move erratically on their own.

“Jungko- Jungkook-“ He chants the alpha’s name as he shudders on his lap, waves of pleasure
making his body twitch and bend to be as close to the alpha as possible.

“Look at me,” the alpha growls, finally lifting his head from Jimin’s neck. His hands settle on
Jimin’s hips under his shirt and Jimin opens his eyes to look at Jungkook.

The alpha’s lips are red and wet from suckling on Jimin’s neck for so long. His pupils are blown
wide and there’s not a single thread of black in them. Pure red stares right back at him as the alpha
continues to drive his hips and Jimin almost passes out.

He’s pulled so tight he thinks he might break any second now, but Jungkook keeps him rooted in
the moment.

The alpha curses, eyes narrowing dangerously. He looks so beautiful. So breathtaking Jimin can’t
take his eyes off his face.

They watch each other so closely Jimin feels completely naked even with all of his clothes still on
his body. But when the alpha closes his eyes briefly, his hand flying to Jimin’s backside again to
keep him flush to him as he shudders under him- Jimin might as well be naked because he feels the
alpha throb right against his groin as if there’s nothing separating them. He hides his face in
Jungkook’s neck immediately.

The alpha gasps, arms like iron on Jimin’s body as he keeps him in place. As if Jimin would ever
pull away.

When he stops shaking, his hold on Jimin loosens but Jimin doesn’t move an inch. He can’t look at
the alpha.

He had let his desire control him and now he’s absolutely mortified by what he’s done.

“Jimin,” Jungkook whispers against his head, voice strained. “Look at me.”

“I can’t,” he mumbles. His grip on Jungkook’s neck tightens and he doesn’t dare move his hips an
inch, choosing to ignore the wetness in his pants.
But the alpha doesn’t back down. His hands finally slip from Jimin’s hips up to his head and he
gently peels him away. But Jimin keeps his eyes closed.

“Are you embarrassed, angry, or scared?”

“Embarrassed and angry,” Jimin mumbles.

“I should have stopped. I’m sorry.” Jimin’s eyes fly open at Jungkook’s small voice.

“I’m angry at myself!”

“Why?” Jungkook’s head lolls to the side, brows furrowed.

“Because- you said I shouldn’t push you and I did I- I forced you.”

Jungkook blinks then his lips stretch around a chuckle, thumbs moving over Jimin’s lower lip
lightly. His eyes fall to Jimin’s mouth. He seems lost for a second as he watches his thumbs play
with Jimin’s lip then he blinks the fog away. “Believe me,” he starts, eyes to Jimin again. “You
didn’t force me.”

“But you said-“

“I know. I know what I said. We were very busy in Althea. But now…before we reach my clan, we
have some breathing room. So don’t be afraid to seek me out.”

He doesn’t know if it’s possible or not, but Jimin is sure his cheeks are literally on fire.

“How do you feel?”

“Don’t ask me that!” Jimin almost screams. In the silence of the night, his voice feels too loud even
for his own ears.

“I need to know.”

“You know exactly how I feel,” Jimin mumbles. “You feel it.”

Jungkook hums, lips curling around a smile. Jimin almost passes out. He had seen glimpses of
Jungkook’s cocky side, but never in such an intimate situation. It suddenly feels too real. His
smaller body still on Jungkook’s lap. The wetness in his pants. Jungkook’s half black half red eyes.
The desire lingering in his body. It all feels too real.

He jumps back, or he tries to. Jungkook catches him before he can run away.

“Not so fast,” Jungkook whispers. “There’s no place you can hide from me. I will find you in a
heartbeat.”

Jimin gasps, all air leaving his lungs. He shudders above Jungkook as the alpha’s fingers dig into
his hips again. Jungkook catches the reaction and the smirk on his lips returns.

This is- this is his alpha. But Jungkook, too. This is all of him and Jimin can’t make his body and
mind work properly. The realization makes him pull back again and this time Jungkook lets him.
But the moment Jimin’s back hits the ground, Jungkook follows him.

He falls between Jimin’s open thighs, holding himself up on one elbow while the other hand finds
Jimin’s lips again. His eyes watch every inch of Jimin’s face with utmost care.
“I’ve never told you how beautiful you are,” he breathes. “How sweet your lips taste,” he adds.

“Jungkook-“ Jimin whispers.

“Are you scared now?” The alpha asks. His eyes find Jimin’s, and he shakes his head, biting his
lip.

“I’m not,” he murmurs.

“Then why are you pulling away?” He pulls on Jimin’s lip with his thumb until Jimin releases it.
He keeps his thumb there, applying the slightest pressure on it. It makes Jimin’s head spin.

“Because I don’t know what to do with myself,” he says, honest.

“I want to feel you like that once more,” Jungkook whispers over his lips. “I want to hear your
beautiful sounds again. Will you let me? Just once more before I have to hide this part of me
again.”

“Yes,” Jimin murmurs. Because he wants that, too. He wants to feel that blinding pleasure again.

“Tell me to stop if it’s too much,” the alpha says over his cheeks. His hand sneaks underneath
Jimin’s shirt again, this time going lower instead of upwards. Jimin gasps, hips twitching. “Tell
me,” Jungkook reminds him.

Jimin shakes his head, eyes locked on Jungkook’s with determination. Jungkook’s fingers slip over
the first button keeping his pants closed and then the second one when Jimin doesn’t protest.

Five breathtaking seconds later, Jungkook’s fingers curl around his half-erect cock, and Jimin’s
spine arches off the ground, eyes wide.

“Jungkook!” He gasps, completely shaken by how good Jungkook’s big hand feels wrapped
around him.

“Good?” The alpha asks. He places another kiss on Jimin’s cheek right before he shifts his wrist
and Jimin’s vision blurs.

“Yes-yes-“

He’s so wet from his previous orgasm that Jungkook’s hand slides with no problem over him. He
moves his wrist fast and hard, then slow and purposeful and it has Jimin thrashing and crying under
him in no time. His hands wrap around Jungkook’s broad back, fingers digging into the strong
muscles.

The fire builds again, faster than the first time. But when Jimin gasps, thighs pulling apart wider as
he lifts his hips to seek more friction- Jungkook stops.

“No,” Jimin mewls. “Don’t stop. Don’t stop-“

“I’m not,” the alpha assures him quickly. “I promise.”

Jimin watches through hooded eyes as the alpha lifts himself up a little. His hand slips from Jimin
to his own pants and Jimin’s eyes fly up to Jungkook’s face.

“Jungkook-“

“Relax,” Jungkook says. He lowers himself on his elbow again and his cock brushes Jimin’s
slightly. He gasps as Jungkook takes both of them in his hands. “Just this,” the alpha murmurs
through gritted teeth. “Just this.”

His hand tightens around them both and Jimin closes his eyes. He breathes through his nose to
calm himself down. But there’s no doing that when he can feel Jungkook so intimately. He’s heavy
on him. Big and wet and his mind goes completely blank.

“Jimin?” Jungkook whispers against his mouth.

“Yes,” his fingers dig deeper in Jungkook’s back. “Keep going. Yes.” It takes everything in him to
say these words. And once Jungkook’s hand starts moving around them, he’s reduced to a
whimpering mess.

He’s lost in the pleasure Jungkook makes him feel. His eyes open and close frantically, wishing to
watch the alpha above him but too shy to keep eye contact. His hips move on their own, seeking
more friction and Jungkook lets him.

The alpha lets him move as he pleases. Let’s him arch his back as high as he wishes. Lets Jimin
wrap his thighs around his hips only to pull them back and wider apart when the pleasure gets too
intense.

Jungkook just lets Jimin do whatever makes him feel good. He allows Jimin to figure out what he
wishes or not. And when Jimin finally settles on keeping one leg over the alpha’s middle while the
other helps him rut against Jungkook, the alpha moves his hand faster.

They moan in unison over each other’s open lips and Jimin swears this is what heaven must feel
like.

Their movements aren’t coordinated at all, but Jimin can’t imagine anything else could feel better
than this. His thighs hurt from keeping his hips up. His throat burns from crying and his lower
belly tightens so hard he can’t breathe properly anymore. But it’s perfect. He’s in Jungkook’s arms
and it’s perfect.

Jungkook is like a rock on top of him. Massive and strong. Heavy and so big Jimin can’t wrap his
head around it. He can’t see him. He can’t make himself look lower than the alpha’s chest. But he
feels every inch of him. And only imagining him based on what he’s feeling has him falling over
the edge without any warning.

“Jungkook-oh God- ohgodohgod.” He gaps over and over again, eyes scrunched together, body
pulled taunt.

He’s not moving an inch until the first wave washes over him. But once that is over, his eyes snap
open to find the alpha, and his hips start moving wantonly.

The alpha curses and growls and his eyes turn fully red as his hand tightens around them. Jimin
doesn’t stop his hips even for a second. He can’t. He watches the alpha’s furrowed eyebrows with
open lips, pleas and cries escaping them as he keeps moving.

He doesn’t know what he’s begging for. Doesn’t know why he’s still moving his hips even after
he goes soft. Doesn’t know what he’s waiting for with his heart stuck in his throat until Jungkook
finally shudders above him.

The alpha comes with Jimin’s name on his lips and Jimin finally understands what he was waiting
for.
Jungkook looks at him as he comes, hips twitching. There’s a storm in his eyes and Jimin gets lost
in it. Gets lost in the calming black and heart-stopping red. Gets lost in Jungkook’s puffy lips and
tight jaw. He gets lost in the alpha’s beauty and he never wishes to be found.

But Jungkook falls on him gently with a groan and he’s pulled back to reality.

Silence. Save for the small puffs of air that escape them both.

Serenity and pure tranquility.

Jimin never wants to open his eyes again. He’s perfectly content in this bubble of happiness he
exists in with Jungkook.

Jungkook’s lips peck his cheeks tenderly. Then his temples. His nose. One eyelid then the other.
Jimin’s smile grows after each one until he’s sure his eyes will never open again with how big his
lips are pulled apart.

“Stop,” he snorts softly when Jungkook starts kissing his jaw.

“I don’t think I can.”

“Can’t or won’t?” Jimin asks, fingers playing with Jungkook’s hair.

“Won’t,” the alpha whispers against his neck.

They stay like that for another few minutes. Basking in each other’s presence. Until Jimin moves
his hips lightly and cringes. He needs to clean himself.

“There should be a river close, right?”

Jungkook hums, too preoccupied with kissing Jimin’s skin to respond.

“Can we go there? I need to clean up.”

“I can clean you up,” the alpha rasps into his ear.

Jimin gulps, fighting back a moan. “River-“ he croaks out.

Jungkook lifts his head, chuckling. But despite his cocky smirk, his eyes are soft. “I really want to
clean you up.”

“Jungkook-“ Jimin pushes the alpha by the shoulders, but he doesn’t budge. “Don’t say that.”

“If I carry you to the river, will you let me clean you up next time?”

Jimin blushes. Next time. He nods, unable to speak. The alpha tucks both of them in then quickly
scoops Jimin up in his arms.

The walk to the river is embarrassingly long and quiet. Jimin can barely look at the alpha.
Jungkook catches him avoid his eyes, but he doesn’t comment on it.

“Let me,” he says gently after letting Jimin down. Jimin nods and the alpha makes quick work of
his clothes before getting rid of his own.

His nakedness embarrasses him to so some extent. But the alpha acts so naturally around him,
unbothered by their naked skin that Jimin finds himself relax as well.
The water is cold when they first get into it, but Jimin works quickly to heat up a small circle
around them. It’s hard because fresh water keeps pushing the warm one away, but he manages.

Jimin watches the moon reflect on the water as Jungkook moves his hands on his skin. The alpha
treats him like a doll, so gentle in the way he lifts Jimin’s arms to clean them. A stark contrast to
how he was kissing Jimin only moments ago. It gives him whiplash.

“Can you kiss me?” He asks over the sound of the flowing water.

Jungkook lifts his eyes from his belly, one brow lifted. “You can kiss me without asking.”

“No I- I want you to kiss me…gently,” he adds. “You always kiss me with so much…power. Even
our first kiss was rough.”

“Does that bother you?”

Jimin mulls over the question. He inches closer to the alpha. “No, it doesn’t. But I just wonder
what a soft kiss would feel like.”

“Then teach me,” the alpha whispers, and Jimin’s eyes widen.

“What?”

“I’ve never kissed anyone like that. Teach me.”

“I-“ How can Jimin teach the alpha something he himself doesn’t know how to do?

“Jimin,” Jungkook whispers. His wet hand finds Jimin’s cheeks and the mage leans into his touch.
“You know exactly what you want. Take it. Kiss me like you want me to kiss you.”

Warmth spreads all over Jimin’s heart as he looks into Jungkook’s calm eyes. The alpha doesn’t
pull him closer. Doesn’t lean back or closer. He waits patiently for Jimin to move. To decide for
himself what he wants to do. So Jimin holds his breath and lifts himself on his tiptoes holding on to
Jungkook’s wide shoulders.

Jimin closes his eyes before his lips can collide to Jungkook’s and he misses. His lips touch the
corner of the alpha’s lips, but he doesn’t let that stop him. He lingers there for a second then slowly
makes his way to the center of Jungkook’s lips.

His lips only peck Jungkook’s at first. Soft and barely there. But it’s enough to make his heart beat
faster. His lips part slowly, just an inch and then he lets Jungkook’s bottom lip slip between them.
He moves just like Jungkook does when he kisses him, only ten times slower.

Jungkook follows his lead, and they start moving together. It’s tender. It’s slow and peaceful. It’s
beautiful.

But if Jimin had hoped to like this kiss better, he was wrong. He loves it. But that’s just because
Jungkook’s the one he’s kissing. He realizes it doesn’t matter how he’s being kissed as long as the
alpha is the one doing it.

He pulls back, smiling like a fool. Jungkook watches him with hooded eyes, lips a tad bit red and
wet. He looks dazed, staring at Jimin like he’s too far away to understand what he’s looking at.

“Sweet,” he murmurs and Jimin melts. “You taste so sweet.” His hands find Jimin’s face, cupping
his cheeks gently. “And you’re so beautiful. The most beautiful man I have ever seen.”
“Jungkook-“

“Don’t stop me,” he shakes his head. “I want you to know what I see when I look at you. I want
you to know how beautiful you are to me. I want to spend every day of my life with you, Jimin.”

“I want that, too,” he breathes out. He’s so close to crying, vision blurry already.

“I know the deal you made with my father makes you stay with us after this is over. But I want you
to know that I want you next to me because I care for you. Not because you have to stay.”

“I’m scared,” Jimin whispers, choosing to be honest with the alpha. “I’m scared of what your pack
will think of me I-“

“It doesn’t matter what they think.”

“But they mean so much to you, Jungkook. You love each one of them like family. It would break
me if by being with me you would have to push them away.”

“I won’t,” Jungkook says sternly. “I won’t have to do that.”

“But-“

“Jimin- I choose you. I want you. They will understand. They will see you the way I see you. And
if they don’t, it doesn’t matter to me.”

“I- I don’t have anyone else, Jungkook,” he whispers, and the weight of those words makes his
knees buckle. “There’s nobody in this whole world by my side anymore. Nobody that loves me
unconditionally. And if I lose you too because I won’t fit in I won’t be able to move on. I can’t. I-“

“You have me,” Jungkook says over him. “You have me. You will always have me.” His hands
move from Jimin’s face to circle his waist. Jimin lets himself be pulled against Jungkook’s body.
Every inch of him touching every inch of Jimin until he can’t figure out where his body ends and
Jungkook’s begins. “I promise you will always have me.”

He cries.

Just like he had after his mother’s death.

His heart breaks for her loss again and again and then it slowly glues back together.

With every gentle kiss from Jungkook, a piece is mended. With every tender whisper in his ear, a
tear is erased. Until he can breathe without hurting. Until his heart becomes one again in
Jungkook’s arms, under the soft glow of the moon.

He’s scared. But he will always have Jungkook and that makes his heart soar.

::brot::

As Jimin watches Jungkook shift back from his wolf form after another long day of running, he
realizes that in order to get rid of his fear he needs to know more about how the wolves live.
“I want to know more about yourself,” he says over the fire that night after training. He had
successfully controlled a deer in only a few minutes, and they were now resting in silence by the
fire.

Jungkook looks at him over the flames. “What do you want to know?”

“About your wolf and your clan. About how you live.”

Jungkook hums and Jimin waits patiently for him to say anything. The alpha lifts one hand up to
him and he goes to the wolf in a second, legs moving even before his brain can register Jungkook’s
silent request. He falls down on the grass next to Jungkook and the wolf smiles at him softly.

“Ask away.”

“Uh…I didn’t really think of specific questions,” he says embarrassed. “Can you just tell me
anything you deem important?”

“Mhm. I already told you the most important thing. We value strength above everything else and
that’s why I believe you will have no problem becoming one of us. The clan will respect your
power.”

Jimin bites his lip, eyes moving from the alpha to the bushes. Somehow, he doesn’t really believe
him. It can’t be that easy.

“I attacked one of your elders back then,” he reminds Jungkook after a few silent moments. “Won’t
they want to…punish me for that?”

“Even if they did, I won’t let them.”

“How can you always be so sure of the power you have over them?” Jimin asks, eyes shifting to
Jungkook again. “You told me you will rebuild the human cities with me if that’s what it takes, but
that means you will be away from your clan for God knows how many years. You said it doesn’t
matter what they think and that nobody will use me. That you will protect me. The respect you
have as the Head Alpha’s second son runs that deep?”

“It’s not only that,” the alpha says easily. “I know you will always be protected and respected in the
clan because I will be the one to lead it one day. I am next in line.”

“What?” Jimin jumps a little, shifting his body to face the alpha completely. “But Namjoon-ssi is
the first son.”

“That doesn’t matter,” he shakes his head. “Hyung is smart and always collected, able to analyze
any situation from afar and that makes him maybe the most important member of the pack. But
clans don’t expect that from their Head Alpha. They expect physical strength. A leader able to
inflict fear in anyone that would dare to cross into their territory. A leader ruthless enough to never
flinch in the face of danger in order to protect its pack.”

“Someone like you,” Jimin breathes.

The alpha nods. “I knew ever since I was a pup I will someday take my father’s place. And I
trained my body and mind every day since then to become the Alpha the clan needs.”

“Then…if the first son doesn’t have to take your father’s place, that means anyone can challenge
you?”
“No. If I had another brother, yes. But not anyone outside the family.”

“And if the Head Alpha doesn’t have children?” Jimin whispers. His heart stops beating as he
waits for Jungkook’s response.

“Then, while still the leader, the Head Alpha will choose his successor. But if the clan sees him
unworthy of the role, they can challenge his place. But that has never happened before. Wolves
always procreate to continue the bloodline.”

“Oh.” He feels so stupid for bringing that up. What was he thinking? Of course it was important
for them to continue the bloodline. Then….Jungkook as well.

“I can’t have children,” he blurs out so fast he fears the alpha won’t be able to understand him. But
he needs to say it. He knows male omegas can get pregnant, but he can’t and maybe Jungkook
doesn’t know that. What if the alpha was imagining that sort of future for them? What if-

“I know,” Jungkook says easily. “I know, Jimin.”

“But it is important for you to have one, right? That means you will have to-“

“No,” the alpha shakes his head. His hands find Jimin’s face and the mage leans into the familiar
touch. “I don’t have to do anything. It might be important for us to do that. During my ruts,” he
stops, cheeks turning pink. “I might feel the primal need to do that. But nobody will ever force me
into it. It’s alright if I don’t have children as long as Hyung does.”

Pink. Flushed pink. Jungkook is flustered.

Jimin had never seen the alpha flustered. His fingers brush his cheeks and the alpha snorts. Half
embarrassed, half endeared.

“You’re blushing,” Jimin says, amazed.

“Yeah. I guess I’m not used to being so open. I never had to explain these things to anyone before.”

“Does it upset you that I don’t know something as simple as that?”

“No, Jimin. You can’t know everything from the little books that are written about us. It might be
embarrassing, but I’m happy to spend time with you like this. It makes me happy that you want to
know more about us.”

“Then can I ask about your rut? You…you mentioned it and I realized I know nothing about it.”

The alpha sighs softly, poking the inside of his cheek with his tongue. His hair falls over his eyes,
much longer now than when they had left the Jeon clan.

“It’s uh…” he starts. “It happens about twice a year and it lasts a few days. Between two and four.
That’s when my wolf takes over completely and the urge to-“ he stops, brows furrowing, “breed is
the strongest.” Jimin’s skin burns at the word, biting into his lower lip to keep himself from
interrupting the alpha. “If I were mated to an omega, my rut would sink up with their heat to ensure
a successful breeding after the mating and it would switch from happening twice per year to only
once. Maybe it sounds fun, or that’s what I thought when I was a pup and I didn’t know much. But
besides immense pleasure, there is an overwhelming amount of pain that never goes away if I
spend my rut alone. That’s why, usually, after every wolf reaches maturity and the ruts and heats
get stronger, we always search for partners.”
“So you’ve never spent a rut alone?”

“Not since I turned nineteen, no.”

“And when was your last rut?”

“Two moons before you came to us.”

“That means you should have it again in a few weeks, right?”

“Probably, yes. I will only know for sure when my pre-rut hits. My senses are heightened, and my
nose gets very sensitive. I feel the urge to always scent someone, and my body runs hotter than
now.”

“I can’t even imagine that.”

“It feels just as bad as it sounds. Plus, the pain.”

“And you will always experience this pain?”

“It’s easier for mated pairs. The pain reduces to a dull throb.”

“So an omega would be able to soothe your pain with their scent or just by simply being there?”

“Yes.”

“Then what can I do?” He asks in a soft voice, throat tight. “I- I’m not an omega- so what can I
do?”

Jungkook’s hands tighten on his face. His lips form a pout as his cheeks are squished and the alpha
leaves a quick peck on his mouth before speaking.

“We don’t have to talk about that now. It might not happen for another two moons and even then,
you don’t have to spend my rut with me.”

“But I want to,” he says, determined. “I want to, Jungkook. I- I care for you. I want to be there for
you when you need me most. But maybe I will make no difference. Maybe it would be better if
you do what you have always done and spend it with an om-“

“Never,” the alpha growls. “Jimin, look at me. Let me see your pretty eyes, don’t look away.” He
smiles gently when Jimin finally looks at him. “Don’t cry. There’s nothing to be sad about. I will
never want to spend my rut with a random wolf after meeting you. I might get delirious, but I won’t
lose my mind to the point I would seek out comfort from just anybody. If it’s not you, then I will
spend it alone. No matter how much pain I have to endure. You mean too much to me to hurt you
like that. Do you understand?”

He nods but that’s not enough for Jungkook.

“I want to hear you say it,” he whispers.

“I understand.”

“And if you really want to know- you can help. I told you you have a scent now, remember? You
smell like me. You took my scent the second we bonded, and it has been driving me insane since
then because even though it’s my scent and it’s familiar to me. It’s different. A tad sweeter, just
enough to make it uniquely yours. Scenting works with us. And that’s the biggest form of comfort
you can offer me. If you ever want to be there for me, scenting will be more than enough to help.”

“You’ve always been the one to scent me,” Jimin says. Jungkook’s hands fall from his cheeks to
circle around his waist and before the alpha can pull him closer, Jimin climbs into his lap. “But I
never tried to do it. Do you think it would work?”

Jungkook leans back on the rock behind his back, pulling Jimin closer to him. Their hips slot
together and Jimin’s thighs wrap around the alpha’s middle. They have been in this position before.
But if then Jimin had let himself be ruled by pure want, now he’s just pleased to feel the alpha so
close.

“We won’t know until we try. Do you want to?”

Jungkook seems relaxed under him. His arms hang loosely around Jimin’s middle and the muscles
in his face are relaxed. But Jimin catches the flicker of red in his eyes in the dim light illuminating
the alpha’s face. Jungkook’s alpha wants this so much so that Jungkook has to battle to keep it
down. It makes Jimin nervous. What if it doesn’t work and he only ends up disappointing the
alpha?

“What if it doesn’t work?”

Jungkook shrugs. “Then it doesn’t. I can still scent you.”

“But being scented would feel better.”

“It would,” Jungkook says carefully. “But not so much that I would miss it. Every time I scented
you it was almost like being scented back. The difference was barely noticeable. I don’t want you
to do it if you feel pressured,” Jungkook adds, and Jimin’s fear ebbs away slowly at the alpha’s
gentle tone.

“I want to.”

“Alright.”

“But I- I don’t actually know how.”

Jungkook takes his hand to softly guide it to his neck. He moves Jimin’s fingers until they touch a
spot right behind his ear. The alpha closes his eyes for a second.

“This is where one of my scent glands is,” he says after looking at Jimin again. “Use your nose,
mouth, or even cheek to stroke this spot. Maybe it would be better to also use your magic to feel
our bond. That way you can feel the connection and let yourself be guided by it.”

“Oh,” his fingers linger on the spot, stroking the skin softly. When he presses one finger deeper to
create a small dent, the alpha goes still under him. Jimin doesn’t move. Doesn’t even breathe
because he’s too concentrated on every reaction Jungkook gives him. And then the alpha leans his
head to the side to give him more space, eyes closing, and Jimin’s heart bursts.

He trusts him. Jungkook trusts him enough to give him full access to such a sensitive spot.

Jimin tries to collect his thoughts to keep himself from losing it. He can do this. He has to do this.
It needs to work. For Jungkook.

Jungkook’s hair brushes his cheek as he leans forward. He wonders if this close, Jungkook can
smell him better. He doesn’t feel anything but the burning scent of the fire behind them and the
natural forest night. He wonders what Jungkook’s scent would be like if he were able to smell him
as his nose hovers over the alpha’s neck.

Goosebumps rise on Jungkook’s skin, and he realizes he has been hovering- breathing over the
alpha’s neck for a few long moments now. No touch. Not even a single one. Yet the alpha doesn’t
push him.

When his nose finally touches Jungkook’s skin briefly, he expects to feel euphoric. Happy. Calm.
Anything. But there’s nothing. Nothing at all and he panics. Fear overwhelms him as he hurries to
move his nose rougher. Rougher. And still…nothing.

He pulls back, eyes burning. Fingers shaking on Jungkook’s shoulders.

“It-it’s not working.”

Jungkook’s eyes open but he seems lost for a second. He doesn’t even move his head and Jimin
panics even more.

“Jungkook? Jungkook, I felt nothing. It’s not working. It didn’t work.”

“Jimin.” Jungkook’s voice is so airy. So soft that Jimin almost forgets about his panic attack for a
second as his eyes fly to Jungkook’s. “It worked,” he breathes and Jimin’s eyes widen when he
finally sees the colour on the alpha’s cheeks.

“Keep going,” Jungkook murmurs. He guides Jimin back to his neck with a hand behind his neck,
but Jimin doesn’t touch the alpha’s neck again.

“But I didn’t feel anything,” he whispers, distraught.

“Because you didn’t give yourself time to. You’re a mage, Jimin. What links us together it’s your
magic and my wolf. Open your energy to me. Feel me.”

He nods, determined but still uncertain. He wants this to work so badly. He has to try again.

And this time when he lets his head fall in the crook of Jungkook’s neck, he opens himself up.
Completely.

Jungkook’s skin is soft against his nose and he’s so warm. He feels like he’s burning from the
inside out in the most beautiful way possible. He’s floating. Euphoric and thrilled and then he feels
the first wase of tranquility that washes over him.

He had felt this way before- every time Jungkook had scented him. But what is new, is the way
their energies tangle with each other. They create the most beautiful shield around their minds-
souls. It’s breathtaking.

And when Jimin’s lips settle against Jungkook’s neck, the alpha tightens his hands around his
waist, and everything explodes.

There’s so much warmth. He feels so calm and safe. Protected. Loved.

He feels it in every fiber of his body. Of his mind and soul and he doesn’t hold back the tears that
escape his eyes as he pulls back, utterly speechless.

Jungkook’s hand wipes his tears away softly, red eyes watching him like never before. There’s no
fire in them. No hunger or need. It’s pure tenderness and devotion he sees.
“How did it feel?” He asks finally. Because he needs to know. He has to hear the alpha say it. It
happened. It worked. But if Jungkook keeps quiet one second longer, he will fall again.

Jungkook looks at him with the softest eyes yet. There’s a fire that burns bright in them, but it’s not
wild and dangerous. It’s calming and warm and Jimin loses himself in it. His body sags on top of
the alpha and Jungkook catches him easily. His strong arms circle around Jimin’s waist and
everything feels right.

His mind is clear. His energy is calm. His heart beats steadily in his chest. It’s-

“Perfect,” the alpha whispers into Jimin’s hair before kissing his head.

Perfect.

Jimin had never thought he could feel like this again. After losing his mother- everything he knew
and cared deeply for, he had thought that he will never be able to experience emotions as he did
before.

But Jungkook has Jimin’s heart wrapped around his rough fingers and there’s nothing Jimin can do
to take it back now. His heart belonged to the alpha and all he could do now is hope Jungkook
would treat it gently.
 Love & Despair

PART IX

||love & despair||

::A Nearly Peaceful Place::

“Alpha,” the first wolf that sees them after crossing the border sighs relieved. He bows to
Jungkook, eyes bright. They make him look young, but the healed cuts Jimin sees on each side of
the alpha’s exposed neck tell Jimin everything he needs to know. He looks younger than Jimin has
seen any wolf in his position, but he’s not foolish enough to still see him as a child and not the
trained wolf he is.

“Jangmin-ah?” Jungkook mumbles as he watches the wolf. “What are you doing here?”

“I finished my training while you were away, Alpha. I patrol the eastern border with Alpha Minji
now.” The wolf beams at Jungkook. It’s clear he’s seeking Jungkook’s approval, and the alpha
offers it immediately. Jungkook pats the wolf’s shoulder twice and the wolf looks like he might
pass out from happiness.

“You will have to get your tattoos soon. I will do them for you.” That comes as the biggest surprise
for the wolf. His eyes turn red for a split second, and he almost jumps to hug Jungkook. But the
alpha’s serious expression keeps the young wolf at bay. “Now tell me everything I’ve missed while
we walk to my father,” Jungkook says and the boy’s face morphs into a stoic expression
immediately, ready to do his job.

“Head Alpha Min arrived three nights ago,” the boy says and Jimin’s eyes snap to him.

“Alone?”

The boy shifts from one foot to another, as if only now noticing Jimin. He looks up at Jungkook,
unsure.

“You can respond to any of his questions, Jangmin-ah,” the alpha says and the boy nods.

“No, not alone…uh-“

“Jimin,” Jimin provides for the boy.

“Jimin-ssi,” Jungkook steps in. Jimin’s eyebrows furrow but the alpha doesn’t look at him. He
watches the boy as he nods in understanding.

“Not alone, Jimin-ssi,” he says again, head slightly inclined in respect.

Respect.

Jimin feels his cheeks heat up. He wasn’t used to this. He would have almost bowed back to the
boy if Jungkook hadn’t stopped him with a small smile.

“You will bow only to my father,” he says only for his ears, and Jimin nods, dumbfounded.

“How many men did he bring?” He turns to the young wolf, smile gone.

“Almost three dozen, Alpha. His mate is with him as well.”

Jimin perks up at that, blinking himself out of his stunned silence.

“Hoseok,” he murmurs. The boy nods.

“Head Alpha Min told us to prepare for your arrival sometime today. He knew you would come.”

“Hoseok must have seen us in a vision.”

Jungkook nods, eyes focused ahead as they walk.

“Do we have enough food?”

“For now. But a hunt must be organized next week. That’s what Head Alpha believes.”

“Did your whole group finish training?”

“Yes, Alpha.”

“Then I want you to prepare them for next week. You will go hunting with me.”

The boy nods. His head snaps to the side as a howl slices through the early morning fog.

“Alpha Minji,” he murmurs. He lifts his shirt up in an instant to shift but then stops, looking up at
Jungkook. Silently asking for permission.

“Change behind the trees and report to me right after.”

The boy nods and without another word runs behind the trees from where Jungkook and Jimin had
appeared a few moments ago.

“He seems to know you,” Jimin says as they resume walking.

Jungkook inches closer to him. “His parents died when he was really young and I kind of took him
under my wing when he started training. He’s a good kid. Respectful and hardworking.”

Jimin smiles at the gentle tone Jungkook uses while talking about the young wolf. “You obviously
mean a lot to him. He was practically glowing when you offered to be the one to tattoo him. Oh!
Right- why exactly was he so thrilled about that?”

“Our parents are usually the ones that give us the tattoos. They hold a lot of meaning and it’s an
intimate process between the newly matured wolf and its family. My father gave me mine and I
still remember how proud he was of me.”

“Oh…Do any omegas have them?”

“If they train and become part of the guard, yes. But omegas usually train for a short period of time
to learn the basics. Very few continue.”

Jungkook stops abruptly. Jimin doesn’t catch on to it soon enough and he stumbles into Jungkook.
The alpha steadies him with one hand.

“What?” His eyes lift to look at the alpha. He finds Jungkook smiling from ear to ear, eyes fixed on
the small hill to their side.

“Oppa!!” A high voice booms all around them. Jimin takes a step around Jungkook to look ahead.

A small girl is running down the hill. Wide eyes. Big smile. Long, black hair flying behind her.

“Jungkook Oppa!!!” She lifts her hand to wave erratically.

When she’s almost in front of them, Jungkook bends down to wait for the girl with open arms. She
jumps into them and the alpha lifts her up easily.

“Why are you out here alone?” Jungkook asks her gently. He snickers when she buries her face in
his neck, but doesn’t pull her away.

“Omma told me you will come back today. I woke up when Appa did and I ran straight here to
wait for you!”

“Mhhm.” Jungkook shifts the girl around to hold her with one arm up while he slowly makes her
lift her head to look at him by tickling the back of her neck. “Thank you. For waiting for me. But
it’s dangerous for you to be so close to the border alone.”

She pouts, visibly sad about Jungkook scolding her. Even if he’s sweet about it.

“But there are a lot of guards Oppa trained around, right? I am safe with them.”

“Something could happen before anyone hears or smells you.”

She deflates, circling her small hands around Jungkook’s neck tighter. She couldn’t be more than
six years old and Jimin wants to curl in a ball and cry because somehow she reminds him of the
pup he had saved back in the Min territory.

He hasn’t been able to get the pup out of his mind in the last week spent in the forest and he’s
anxious and excited to see the pup again. He wonders if he will remember Jimin. Or if he grew a
little. Or if-

“Who is this man, Oppa?” She asks quietly, big eyes watching Jimin. They never change from
vibrant red and Jimin guesses that’s normal with pups as young as her because Jungkook doesn’t
seem worried by it. They look beautiful on her small face littered with freckles all over.

“This,” Jungkook starts. “Is Jimin,” he turns to help the girl face Jimin fully, but she immediately
squeaks once Jimin makes eye contact with her.

Jimin is about to open his mouth, but the girl’s next words leave him speechless.

“Oppa! He smells like you! Did you go away to mate with him? Why didn’t you tell me? I need to
give you a nice present. A flower necklace. Omma taught me how to make them. I can give him
one, too! I can make two!”

Jungkook’s eyes close as he laughs out loud. “He’s not my mate yet, Yeri-ah.”

Yet.

Not my mate yet.

“Then I have more time to make prettier necklaces until you mate?” She perks up, happy.

“Yes. You have plenty of time.”

“But not too much. You can’t make him wait long.”

“Not too much, no.”

“But if not too much then how much?”

“Hmm. Until you are old enough to train?”

She gasps, arms flying to Jungkook’s cheeks. “No!” She shakes her head vehemently. “That’s too
much time.”

“Then I don’t know. I will think about it more and you’ll be the first one to know.”

She nods, pleased. Her head falls to Jungkook’s neck again as she closes her eyes a smile adorning
her face.

“You missed me that much?” Jungkook asks softly.

She nods without letting out a sound while brushing her cheek against Jungkook’s skin. Scenting
him.

Jungkook had told him before that he loved to work with the pups and how he saw each one as part
of his family. And now Jimin can actually see how his words translate into actions. The alpha is
caring and attentive to each one and it makes Jimin’s heart flutter in his chest wildly.

“We’ll have to take her home,” the alpha says. Jimin lifts his head to him.

“That’s alright, we have time.” He smiles at the alpha

They reach the girl’s home two hours later and after they leave her there, Jangmin finds them again
on their way to the Head Alpha.

“Alpha, we captured a Yen wolf,” he says proudly. “He was lurking around the west border. We
believe he was alone because we couldn’t catch any other scent around him.”

“Where is he now?”

“With Alpha Minji. She’s taking him to Head Alpha.”

“Why would a Yen wolf be so close to the border alone?” Jimin asks. He’s sure the wolf must have
known he would be found. There was no way he wouldn’t so then-. “Lock him up,” his eyes snap
up to Jungkook. “He wanted to be caught.”

“What do you mean?”

“Think about it- would you ever lurk alone around a clan you want to attack without a plan? There
must be something they wish to see or find out and they were ready to risk one of their own for it.
We can’t let that wolf see the Head Alpha.”

Jungkook nods, eyebrows furrowed. “Take him underground next to the northern border.”
Jangmin bows quickly. “Yes, Alpha. Should I have him watched?”

“Have Alpha Minji personally guard him. I will question the wolf myself after seeing my father.”

“Yes, Alpha.”

The young wolf leaves as fast and silently as he had arrived and then silence falls upon them.

Jimin sees it in Jungkook’s eyes that he’s thinking of every possible plan the Yen wolf might have
and he lets the alpha be because he’s just the same.

He can’t bother to form words over his loud mind. It scared him that the Yen wolf is here. But he
knows this is still the safest place they could be.

::Hagall::

Jimin had almost forgotten what kind of alpha Jungkook’s father was. With everything that has
happened since leaving the Jeon clan, he had whipped his memory clean of what the Head Alpha
looked like. And he regrets it because fear is not something he wants to show to the Head Alpha so
openly, but he can’t stop himself.

Even with Jungkook right next to him, the Head Alpha is frightening. A mighty warrior worthy of
being feared.

But if Jimin is barely able to take five steps into the Great Hall where everyone is waiting for them
because of the heavy gaze the Head Alpha pins him down with, Jungkook looks more relaxed than
ever.

His shoulders are so down he almost looks small next to his father. He stands tall in front of the
older alpha, lips tight. But his eyes are soft and his fingers twitch at his side to probably hug his
father.

He’s home. He’s finally home and Jimin sees how relived the alpha feels after so long.

“Father,” Jungkook’s voice cuts through the big room. His head falls easily in front of his father to
show respect.

“Jungkook,” a chill runs down Jimin’s spine at the guttural voice the older alpha speaks with.
“We’ve been waiting for you, my son.” His eyes shift from Jungkook as soon as the alpha stands
back to his full height. The alpha catches Jimin’s gaze and he has to bite his cheek to keep himself
from taking a step back. His chest rises steadily as he inhales deeply and then a frown settles on his
rough face. “His scent is strong.”

All eyes turn to Jimin, and his cheeks start burning at the attention the Head Alpha’s comment has
drawn to him. Jungkook steps back to hide Jimin behind his big frame and for a split second, Jimin
feels like he can breathe properly.

“A Yen wolf was captured close to our border,” Jungkook says. His father doesn’t look pleased
with him for changing the subject, but he steps back.

He walks back to the table in silence. Everyone except Head Alpha Min stands up before Head
Alpha Jeon takes his place in the middle of the table. Namjoon is sitting on his right while Head
Alpha Min and Hoseok are on his left.

“Minji told me,” the alpha grunts as he lifts the heavy cup to his lips. “Sit,” he says after putting
the cup down.

Jimin’s eyes shift from him to the empty seat next to Namjoon, right between him and another man
Jimin doesn’t recognize.

“I want a seat next to me for Jimin.”

“What?” Jimin whispers, eyes wide.

Alpha Jeon narrows his eyes dangerously. “He does not require a seat.”

“He does.”

“Why?” It sounds more like a dare than a simple question.

“He’s my bond. His place is at the table next to me.”

“He has yet to earn his place. So you can either stand or take your rightful place at the table.”

Jungkook nods. His hands come to cross over his chest while his legs pull apart slightly. His
answer. He will stand next to Jimin rather than take his rightful place next to his brother.

His father shakes his head slightly, red eyes shifting to Jimin for a slight moment. But even that
brief look leaves Jimin breathless.

“I will be brief because I know Hyung already told you everything from our meeting in the Min
clan,” Jungkook starts. “Every human clan to the west is burnt to the ground. I couldn’t smell a
single human for miles leading to the Yen territory. The Queen is aware of this, but she will not
help us in any way.”

“Of course she won’t,” the alpha grunts. “Althea,” the wolf says with a hint of amusement in his
voice. “What did you learn there, boy?” His eyes find Jimin again.

Jungkook looks at him from the corner of his eyes and gently nods at Jimin. He knows he has to be
honest and tell the man everything. But aside from Jungkook, he finds it difficult to trust anyone
else.

“My father was a Yen wolf,” he says slowly. The room falls deadly silent and Jimin’s throat
almost burns as he struggles to keep talking. “And because of that, I believe I can control the
dragon. I’ve been training myself for that during our stay in Althea and on the way back.”

“Is this true?” The Head Alpha asks.

Jimin opens his mouth to answer but then he sees that the alpha wasn’t even looking at him, but at
Jungkook.

“He has no reason to lie. I trust him.” And you can trust him, too. That’s what his words mean. His
father nods once, so subtle Jimin barely catches it before looking at him again.

“Is your father dead?”

“I don’t know.”
“And don’t you want to know?”

“I have no desire to see him. I don’t care if he’s alive or dead,” Jimin says sternly. His father had
never treated him as a parent should. Jimin had grown up yearning for his father’s love and
guidance and had learned the hard way he would never have it. He would gain nothing from
seeking his father out again.

“Then what do you want? What will you do if you can control the dragon? Kill us all? Restore the
fallen kingdom? You came here looking for a bond to kill the dragon, not control it.”

“I didn’t know of any other way back then. But now I do. I won’t be able to kill it.”

The alpha doesn’t like that. His upper lip curls into a snarl and his eyes darken dangerously.

“You will kill it.” He says with finality.

“I won’t be able to do it,” Jimin says again.

“Why?” Namjoon speaks for the first time. “Why won’t you be able to do that?”

“Because we’re connected. Mages by nature are in tune with breathing and living beings. But I,
more than any other, am more connected with the dragon because of the blood running through my
veins. I’m not a wolf, but I am still half Yen. I won’t be able to kill it. No matter how much I wish
to as well.”

“You will,” Head Alpha Jeon says. Jimin opens his mouth to speak again but the alpha stands up
suddenly, his chair scraping the floor loudly. “I won’t allow anyone to wield such power. You will
kill it.”

“I-“

“He can’t.”

All eyes turn to the side to Min Yoongi. But he’s not the one that spoke up for Jimin, his mate is.
Hoseok.

“What?” Head Alpha Jeon growls.

“It’s not a matter of will. He wants to kill it as much as any of us. After all, that dragon had killed
his entire clan. But his magic will simply not allow it. His soul and power itself will never harm
the dragon,” The beta speaks easily.

He stands up suddenly to face the Head Alpha. Jimin’s eyes fall to his mate, but he seems
unbothered by Hoseok’s free way of speaking. The man sits with his back leaning on the chair,
patiently waiting.

Trust.

He trusts his mate. He knows Hoseok doesn’t need his protection or guidance.

His eyes shift to Jungkook to find the alpha already watching him.

Will they ever have that? Will Jungkook ever step back and let Jimin take control like that- fully
trusting Jimin?

Jungkook steps back, only one step, but it’s enough to make Jimin’s heart burst. He was doing it
now. The alpha was willing to let Jimin handle this himself. Whatever Jimin decided to say or do-
Jungkook would silently support him from behind.

“But,” Hoseok says, suddenly less pleasant. “You are right that we can’t allow the beast to live. It
would only bring us despair. Each clan will go to war for its power. And not only wolves, humans
as well.” His eyes find Jimin’s, keen and sharp. “The Queen wants the dragon for herself, right?”

Jimin nods. There was no need in hiding that information from them if Hoseok had already
somehow seen it. But he does need to know exactly how much the wolf knows. “How do you
know?”

“I kept a close watch on her while I was searching for you. But my visions were very vague and
short. I could only make up that she wants to use you for something. Now that I know you can
control the dragon, I know what that something is, finally.”

“You’re right. We had to run from Althea because they tried to torture Jungkook to get to me. A
mage helped us escape.”

“And does she not have anything else to use against you?”

“No. As far as I’m aware.”

The beta hums, sitting again.

“Then we have to find a way to kill the dragon without using our magic.”

His words are met with silence. It hangs heavy in the air and Jimin doesn’t even breathe. Until
Head Alpha Jeon speaks again, finality in his voice.

“You will kill it.” His red eyes find Hoseok and the beta doesn’t shy away from his gaze. The beta
smiles, but his eyes are empty. “If he can’t because he’s half Yen, then you will.”

“Is that an order?” Head Alpha Min asks, voice low. Eyes locked on the alpha, his body relaxed.
But his tone leaves no room for misunderstanding, he won’t allow another alpha to treat his mate
poorly.

“It is,” the Alpha says, and Yoongi stands up abruptly, eyes red and sharp.

He’s smaller than Jungkook’s father, but Jimin knows better than to underestimate him. Especially
with Hoseok at his side.

The beta sighs and stands up, no longer allowing Yoongi to stand between him and Head Alpha
Jeon.

“It’s not an order if I was thinking just the same. With some help, I can kill it easily.” He turns
around to face Jimin, that sweet smile back on his lips. “You’re fully capable of controlling
animals now?”

Jimin nods. “It takes some time with bigger ones, but not a lot.”

“And how confident are you that you can control the dragon?”

Jimin would never call himself a liar.

He would never think of himself as weak again.

But as he watches the wolves in front of him analyze his every move and word, he feels like he has
to hide his fear and say exactly what they want to hear.

“I have no doubt that I can control it,” he says easily. Not a total lie, but not the honest truth either.
He’s not sure. He will never be until he actually tries to do it for the first time.

Hoseok seems to sense something in him because his eyes squint for a second. But before the wolf
can question him further, he turns to face Jungkook’s father again.

“I would like to know where the human clans are situated,” he says softly.

“By the sea,” the man grunts after a few silent seconds.

Jimin’s eyes widen “The sea?”

The alpha closes his eyes, annoyed and that’s when Namjoon steps in.

“Taehyung-ssi, the mage you sent here, convinced us to move the humans further into the territory.
After studying a few maps of our territory, he decided the protection the sea provides should be
enough. Nobody can attack them there without passing through our territory first.”

“H-how did he convince you to do that?” Jimin asks, mouth dry. Namjoon looks away, slightly
embarrassed and that’s when Jimin’s heart drops in his stomach.

“Hyung,” Jungkook says from behind, voice rough. “What did he do?”

Namjoon looks at his brother, but before he can answer, their father speaks again.

“He used the pup you found to manipulate us.”

“What?” Jungkook growls.

“What did he do? Where is he now?!” Jimin asks loudly, eyes wide. He steps further into the room
until he’s just a few steps away from the table right in front of Namjoon and he feels Jungkook
behind him in a second, his presence calming Jimin down slightly.

“He did not harm the pup. He’s safe.”

“Then why did he use it to manipulate you?”

“The pup wouldn’t leave his side once Taehyung-ssi got to see him the first time. After he finally
changed into his human form, he wouldn’t stop crying. He was highly distressed and not even an
omega’s scent calmed him down. But Taehyung-ssi got him to finally eat after starving himself for
days. He told us the pup actively searched for his magic and that’s why he was calm around him.
When we tried to get the boy away, he started crying and starving himself again, so we had no
choice but to ask Taehyung-ssi to take care of the pup. In turn, he wanted to change the location of
the human clans.”

Jimin’s hands shake as he tries to keep himself steady on his feet. “Where is he now?” He asks,
voice barely above a whisper.

“We convinced him to stay close to us and he agreed-“

“Where?” Jimin asks, impatient.

“We had a room arranged for him and the pup in the healer’s home in case he ever needed the
help.”

Jimin swirls around to face Jungkook, heart beating frantically in his chest.

“Jungkook-“

“I know,” the alpha whispers. “We’ll go now.”

Jimin nods, and without another word to the other wolves in the room- he leaves. He hears
Jungkook’s hurried voice say something before the alpha is by his side, matching his fast steps.

They don’t speak as Jungkook guides him to the healer’s home.

Jimin’s mind is a mess and his heart just the same. He had saved the child from certain death only
to leave him to suffer alone again. Just as his mother had done.

“This way-“

But now he’s here.

They pass by a few houses then Jungkook ushers him onto a dirt road leading up a small hill.

He’s here now.

The alpha opens the green doors without knocking. His nostrils flare and then he quickly drags
Jimin through a couple of small hallways.

And he’s here to stay.

The door flies open before Jungkook can do it himself and Jimin’s heart stops beating.

::Momentary::

There’s so much tension in the small room, that Jimin is sure he could shatter it into a million
sharp pieces with one inhale.

He sees stone walls caging in a tiny bed with a small table and two chairs. He sees a fire burning
bright in the corner and some clothes and toys haphazardly thrown around on the ground.

And then he sees them in the middle of all that chaos.

Taehyung’s tall frame makes the room feel infinitely smaller, but what makes Jimin want to fall on
his knees is not the hard eyes the other mage pins him down with. It’s the soft and big ones that
stare at him in wonder.

The pup clings to Taehyung with two tiny fists clenched tightly, eyes wide. His black pupils move
rapidly between Jimin and Jungkook and nobody moves.

Nobody breathes as they wait for the pup to react.

Jimin has no real idea of how he should act around a child. He had never taken care of one. But if
he had learned anything since leaving his home so many moons ago, is to follow his instinct.

He holds the pup’s gaze as he slowly reaches out to feel him with his energy. His energy moves in
gentle waves around the child, calm and soft, and when the pup untangles one hand from
Taehyung’s shirt to lift it gingerly towards Jimin, he crumbles.

The child immediately lets go of Taehyung completely, bending forward and Jimin stumbles to
him.

“Moon-“ Taehyung gasps, eyes wide as the child almost falls from his arms. But Jimin catches him
in a second, all air leaving his lungs.

His arms loop around the pup’s warm body, holding him tightly. He feels heavy in Jimin’s arms.
Steady. Healthy. His eyes begin to blur around the edges and then Jungkook is in front of him.

The alpha blocks Jimin’s view of Taehyung with his broad back and Jimin takes this tiny moment
of intimacy to kiss the child’s head slowly.

“Step back,” Taehyung says.

Jungkook growls as his shoulders tense. “You can leave now.”

“Like hell I will,” the mage snaps. “I need to speak with Jimin first.”

The alpha takes a step forward, his aura making the whole room feel like a cage. The pup buries
his face in Jimin’s neck, whining softly and Jimin snaps his eyes open.

“Jungkook, you can leave us.”

The alpha turns around, shoulders dropping. His arms come to hold Jimin, one wrapped around his
waist- the other holding his jaw up with three fingers, and Jimin leans into his body.

“Are you sure?”

“Yes,” he says steadily, keeping Jungkook’s gaze to convey his emotions. He needs to speak with
Taehyung. He needs to know everything about what had happened here in their absence, and he
trusts him more than any wolf here to tell Jimin the truth.

Jungkook nods, eyes closing for a brief moment as he bends to place a kiss on Jimin’s cheeks. The
spot burns as the alpha pulls back and he almost pleads for another. But Jungkook’s eyes move
from him to the pup in his arms, and Jimin forgets all about his desires.

The alpha’s eyes soften, and his fingers let go of Jimin to brush the pup’s black hair gently.

Jimin feels his legs almost give up on him.

He’s so warm like this. With the pup gripping him tightly and Jungkook’s strong arms holding both
of them to his body. It’s quiet and beautiful. It feels like a warm cocoon of happiness and Jimin
never wants to be pulled away from it. But Jungkook pulls back after placing a quick kiss on the
pup’s head, eyes sharper as he looks at Jimin again.

“I will be right outside,” he says before leaving quietly.

Taehyung watches the alpha leave, and after Jungkook closes the door behind him, he sighs
relieved. He falls on one of the chairs next to the table with a huff.

“I don’t know how you can be so calm around him,” he comments, eyeing Jimin.

Jimin’s brows furrow as he slowly makes his way to the empty chair. He sits down, placing the
pup on his lap gently.

“He never gave me a reason to be afraid,” Jimin says.

The mage seems surprised. He bites his bottom lip, eyes sliding to the pup.

“Why is he so important to you?” He asks briskly.

“He’s the only reason I have to keep going.”

“After I arrived,” Taehyung says carefully, “no other clan came. They’re gone, right?”

Jimin nods, mouth dry.

“Your clan-“

“Dead.”

“I see.”

“Are you going to raise him? Teach him how to use his magic?” Taehyungs asks after a moment of
silence.

Jimin’s arms tighten around the pup. He looks down to see his small eyes flutter behind his closed
eyelids as if he were dreaming- sleeping soundly in Jimin’s arms. It makes Jimin feel happy he can
offer the pup that comfort.

“I will. He’s half wolf, like Hoseok. He will be strong.”

“And who will teach him to control his wolf? Jungkook? Are you going to play house with him?
Live here for the rest of your life?” Taehyung asks, voice rough, raising higher with each word.

Jimin narrows his eyes, shoulders drawing in. “What are you trying to say?”

“Are you just going to become their puppet now? Fight this war for them and then stay here to be
used?”

“You have no idea what you’re talking about,” Jimin cuts him sharply.

Taehyung leans back in his chair, one eyebrow raised. “You think you’re safe here because you
trust Jungkook?”

It’s more than that, but Taehyung doesn’t need to know that. Jimin wants to trust the other. But
now more than ever, trust needs to be gained, not given blindly.

“We are a team,” he settles on, voice steady. “We both know how important each one is and right
now I don’t want to think about what will happen after the war. I might not even be alive to see if I
end up being used or not.” His own words make his arms tighten around the pup in his arms. He…
he doesn’t want to die.
Not now when he has Jungkook. Not now when he has a purpose to look forward to another day.

He doesn’t want to die. But he knows there’s a high chance he will.

“Tell me about the clans. How are they?” He says loudly.

Taehyung sighs and shakes his head, annoyed. His arms cross over his chest. “They’re fine. Not
thanks to any of your wolf friends. You must have heard what happened judging by the way you
barged in here.”

Jimin grits his teeth. “I heard.”

“You must understand why I did it. I care for the child, after all, he’s too young to be guilty of
anything. But I had to put us first.”

“I- I understand.”

It hurts him to say it, but it’s the truth. He understands. But it also hurts him to realize that he’s no
longer able to do what Taehyung had done- what he was ready to do in the beginning as well.
Jimin can no longer put his kin first.

His eyes settle on the pup’s chubby cheeks, his mind wonders to Jungkook, and his heart breaks.
He cares for them more than he cares for the dozens of people he had saved that he doesn’t really
know.

Jimin would put them third if it meant putting the pup and Jungkook first and second and that’s
why he needs Taehyung. He can help Jimin keep his heart away from his mind.

“Thank you,” he whispers. His eyes find Taehyung and the other mage smiles softly at him. “You
did what you had to do to make sure they were safe. Thank you.”

Taehyung groans, head tilting back. His hair is longer now, almost reaching his shoulders. “Don’t
be sappy. I took care of the kid well after your friends told me you- kind of…adopted him. But it
was a pain in the ass, and I can’t wait for you to take him away.”

“You keep saying your friends, are they only mine? You’ve been here long enough now to get to
know a few of them. Have you not opened up to anyone?”

“I’m not here to stay,” Taehyung says easily. “There’s nothing keeping me here like it’s keeping
you. A few of them were nice, I’ll be honest and say that at least. Seokjin helped me a lot with
Moon, he wanted to be involved. And Namjoon was nice by default because Seokjin made him.
But other than them, the other ones just tolerated me, and I never tried to make an effort to know
them. This is not my world. Not my clan and not my people.”

“Moon?” Jimin whispers, head cocking to the side.

Taehyung gestures to the pup with his sharp jaw. “The kid’s nickname. We didn’t actually give
him a name- Seokjin wanted to wait for you guys to return. He called the pup Moon first and we
just stuck with it.”

“It sounds pretty. I don’t mind it.”

Moon.

Moon.
We have a little bit of time until Moonbyul wakes up.

Jimin jumps, eyes widening.

A memory. A memory of a forgotten dream.

Jungkook’s voice rings softly in his mind. One word- one name repeating again and again.

“Moonbyul,” he whispers.

“Who?” Taehyung asks, confused. He’s standing now, slowly cleaning the room. He has a small
basket in his hand where he’s putting every toy one by one.

“Moonbyul,” Jimin says again, louder. “His name.”

Taehyung stops, a wooden wolf in his right hand. His eyes find Jimin, then they lower to the still
sleeping pup.

“Moonbyul.”

Jimin nods, mouth dry.

“It sounds nice,” Taehyung murmurs after a while. “I think.”

“It’s perfect,” Jimin whispers. His lips find the child’s head again, kissing it quickly. He stirs in
Jimin’s arms slightly, head pushing harder in his neck and Jimin almost falls off the chair, heart in
his throat. “Do you have any idea how old he is?”

Taehyung takes a moment to think, big eyes watching the two. “He can crawl, he actually loves to
do it,” he says with a gentle smile. “So maybe just under a year? I would say he was born sometime
at the beginning of winter.”

“Then we will have to celebrate his birthday in two moons,” Jimin whispers. He keeps his voice
quiet as to not disturb the pup, even though Taehyung’s low baritone would have woken him up
already if he were a sound sleeper.

Deep down, his heart hurts because there was a high possibility of him not even being here to
celebrate the child’s birth. But making small plans to look forward to like this, made him feel
good. Made him feel happy.

“Is this the right time to ask about your meeting with their Head Alpha?” Taehyung asks, smile
gone.

The pup pouts as Jimin strokes his cheeks slowly, thumb trembling and he shakes his head. “Not
yet,” he says, barely above a whisper. As if afraid that his own voice would make his hand feel
rougher on the pup’s soft skin.

The pup’s right hand slips from around his neck and he hurries to put it back slowly. But as he
takes his tiny hand in his, the pup grips his thumb with his full hand.

Not yet.
Jimin wishes for just a few more moments of silence like this.

After Taehyungs gets too impatient, Jimin starts telling him everything. From the moment they
parted in the forest, until now. It takes a few hours because the other mage keeps interrupting him
with questions and shocked or angry remarks. But just as the sun sets and the room gets darker,
Jimin finally steps outside with the pup still in his arms.

He had shifted a couple of times on Jimin’s lap, but other than that he slept soundly while they
talked.

Jungkook waits for him. Just as promised.

They stare at each other in silence and Jimin is almost afraid that the alpha will tell him to give the
pup back to Taehyung. But Jungkook blinks back the slight shock in his eyes and takes three fast
steps to reach Jimin.

His hands are steady as he places them around the pup. Jimin almost gasps and pulls the child back
to him when the alpha takes him away. But a soft I’ll carry him home from Jungkook makes his
sudden anxiety melt away.

Jimin expects the pup to start crying at any moment after being taken from Jimin. But he doesn’t
even blink his big eyes open once.

Jungkook keeps the pup to his chest with a strong arm secured around him while the other wraps
around Jimin’s still trembling fingers. The pup looks so small in the alpha’s arms. So fragile. Jimin
almost cries.

He had expected the alpha to be as cautious as him while holding the child. But maybe, knowing
Jungkook’s history of working with pups, he should have known better. The alpha knows exactly
how to hold the pup to give him enough room to breathe and move properly but still never be in
danger of falling from his arms as they walk back to the Head Alpha’s house.

“I thought of a name,” Jimin whispers into the dark.

“Already?”

“Yeah. Taehyung told me they’ve been calling him Moon and when I heard that a name came to
me.”

“What name?”

“Moonbyul,” he says. He turns his face to look at the alpha. In the dark, his features look shaper,
rougher around the edges. But Jimin sees the gentleness in his eyes.

“Moonbyul,” the alpha whispers, eyes falling on the pup in his arms. “I like it,” he finally says
after a few silent moments.

“You do?” Jimin asks, breathing relieved. He hadn’t even noticed how tense he had been.

The alpha bends to peck his lips quickly. Jimin doesn’t even reciprocate over his shock at seeing
the pup lean back from Jungkook’s chest. His hands hover around his small back as the alpha pulls
back.

“He’s alright,” Jungkook chuckles. “I would never drop him.”

Jimin gulps, hands falling limp at his side. “Sorry-“ he shakes his head. “I need to get used to this
I-“

“With time, you will learn. And I will be here to help.”

I will be here to help.

Tears gather at the corner of his eyes, but he quickly wipes them away.

“Yeah,” he smiles while taking hold of Jungkook’s hand again. “You will be here.”

They reach the house soon after that, but the second they’re close enough to open the main doors, a
figure comes in front of it, blocking their path.

“Hoseok-ssi,” Jimin whispers.

The beta smiles at him before slightly bowing to Jungkook. The alpha does the same and Hoseok’s
smile gets a tiny bit bigger at that.

His eyes find Jimin’s, and he doesn’t waste a second. “I wish to speak to you.”

“Right now?”

“Yes.”

“Alright…” he says slowly, eyes moving to Jungkook.

The alpha clenches his hold on Jimin’s hand once then pulls away. “We’ll wait for you in the
Hall,” he says and then he’s gone. Leaving Jimin alone in the cold dark.

It shouldn’t feel so frightening to be without the alpha. But even though he knows he’s safer here
than anywhere else on the land, his stomach drops every time he’s alone because he doesn’t
actually trust anyone around him except Jungkook.

“How do you feel?” Hoseok asks, arms crossing over his shoulders. His foot moves rapidly against
the ground and Jimin guesses he doesn’t really expect Jimin to give him an honest, long answer. So
he only mutters a fine that seems to please the beta enough.

“I’ll be quick,” he starts, somewhat annoyed. Jimin’s eyes fall on his clothes, and he realizes the
wolf is actually wearing something like a nightgown. His brows furrow, why was Hoseok wearing
that outside? “I do not wish to kill the dragon.”

Jimin blinks. Then he almost laughs before settling on a frown. “What?”

“I could, but I don’t want to,” he says easily.

“Then why…did you say you would?”

“Because that old and crusty alpha would have died if I hadn’t agreed to do it. And that’s the last
thing we need now. So I played nice.”

Jimin blinks again.

“I’m sorry…what?”

Hoseok laughs, his body relaxing a little. “I’m sorry. I’m very frank when I’m tired and I had to
wait quite some time for you to return.” He sighs then leans back on the wall behind him. “In short
words, my mate might seem small and fragile, but he would have killed Head Alpha Jeon in a
minute for commanding me around like that. I took care of that before it happened, but I wanted to
tell you that I don’t actually intend to kill the dragon.”

“Then what are we supposed to do with it?”

“Set it free,” he says easily. As if that answer had been in front of Jimin’s face all along.

“Just like that….Set it free?”

Hoseok nods, no trace of doubt on his face.

“This circle of pain and bloodshed will never be broken if we don’t do something now.”

“But we’ve failed once. We thought that all dragons were killed, yet they found another. What
happens if we set it free then another yen wolf somehow regains control of it?”

“Once we set it free, the dragon won’t return. It will fly beyond the sea and even further to places
wolves maybe don’t even know exist. No Yen wolf will travel that far for a creature they’re not
even sure still exists 100 years from now. You will use your power to set it free. It’s the only way.”

He wants to let the dragon free. But what if by doing that he will unintentionally send the beast to
terrorize other people? What if another wolf or mage across the vast land finds it and uses it to
conquer other clans?

He can’t let that happen.

“I will keep the dragon,” he says into the night. Hoseok’s brows narrow at that.

“You will keep it?”

“It’s the only way I can make sure no harm will come to anyone anymore. Under my control, the
dragon will be harmless.”

“No dragon is harmless, Jimin-ssi,” Hoseok says gently, but sternly.

“Because they have been used as a weapon for far too long.” Just like him. Just like every mage on
this land. “I can change that.”

“Don’t you want to use it yourself as a weapon?”

Jimin shakes his head. “I won’t need to.”

“And what happens after you die?” Jimin’s heart skips a beat. “The dragon will live long after that.
What happens when you’re no longer here to control it?”
“Then I will kill it.” It takes everything in him to say it and he never would have expected that. “I
will kill it before I die.”

Hoseok watches him closely, eyes narrowing slightly before softening.

“I hope this plan of your works out, Jimin-ssi. I truly do.”

Jimin looks away to the door. He wants to leave. Wants to be with Jungkook and Moonbyul.

“Before I let you leave,” Hoseok’s voice makes him turn his head to the wolf. The beta sneaks a
hand behind his back and then he holds a tiny vial in front of Jimin. “For you,” he says.

“What is it?” Jimin asks. He lifts his palm up and Hoseok drops the vial.

“Oil.”

“What for?”

Jimin looks up, confused. The beta watches him with a smirk on his lips.

“If you have to ask I take it you haven’t let your alpha enjoy your body fully.”

Jimin jumps back, cheeks aflame.

“We- What- I-“

“Relax, Jimin,” Hoseok says softly, dropping the honorifics for the first time. “It’s there for you to
use whenever you’re ready.”

He winks and then he’s gone just as fast as he had appeared from the darkness.

Jimin watches the vial in his palm with wide eyes and parted lips. He thinks about how he could
use it and a shiver runs down his spine.

Sex.

He would be a fool to say he never thought about it. That his mind never went there almost every
night Jungkook held him close.

His stomach knots up and his fingers close around the tiny vial.

Soon.

He gulps, fighting to push away the arousal creeping up his spine.

But not tonight.

Tonight, his heart craves intimacy more than his body.

Tonight, he only wants to sleep in Jungkook’s arms with the pup between them. Safe and happy.

::saman::
Five days pass in a blur, and before Jimin knows it, almost a week has gone by since their return.
Since their first day here, they’ve been too busy to see each other throughout the day. Jimin has
spent most of his days taking care of Moonbyul and training with Taehyung and Hoseok while
Jungkook helped around the clan wherever he was needed.

And because they were so busy, they’ve only had the night to themselves. But even then Jimin is
too tired to really talk with the alpha when he finally falls into the bed to cuddle with Jimin and
Moonbyul.

Jimin misses him dearly. That’s why tonight he waits for the alpha wide awake.

Alone.

Taehyung had agreed in a heartbeat to take care of Moonbyul tonight and although Jimin misses
having the pup with him, he wants this even more.

Tonight, he wants Jungkook. All of him.

His mind is a mess as he lays on the bed, eyes fixed on the door.

He had spent quite some time getting ready. Not that he really needed to, but it felt nice to take care
of himself after such a long time. He smells like lavender and his skin is soft to the touch, his hair
no longer a mess on top of his head as he had finally let Seokjin take care of it.

His heart is in his throat as he watches the door, but he feels beautiful. More beautiful than he had
felt in a really long time. It makes his skin crawl in anticipation.

The door cracks open one hour later, and all air leaves his lungs as he watches Jungkook step into
the room. His face is sullen, the dark circles under his eyes illuminated by the small fire in the
room spoke of too many long days and nights. For a second, Jimin worries the alpha is truly too
tired to do anything tonight. But then Jungkook’s eyes land on his body on the bed and Jimin’s
mind goes blank.

The alpha stops dead in his tracks as the door falls shut behind him. Jimin watches as his jaw
flexes once, twice then his nostrils flare before the alpha finally speaks.

“Jimin…” He lets out. His voice so deep it raises goosebumps on Jimin’s skin.

“Hi,” he whispers, suddenly shy.

What is he even doing?

Is he really trying to seduce Jungkook? Is he really waiting for the alpha to come into their room,
half naked when they’re supposed to be resting and preparing for another long day of training and
working?

He bites his lips, thighs falling open.

Jungkook’s eyes fall on his legs instantly and his chest rises as he inhales sharply.

Gods.

He is.

He really is.
He’s doing this.

Because he wants to. He needs it. Now more than never he needs to feel Jungkook fully.

“Where is Moonbyul?” Jungkook asks as his legs move slowly to the bed.

Jimin’s heart melts a little at the question and he murmurs a quick with Taehyung right before the
alpha stops at the end of the bed.

Like this- so close to Jimin, he looks even bigger. His armor is gone and the thin black shirt he has
on does little to hide the hard muscles of his chest and wide shoulders.

Jimin can’t believe he’s real.

“Jimin-“ Jungkook’s eyebrows furrow as he bends to hover over Jimin. His hands land on each side
of Jimin’s hips and he struggles to keep himself up to look at the alpha. “What is this?”

“I want you,” Jimin whispers. His cheeks burn, but he knows there’s no hiding around with
Jungkook. He needs to be honest with the alpha.

Jungkook shakes his head, eyes closing.

“If you’re not sure about it you need to stop or-“

Jimin cups Jungkook’s jaw with one hand and the alpha opens his eyes. Bright red.

“Jimin-“

“I want you.” The words come out hurried, but honest. A mirror image of the battle inside of him.
He wants this. But he’s also embarrassed because he had never done this before. He had never
looked another man in the eyes as he does now to ask for something as intimate as this.

“If you expect me to turn you down-“

“I don’t. I want you.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.” His voice trembles a little, but he knows Jungkook can see the truth in his eyes. There’s a
lot of space between their bodies as Jungkook hovers over him, but Jimin feels strangely trapped.
In the best way possible. His body practically begs for the alpha’s touch.

Jungkook shifts his body on one hand to free the other. His fingers fly up to touch Jimin’s pulse
point and Jimin goes completely still under him, heart in his throat as he watches Jungkook watch
him. His fingers trail over his skin slowly. From his neck to his collarbones. Between the v cut of
the flimsy robes he had borrowed from Hoseok, right to his navel where the tiniest of knots keeps
the red cloth on his body.

Jungkook’s fingers curl around the knot and then he pulls. Jimin gasps, hips lifting on their own as
Jungkook hums, eyes finally lifting to look at Jimin.

He almost crawls back when Jungkook’s eyes find his and his fingers slip under the robe to grip
Jimin’s hips. Jungkook’s fingers on his bare flesh burn and Jimin swears he’s actually made a
mistake because he had never seen the alpha like this before.

They’ve messed around a couple of times, but Jungkook had never been as affected as he seems
now.

His eyes are completely red, and he feels almost cold and distant in the way he regards Jimin.

“Who told you to wear this?”

Jimin gulps, mind going in overdrive to understand Jungkook’s words.

“Nobody I- I wanted to wear it.”

“Why?”

Jimin looks away to escape Jungkook’s gaze, but three strong fingers grip his jaw and he’s pulled
back in a second.

“Why?” Jungkook asks again, louder.

“For you. I wanted to wear it for you.”

“And the lavender?”

“I asked Seokjin for some bath oils.”

“Gods, Jimin,” the alpha growls. ”This is torture,” he curses as his hand settles on Jimin’s neck.
His red eyes linger on every inch of exposed skin, never on one spot for too long. His chest gets
bigger with each deep inhale and his jaw seems ready to snap. He seems so…agitated. As if he had
never expected to see Jimin like this. So willing to be here with him.

“I’m sorry.” He doesn’t even know what he’s sorry for, but it feels right to say it when Jungkook
looks like this on top of him.

“But I don’t think that you are,” Jungkook whispers over his lips before tugging on Jimin’s lower
lip. Jimin gasps, back arching off the bed.

“Jungkook-“

“You wanted to look pretty for me?” The alpha asks, lips trailing down his neck. The words roll
from Jungkook’s tongue like he’s been waiting to say them for a while now.

“Yes,” Jimin gasps. Jungkook moves his hand from Jimin’s neck to pull the robe aside and then
cold air hits Jimin’s left nipple. His eyes widen and he quickly lifts his hands to grip Jungkook’s
shoulders. “Jungkook!”

The alpha hums and then his lips close around Jimin’s nipple. He licks and bites the hardening nub
and Jimin turns into mush under him. He mewls, head turning to the side.

He’s embarrassed at first, but the longer Jungkook stimulates him, the brighter the desire in him
grows and his legs fall open completely.

Cold air hits his bare skin, and he inhales sharply as Jungkook’s hand trails down his body until his
fingers curl around his leg.

“You’re playing with fire,” the alpha growls. He lifts his head to look at Jimin. His lips are slightly
pink and wet and when their eyes meet, Jimin knows there’s no turning back.

Not that he would ever stop Jungkook now.

“Because I know how to,” he whispers.

“I don’t think you do,” the alpha lifts himself to kneel in between Jimin’s legs. He holds Jimin’s
legs open with one hand while the other grips his ass and Jimin sees literal stars in the darkness of
the room when one of Jungkook’s fingers touches his rim.

“You’re wet,” Jungkook says, as if in awe.

“I-“ God this is so- “I prepared myself…”

Jungkook growls and before Jimin can even understand what’s happening, he’s naked- ass up, face
in the pillow.

The alpha nudges his thighs apart to settle between them again as his teeth bite Jimin’s ear slightly
and his body goes completely still.

“Is this what you want?” Jungkook asks, one hand playing with Jimin’s cheeks, the other gripping
the back of his neck.

“Yes?” He whispers. He doesn’t know. How could he know? He has never done this before. But
he can’t deny the way his body reacts. Jungkook is anything but gentle and soft, and Jimin loves it.

Gods does he love it.

“You want your alpha to take you, hm?”

Your alpha.

“Oh God-“ Jimin moans, hiding his face in the pillow. But Jungkook doesn’t let him hide for long.

“Tell me, Jimin-“ rough fingers pull his jaw up until Jimin has no choice but to look into
Jungkook’s red eyes. “You want to see what being mine truly means?”

“Yes,” he does. He really does.

The alpha hums over his lips before kissing him gently. The tender touch catches Jimin off guard
and his eyes close as he opens his lips for the alpha. But just as he does so, there’s nothing tender
about the way Jungkook kisses him anymore

Their teeth collide before their tongues do and then Jungkook slips one finger in fully and Jimin
pulls back, eyes wide.

He tremors under the alpha, head falling on the pillow as he tries to relax his walls around
Jungkook’s long finger.

“Fuck, Jimin,” Jungkook growls into his ear. Jimin mewls. “If only this has you gasping for air,
how will you take my cock?”

Jimin arches his back at Jungkook’s words, eyes scrunching shut.

Maybe he’s in way over his head. Maybe he had overestimated himself. Maybe he’s not ready to
see this side of Jungkook. Maybe-

“Jimin,” Jungkook whispers into his neck, lips hovering over his pulse point. His voice is so gentle
Jimin melts into him, forgetting every doubt. “One word and I pull back. Tell me to stop and I will
in a second.”
Jimin shakes his head, shoulders trembling. “I don’t want you to stop.”

Because even though he’s a little nervous, this is still Jungkook and Jimin wants to be here. Wants
to be Jungkook’s completely. Even when the alpha is rough and his words make Jimin’s insides
burn, Jimin doesn’t want to pull back.

This is Jungkook. This is all of him and Jimin wants it.

He doesn’t want to put the alpha into a box- make him move a certain way. He wants to be taken
exactly as the alpha wants him because he knows he has nothing to fear.

Jungkook would never hurt him.

He forces himself to breathe deeply through his nose and then he feels his body slowly relax.
Jungkook inhales sharply and he knows the alpha feels his walls open up for him. And it’s an
invitation Jungkook doesn’t refuse.

His lips stay pressed to Jimin’s pulse point as his finger moves inside him. Slow at first, until Jimin
gasps and arches his back and Jungkook adds another finger. The stretch hurts and the slide is not
as wet as the first time.

“T-the oil-“ he mumbles.

“What?” Jungkook asks, teeth finally pulling away from Jimin’s skin. He doesn’t even want to
think about how his neck will look in the morning. Dark purple and red from Jungkook’s love
bites.

“On the table- the oil.”

Jungkook lifts his head up and a second later his whole body lifts from the bed to reach around
Jimin to the table. Jimin almost whines when he no longer feels Jungkook’s warm weight push him
into the bed.

When Jungkook returns, Jimin has half the mind to notice that he no longer feels any fabric on his
heated skin. Only hard muscles and skin.

“Look at me,” Jungkook says and Jimin opens his eyes to watch Jungkook’s face inches away
from his. “Don’t close your eyes,” he says, and then his fingers slip inside Jimin with no warning.

Jimin moans, eyes almost closing. It doesn’t hurt anymore thanks to the copious amount of oil
Jungkook had poured on his fingers.

It’s too much and too little all at once. His mind is spinning, and it almost hurts to keep waiting
longer. Desire makes his whole body burn and he hurries to ask for more.

His hand flies up from the crumpled sheets to hold Jungkook’s wrist and the alpha stops his fingers
deep in him.

“Now-“

Jungkook shakes his head. “You’re not ready.”

“I don’t care- now, please.” He feels like he’s going to burn alive if Jungkook doesn’t do
something.

“I don’t want to hurt you,” the alpha guides Jimin’s face up to whisper over his lips.
“I feel like I will faint if you don’t do something now,” he says honestly. “Please.”

The alpha growls, brows furrowing. “You’re so quick to beg for me,” he murmurs as his fingers
slip out from Jimin. He says the words almost as if he’s dreaming. As if Jimin would be like this
only in his mind.

Jimin gasps at the sensation, a shiver running up his spine.

“Because there’s nothing I want more now and I’m not afraid of asking for it,” he says, voice
barely above a whisper. Vulnerable. And maybe that’s what makes Jungkook snap out of whatever
daze had taken hold of him.

He expects the alpha to kiss him again or embrace him, but Jungkook’s hands grip his hips with a
crushing strength and then he’s turned around and pulled up until he’s on the alpha’s lap,
straddling him.

Jungkook’s back is pressed to the cold stones behind the bed and his arms hold Jimin firmly to him
by the waist. Like this- they’re closer than ever and every breath they take is warm between them
as they share the same air.

“Then take what you want-“ he lifts Jimin’s hips up with one hand while guiding himself with the
other. “Like this, you’re in control.” Jimin gasps when the head of Jungkook’s cock catches on his
wet rim, eyes opening wide. “You’re in control,” he says again. And it sounds more like a reminder
for himself than words of encouragement for Jimin.

“What if I want you in control?” Jimin whispers, holding Jungkook’s face between his warm
palms.

The alpha closes his eyes, breathing deeply.

“Like this is better. I can’t hurt you.”

“You would never hurt me,” Jimin murmurs before taking Jungkook’s lips into a soft kiss.

“I can’t take you from behind or with you under me,” he snaps through gritted teeth. “I will be too
rough. Like this,” he says again, thumbs caressing Jimin’s skin. “Like this, you can pull away any
time. You won’t be trapped under me.”

The alpha says it like it’s the worst thing that could happen to Jimin tonight. But shivers run up
Jimin’s spine when he remembers how sinful Jungkook’s body had felt on top of his. Pinning him
to the bed, keeping him from running away.

He would let Jungkook have him like that for the rest of his life. But he also understands why the
alpha needs him on top tonight.

Jimin doesn’t need to tell him for the alpha to know he has never done this before; his body speaks
for itself. And as much as both of them want the alpha in control, they also know Jimin needs
space and time to see what works best for him.

Jimin’s head leans forward to catch Jungkook’s lips and he lets himself get lost in their kiss. When
he feels the alpha relax under him, he pushes down.

It hurts. Like hell.

His eyes fly open, and he pulls back from Jungkook’s lips, mouth open in a broken gasp.
Jungkook’s hands hurry to pull him off, but he doesn’t let him. Jimin tightens his legs as much as
he can to keep himself in place and then he sinks, lower and lower. More and more while watching
Jungkook.

Jimin struggles to keep his breathing steady. Jungkook is not big. He’s huge. And with each
throbbing inch that settles deeper and deeper inside Jimin’s slick walls, he feels his mind and body
surrender to the alpha completely.

Just as his hips fall flush against Jungkook’s, the alpha grinds up and Jimin almost topples over,
eyes scrunching shut. Jungkook’s cock slides in deeper, right against a spot that makes him jerk.

“Oh God-“ he pants, hands gripping Jungkook’s shoulders for leverage. He’s never been so full,
and the thought has him spiraling. It feels like his brain will melt right through his ears. “You’re so
b-big-“

“Fuck,” the alpha growls. His fingers almost cut into Jimin’s skin from how hard he’s gripping
Jimin’s hips. “Don’t say that.”

“But you are. I can barely breathe.” Jimin’s fingers turn white from how hard he’s gripping
Jungkook’s shoulders.

“Jimin,” Jungkook snaps. He pulls Jimin up harshly to bury his face in Jimin’s neck and then he
inhales deeply.

A few moments pass like this. In silence. And Jimin wished the quiet room would make him calm
down, but his heart is beating faster than ever, and his hands shake. And he can’t be still any
longer.

By the time he moves his hips tentatively for the first time, his walls no longer burn, but Jungkook
is so firm and deep inside of him, Jimin almost loses all senses of himself.

He wraps his arms around Jungkook’s neck as the alpha keeps raining kisses on his skin, and he
moves. He lifts his hips up, slowly- hesitantly. The alpha tenses under him, but he doesn’t do
anything to make Jimin move faster or slower. He waits.

Jungkook waits for Jimin to find his rhythm. Waits for Jimin to accommodate to his length. And
when Jimin finally starts moving in fast and purposeful strokes, the alpha takes hold of his hips to
help him.

Jimin lifts his hips with Jungkook’s help, but when he falls back down the alpha doesn’t hurry
him. His thighs hurt and his hands slip from Jungkook’s neck from the sweat that has gathered on
their skin.

The sound of his hips falling against Jungkook’s fills the room obscenely and it almost makes
Jimin hide his face. But he’s blinded by the pleasure pooling deep in his belly to feel embarrassed.

Jungkook’s cock hits every soft spot deep within him dead on and Jimin chases that feeling like a
mad man. Faster and faster, higher and higher. Until he’s barely breathing. Until his body is pulled
so taunt he feels like he’s not moving an inch, but his hips keep lifting and falling eagerly.

His eyes fall down to his belly, and what he sees has him shuddering and halting his hips. The
outline of Jungkook’s cock in him is so prominent Jimin mewls and curls into himself. It’s so
obscene. So raw and lewd he can’t stop himself from placing a trembling hand over it.

Jungkook grunts under him, his bigger hand flying to cover Jimin’s over his belly.
“You’re gonna be the death of me,” the alpha curses. His cock twitches against Jimin’s walls and
then his other hand grips Jimin’s hip harsher to guide him forward and backward in small strokes.

Jimin lets himself be moved around like he weighs nothing. Eyes never leaving his belly.

He had never imagined it to be like this.

So vulgar.

To feel so good.

And maybe it wouldn’t have been if another human had been in Jungkook’s place. Jungkook is no
simple man. He’s an alpha. And every inch of him is so much bigger and stronger than anything
Jimin had seen before in another man.

His alpha is the best. And he doesn’t care if he’s biased.

He whimpers and then his hips start lifting and falling again, bracing himself with both arms on the
alpha’s shoulders.

“Look at me,” Jungkook whispers and Jimin opens his eyes immediately. Jungkook’s hand cups
his cheek gently and his hips stutter. “If you could see yourself,” the alpha whispers.

“What would I see?” Jimin asks, biting his lip. Eyes half-lidded

“An angel. The most beautiful creature.”

His heart clenches as his eyes start watering.

“Jungkook-“

“That’s how I see you, Jimin. To me, you’re perfect. This-“ his hands wrap around Jimin to hold
him tight- embrace him, “- is perfect.”

A tear falls down his cheeks and the alpha leans in to kiss it away.

“You’re so tight around me-“ Jungkook groans. “So wet-“

“Jungkook,” Jimin moans into his ear, panting.

“The things I want to do to you,” the alpha whispers into Jimin’s ear, his teeth catching Jimin’s
earlobe. A promise- a warning. Either way, Jimin needs it like he needs water to survive.

Jimin shudders, driving his hips harder down. They gasp in unison at the feeling.

“D-do it-“

“Not now. Not tonight,” Jungkook says clearly. His voice is steady, as if he had just switched a
button to make himself regain control of his hazy mind. “Tonight, I want you to freely take want
you need. But soon,” he pulls Jimin’s face up roughly, strong fingers keeping him in place to look
at the alpha. “Soon I will be the one to take you freely. And you will beg me to slow down. To be
as gentle as I am now.”

Jungkook’s eyes burn brighter than ever before and Jimin’s mind goes blank. He hears someone
keen and moan and when Jungkook’s lips don’t move, he realizes it’s him. He sounds so far away.
So lost in the pleasure he’s feeling.
He sounds downright sinful, and he would have hidden his face in Jungkook’s neck if it weren’t
for the alpha’s fingers keeping him firmly in place.

Jungkook pecks his lips sweetly, momentarily making Jimin halt his hips. But after he pulls back,
his eyes glint and he angles his hips to the side at the same time Jimin drops down.

Jimin cries out and shudders as Jungkook’s cock hits his sensitive spot over and over again. He’s
so far gone he can barely even breathe. His lips hang open to let small puffs of air escape and
Jungkook takes advantage of it. He licks and bites the plush flesh before slipping his tongue in
Jimin’s mouth.

He’s so warm. Every inch of his body burns.

So much warmth and protection that it drives him insane.

How had he ever gone a day without feeling the alpha like this? It feels so natural. Even if his body
struggles to stretch around Jungkook fully, they belong together. It feels too right to ever be wrong.

His eyes fly open.

“I love you,” he gasps just as the desire in him explodes. He cups Jungkook’s face to watch the
alpha as he rides his release, mind spinning. “I love you- I love you!”

Jungkook shushes him softly. His arms keep Jimin close, his gaze never leaving Jimin’s. His eyes
are a storm of bright red and deep black and Jimin loses himself completely in them.

“I love you, too,” he whispers finally as he shudders under Jimin.

Jimin is too tired to keep moving, but the alpha only smiles softly at him while pulling him into a
kiss.

The bond burns bright and warm between them and Jimin swears this is what heaven must feel
like.

Jungkook’s arms are his heaven. His safe place. His home.

And he never wants to leave. He never wants to break free from the strong arms keeping him
close.

He will protect their bond with everything he has. Nobody will pull them apart.

Nobody.

::Sigra::

The underground cells next to the northern border are nothing like Jimin had expected. Gruesome,
dirty, and poorly built were the words he was ready to put images to in his mind. But as he steps
behind Jungkook, deeper and deeper underground, he sees he couldn’t have been more wrong.

The place is strangely clean, and the cells bigger than he had anticipated. And the smell- is
surprisingly refreshing.
“What does the clan usually use this space for?” Jimin asks, curious. There’s no way this is a place
where they solely keep prisoners.

“Training and ruts sometimes,” Jungkook answers vaguely before opening a heavy door to another
part of the dark place.

“Alpha,” a voice he recognizes says.

“Jangmin-ah,” Jungkook nods and Jimin steps aside to smile at the young wolf. His eyes widen for
a second, probably because he hadn’t expected Jimin to be here as well, but he bows swiftly in
greeting.

“He’s awake. He refuses to speak.”

“Has he asked for anything?”

They turn to the right to look into the cell through the stone bars separating them from the Yen
wolf. Only a tiny torch illuminates the space slightly, but Jimin sees the red eyes watching them
intently as if they were under the blinding sun outside.

“No, Alpha. He hasn’t spoken at all.”

“Alright. You can go.”

The boy bows one last time and then leaves, living Jimin and Jungkook alone with the wolf.

“You can speak freely now,” Jungkook says easily.

Jimin’s brows furrow in confusion and then the wolf inside the cell moves.

He stands tall, head dropped to his chest to prevent it from hitting the ceiling of the room. Jimin’s
eyes widen and when the wolf steps closer to the torch from the darkness, Jimin almost takes a step
back.

Jungkook places a gentle hand on his back, keeping him in place as the wolf towers over them.

How had they managed to capture this…giant? Jimin had never seen a man so tall.

“Alone?” The man asks in a low voice. His speech is rough as if he has yet to get used to speaking
his mind.

“As I promised,” Jungkook says easily. Jimin’s eyes snap to him.

“What?!”

“I saw him a week ago in the woods. I told him to come here.”

What?

“Why? What? Why would – what?”

Jungkook turns slightly to block the huge wolf from Jimin’s view, caging Jimin in with his body.

“He was searching for someone,” Jungkook says slowly. “And when I asked him who, he only said
one name.”
Jimin’s heart stops. Jungkook helping a Yen wolf that was looking for someone could only mean
one thing.

“He was looking for me,” he whispers just as the wolf growls one name to get their attention.

“Park Jimin.”

“You,” Jungkook nods.

“Why?”

“I don’t know. I didn’t want to waste time asking him that back then and I didn’t want to risk
putting us in danger. That’s why I told him to come here and keep quiet until I come to see him.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I didn’t know what to tell you. You would have asked me a dozen questions and I didn’t
have any answer.”

“Park Jimin,” the wolf growls again. His hands hit the stones in front of them and Jimin flinches
back just as Jungkook pushes him slightly behind him with a hand.

“He is the man you’re looking for,” Jungkook says. “Now tell us what you want with him.”

The wolf cocks his head to the side, looking at Jimin from head to toe. Jimin looks away,
uncomfortable.

“Alpha is waiting.”

“Alpha?” Jimin mumbles, mind spinning. What was happening?

“Head Alpha Yen?” Jungkook asks.

The wolf nods once, lips pulled tight into a thin line.

“What is he waiting for?”

“Park Jimin.”

“He’s waiting for him?”

Another nod.

“Why?” Jungkook asks slowly, as if afraid. Jimin’s heart stops beating. Waiting. Waiting.

“Son.”

Son.

Son.

“His son…” Jungkook whispers.

“Jungkook-“

The alpha turns to him, jaw tight.

“Jimin- listen to me. Breathe with me. Slowly- like that yes. In and out. In and out. Listen to me.
Jimin-“

Jimin closes his eyes but nods to let Jungkook know he can hear him.

“I’ve got you. You’re safe.”

He nods, mouth dry.

“I don- I don’t want to see him-“

“You won’t,” Jungkook says quickly. “You won’t. You don’t have to.”

“But if- we have to know why he’s-“

“We will-“

“Park Jimin. Come.” The alpha pushes his whole body against the stone, making them shake.

Jungkook jumps back from the cell, taking Jimin with him. He gasps as the alpha pushes him to
the door- eyes still on the giant man touching the stones.

“Alpha waiting. Come. Alpha waiting.” He keeps saying, punch after punch in the red stones.

“Find Namjoon,” Jungkook says. He turns to face Jimin, but Jimin doesn’t look at him until the
alpha guides his face to him with gentle hands. “Jimin, go find Namjoon and tell him to come
here.”

“I don’t want to leave you alone.”

Not with that beast.

“I’ll be fine. Jimin- trust me,” he says softly.

“I trust you but-“

But every inch of his being is screaming at him to stay. He can’t explain it. But he feels it- the
dread that something will go utterly wrong if he leaves now.

Jungkook shuts him up with a quick kiss.

“Go. Now.”

And against his own mind screaming at him, he listens to Jungkook and runs.

As fast as his legs can carry him. And then even faster.

Namjoon. Find Namjoon.

He passes the river he remembers seeing with Jungkook on their way to the border.

Namjoon.

Passes the willow tree they had kissed under. Quick and chaste. But meaningful, nonetheless.

Namjoon.
Passes the training grounds and the first houses before he finally enters the heart of the clan.

Namjoon.

“Namjoon!” He screams, eyes wide.

But everywhere he looks he sees only curious or angry wolves.

“Namjoon! Namjoon-ssi!!”

“Jimin-ssi?“ Namjoon’s voice cuts through the loud voices of the alpha’s training around him. He
hadn’t even noticed he had entered the training grounds. How could he? He didn’t even know
where they were.

He stumbles, his legs suddenly too heavy but Namjoon is in front of him. The alpha grips his arms
to hold him up and Jimin’s eyes widen as he tries to regulate his breathing.

“What’s wrong?” He asks, alarmed.

“Jun-Jungkook-“ Jimin heaves, struggling to breathe. “The underground- border-“

Namjoon’s eyes narrow dangerously and then he’s running. Faster than Jimin can even realize that
he’s now standing alone in the middle of dozens of confused alphas.

“Come-“ Hoseok’s voice suddenly breaks through his foggy mind.

He looks up to see the beta and his mate behind him. And then they’re running.

Yoongi is faster than them and by the time Jimin can actually run as fast as before, they have
already lost vision of him.

They reach the border as fast as they can. But what he sees when they get there has Jimin
paralyzed.

::The Return::

The first thing he sees is the biggest wolf he had ever seen laying limp on the grass outside. His
brows fur is all wet and dark- bloodied. He’s bent in the most awkward position, his spine
probably broken. And then theres-

Blood.

So much of it.

Everywhere.

No.

He sees Namjoon kneeling next to Jungkook, tying something around his middle. Sees Yoongi
checking his head, shifting his limp form from side to side.

No.

So much blood.
All over Jungkook. All over the ground around him.

He stumbles forward and his mind goes black for a second. His vision splits in two and then he
sees two bodies on the ground. One right in front of him in the light of day. The second one laying
in a pool of blood surrounded by a dark abyss.

His heart breaks.

He had seen this before.

The day he had cried after his first vision. He had seen this.

Nonono

He steps forward with Hoseok’s help. One step at a time until he’s staring down at Jungkook.

“Jungkook! Please-“

He hears himself scream. But his voice doesn’t come out. It’s a memory of a future he had seen and
could have stopped from becoming true.

But he had failed.

He drops to the ground right next to Jungkook’s head and Yoongi jumps back.

They scream. Talk all over each other. But Jimin doesn’t understand a single word.

The alpha’s face is all messed up. Bruised and bloody. His body even worse. He’s naked from head
to toe, because he had probably shifted to fight with the other alpha. Cuts all over him. Blood all
over him.

Jimin’s eyes lift from the bleeding hole Namjoon had covered to Jungkook’s face. His eyes are
barely open, red and defeated. Jimin breaks.

The scram he lets out makes the other wolves jump back from him and then he’s crying- hovering
over Jungkook.

Pain and fear like he had never felt before settles deep in his voice. And he’s cold. So cold.

“Jungkook!” He lowers his head to the alpha, bloody hands keeping his head tilted up. “Please!
Please look at me!”

“You can’t die!”

“Jungkook- please!

The alpha doesn’t blink, doesn’t move an inch and even if he had, Jimin is not sure he would have
seen it through his tears.

“Nononononon-“ His hands tremble as they slip from Jungkook’s face because of the blood.

“You’re fine,” he mumbles. “You’re fine. You’re fine.” He repeats like a mantra.

His eyes close and his magic comes forward in full force.

Cold.
Darkness.

Nothing.

No.

“No- Jungkook-“

“Jimin-“

Jimin opens his eyes to find Jungkook’s closed, and he loses it completely.

He can’t hear or see anything around him.

Pain.

Fear.

And fire.

“Hoseok, stop him!”

So much fire. The smell fills his lungs. And it hurts. But it doesn’t hurt harder than his heart.

Jungkook’s body lays lip in front of him. Bloody and bruised.

He had failed again.

Again and again and again he fails and fails.

He had trained. He is stronger.

But it’s not enough.

He hears a string of curses before he loses control of his magic, and everything turns black.

Jimin would have welcomed it with open arms if it had stopped the pain.

But the pain follows him into the darkness.

He’s cold and afraid.

And alone.
 Bloodline

PART X

| bloodline |

::Momentary::

“The wound is deep and still bleeding-“

“We should ask Hoseok to do something.”

“He can’t do anything more than I can, you know that.”

“He’s my brother-“

“Jimin…I know I can’t make you leave, but at least eat some-“

“I haven’t met an alpha stronger than him in my life. He will be fine-“

“Is he still not moving?”

“He hasn’t even talked to me…I’m worried, Joon-“

“Jimin-“

“You can help him, you know?” Jin whispers from in front of him.
Jimin blinks and the world returns to him so suddenly it makes him jump slightly.

“What?” He mumbles. He licks his lips to wet them, but that doesn’t help with the soreness in his
throat.

“Here-“ Jin extends his hand over the bed, a small cup between his fingers.

Jimin takes it gingerly, arms feeling like a newborn’s. The liquid slips pasts his lips in a rush, but
he quickly pulls the cup away when the pain increases. He winces and bends to place the cup on
the floor next to him.

His hands find Jungkook’s right hand as soon as he’s back in his normal position on the chair, next
to the bed and his eyes find the alpha’s face.

It hasn’t moved an inch. Every muscle, bruise, and cut looked the same as it did a week ago. His
eyes water, but no tears fall. He had dried himself of all his tears in the first few days spent
watching the alpha. He can’t even cry anymore. His eyes are constantly puffy and red, but nothing
comes out. He hadn’t seen the alpha like this ever since their training session with Mina, his heart
hurts more when his mind wanders to that day.

The only thing that keeps him breathing, is how peaceful Jungkook seems to be. His eyebrows are
relaxed and his eyes unmoving, with no nightmares plaguing his mind as he heals.

But it still hurts. It hurts because he can’t stop thinking about that day. That moment he had
reached out to feel Jungkook when he had thought the alpha was dying.

Afraid and alone.

At first, Jimin had thought that those were his feelings. But they were Jungkook’s all along. And
there’s nothing in this world that could hurt him more than knowing that the alpha had seen him
before passing out and he had still felt afraid and alone.

His mind is heavy, his heart even more and he can’t close his eyes for a second.

He has to be alert for when Jungkook opens his eyes. He has to be here for the alpha.

He can’t fail him again. He can’t.

He can’t.

“I said…you can help him,” the omega repeats his words slowly, voice barely above a whisper. Is
like he’s afraid he would disturb the silence around them. Maybe that’s why Jimin himself hadn’t
talked in more than seven days.

“How can I possibly help him?” Jimin murmurs, shoulders slumped. He’s defeated. There’s not an
ounce of power left in his body and heart. There’s no him without Jungkook. And if even with
Jungkook healthy he hadn’t been able to help, what can he do now?

What can he possibly do?

“Wolves…” Jin starts, a little bashful. Any other day, Jimin would listen intrigued, happy to learn
more about Jungkook’s kin. But now, he closes his eyes from the pain as his hands keep caressing
Jungkook’s gently. “Mated wolves communicate with each other through the bond that links
them.” Cold. Jungkook’s hand feels so cold. “It’s not by any means clear communication- like
using words.” Heavy. So heavy because the alpha is not awake to hold his own weight up. “But we
feel each other.” Lonely. He’s here, but the loneliness Jungkook had felt hangs heavy on his thin
shoulders.

“Jimin,” the omega whispers, a tad bit louder. Jimin snaps his head up.

“Yes…?”

“Let yourself feel him,” he says with a small smile on his beautiful face.

“We’re not mates,” Jimin says sternly.

They’re not mate.

“Not yet.” Jungkook had said to that little girl when she had asked him if they were mates. Back
then, Jimin’s heart had soared with love and happiness. But now it sinks heavy in his belly from
guilt.

Why did they have to wait?

Or…could they even mate properly? The alpha could bite Jimin. But what if his human body
reacted to the bite as if it were any other wound and heal it?

“You’re bonded, Jimin.” Jin’s gentle voice brings him back to the small and dark room.

Why was it always so dark in here?

“I don’t know much of how your bond works. But I know that if your energies are linked, then so
are your souls. Your feelings. You can feel him, right? You reacted so violently that day-“ Jimin’s
eyes widen and the omega stops himself short. He straightens his spine. “You can feel him. So let
him feel you. He might not be strong enough to open his eyes and lips to speak with us. But you can
reach out to him. Let him know you’re here. That you’re watching over him and waiting for him to
return.”

“I- I can’t feel him,” Jimin whispers. It takes everything in him to say it.

“What?”

Jimin shakes his head to clear his eyes. His hands tighten around Jungkook’s.

“I can’t feel him. I couldn’t feel him while I was running to him, and I can’t feel him now. After
that small glimpse I got before he passed out I can’t- I can’t feel-“ he chokes on a gasp.

“He’s keeping you out. He blocked his wolf from you when he was fighting, and you barely got to
see a glimpse before he passed out.”

“He knows how important it is that I feel him why would-“

“To protect you,” Jin says quickly. “He must have been in a lot of pain. He wanted to make sure
you wouldn’t feel any of it.”

“Idiot,” Jimin grits out. He’s so tired he can’t even be angry at the wolf. “You’re an idiot,” he says
louder, eyes finding Jungkook’s closed ones. “We’re supposed to be a team,” he sniffs, hand
shaking. “How can we be a team when you shut me out like this? How can we be a team when
you’re so quick to sacrifice yourself like this?!” With each word, his anger diminishes, and sadness
overtakes him. “How can you promise me the world and then leave me like this?! How can you
tell me you love me and then-“ he stops himself.
Jin stands up abruptly and Jimin closes his eyes.

“At least try,” the omega whispers, and then he’s out the door.

The room feels infinitely smaller and colder now. Jimin hadn’t even realized how much Jin’s
presence had warmed him.

He opens his eyes, brows knitted.

Jungkook lays limp on the bed, naked shoulders and arms placed over a pelt. Unmoving. In the
same position Jin lefts him in every time after he finishes looking at the wound in the alpha’s
abdomen.

“I let you into my heart fully,” Jimin whispers suddenly, the darkness his only listener. “I let you
carve a space there just for you. Unique from anyone else I ever held dearly there. I let you fill it
with happiness and hope. I let you see me as I am, always. And now…now you shut me out? At
your worst- when you need me the most, you want to protect me by keeping me away?”

He sits up abruptly, the legs of the chair scraping on the floor loudly. He bends until his face is
mere inches from Jungkook’s.

“I won’t let you,” he whispers, determination making his eyes harden. “You hear me?” There’s no
answer. No movement. But that doesn’t push Jimin away. “I won’t let you. I won’t.”

He closes his eyes and lets his forehead touch Jungkook’s and then he breathes in slowly. The
world around him blurs more and more the longer he lets his body and mind relax as he slowly
inhales and exhales deeply.

And then he feels.

He feels that blackness again. That wall that had scared him to the very core that day. That
darkness that had made him think the alpha was gone forever.

But now, he sees through it. He feels through it.

The wall that seemed unbreakable is nothing but a thin veil now and Jimin steps right through it
with no fear holding him back.

And then there’s pain. So strong it has him gasping for air, but he moves forward. He searches,
unnerved by the pain. It seeps into his bones. Into his very being, but he doesn’t pull away. He
embraces it as his own. And somewhere under all that pain. Under all that fear. He finds it.

He doesn’t even notice it at first, the wolf’s black fur mixing with the darkness around them. But
when it lifts its head up to look straight at Jimin, the mage almost runs to it.

The wolf watches him with sad, red eyes. Ears glued to its head. He’s all curled up against himself,
protecting his body from the pain Jimin can’t even see where it’s coming from.

Jimin drops to his knees next to the alpha. He reaches out instantly, and the wolf doesn’t hesitate a
second before he drops his head on Jimin’s knees.

“I’m here,” he whispers into the void around them. It’s dark and it’s cold. But Jimin feels
impossibly warm with the wolf next to him. His fingers caress the alpha’s fur gently and the wolf
nuzzles his snot into his stomach.
“I’m here…” his voice almost breaks. “I’m waiting for you, Jungkook. Alright? I’m here. Please-“
a fat tear finally falls on the back of his hand and his fingers stop moving. “Please c-come back to
me. I- I can’t- it’s hard to even breathe without you. I need you next to me. I nee-“ he shakes his
head to clear his mind. “No matter how much time you n-need- I’ll be here. I will wait.”

The wolf sighs and closes his eyes as Jimin’s fingers start moving again.

“I’m here…”

“How long?” A strained voice asks. Jimin hears the sound right against his ear, but he still doesn’t
wake up fully. His mind is hazy, tired body pleasingly numb on the soft yet somewhat hard bed.

“Two weeks.”

“Shit-“ The strong chest he’s resting on jumps slightly then relaxes as the owner exhales deeply.
“Did he ever leave?”

“What do you think?” The other voice asks, gentle and endeared. “I barely got him to eat.”

“You should have-“

“Put yourself in his shoes. Would you have left his side even for a second if he were the one
unconscious on the bed?”

“Didn’t you tell him I would heal and-“

The other man sighs. “I did, Jungkook. I told him your body would heal with time. That you would
be brand new in a couple of days. I told him all that and yet he stayed.”

Jungkook.

“Did…did he cry a lot?”

“What do you think?”

Jungkook…

Jungkook
Jungkook!

“Jungkook!” He jumps up, eyes wide open.

He hears a pained groan underneath him, but he doesn’t care about that. He stares at Jungkook. At
his beautiful face. At his black eyes. At his very open eyes that stare right back at him with sadness
swimming deep in them.

Alive.

“You- you’re –“

His hands shake as he lifts them up to touch the alpha’s cheeks. There’s a slight stubble that tickles
his skin, but he can’t laugh through his shock.

“Jimin,” the alpha whispers. Sad and pained. His eyes look Jimin up and down and by the way the
alpha looks at him, Jimin guesses he doesn’t look his best.

But he couldn’t care less about that now.

“You woke up,” he whispers. Tears gather in his eyes, making his vision blurry.

The alpha lifts one hand up, slowly.

“Please,” his voice breaks at the end from days of unuse as his thumb wipes a stray tear away.
“Don’t cry.”

“You- I was so s-scared,” Jimin hiccups, curling into himself on the bed. It’s too small to hold
them both comfortably and he doesn’t even remember how he ended up here.

“Hyung, please leave us,” Jungkook says quietly and Jimin remembers he had heard another voice
in his sleep.

But he doesn’t turn around. He can’t take his eyes off the alpha.

He’s scared.

Afraid that if he lets Jungkook escape his gaze for even one second, he will disappear forever.

“I’ll be back in a couple of hours with some food,” Seokjin says softly and then the door falls shut
behind him.

And Jimin breaks.

He falls on the alpha. Legs and arms wrapped around Jungkook’s body as he cries into his neck.
Jungkook grunts in pain. But doesn’t push Jimin away. His arms wrap gingerly around Jimin’s
waist, and then he holds him.

He holds him as Jimin gasps and whimpers into his arms.

He holds him as Jimin pleads to never be pushed away again.

He holds him as Jimin whispers over and over again that he loves him.
He holds him until Jimin’s cries die down naturally and his body relaxes on top of Jungkook’s.

And then he speaks for the first time. “I’m sorry,” he murmurs over Jimin’s lips as he kisses them
gently.

Jimin shakes his head, eyebrows narrowed.

“You have nothing to apologize fo-“

“I shouldn’t have told you to leave.”

“You just wanted me to go look for help.”

“You were all the help I needed,” Jungkook whispers, and Jimin’s heart stops. “You were strong
enough to help me, but I panicked I-“ Jungkook looks away, hands tightening on Jimin’s waist. “I
just wanted you as far away from him as possible.”

“You put me through hell, Jungkook,” Jimin gasps, broken and defeated. “I know you only wanted
to protect me, but that led to you getting hurt and I- I don’t ever want to see you like that again. I
can’t-“

Jungkook shushes him gently, pulling Jimin until their foreheads touch lightly.

“I will never do that again. I promise. I swear.”

“We’re a team, remember?” Jimin whispers, eyes begging Jungkook to finally understand that.
“We’re the strongest together.”

“I’m not used to that,” Jungkook says. “I’m not used to fighting side by side with someone I love.
My wolf just begs me to protect you, Jimin. It only wants you safe and happy. And even though I
know you’re more than capable to help, I rely on my instinct when I fight. And I couldn’t stop
myself before I acted on it.”

The lines around Jungkook’s sad eyes get deeper and then the white of his eyes turns pink and then
red.

“Don’t cry-“ Jimin gaps. His fingers shake as he wipes the alpha’s tears away. “Why are you
crying?”

“I failed you,” Jungkook murmurs, and Jimin shakes his head instantly.

“You haven’t.”

“But I did. I put you through so much pain. I can’t even imagine how-“

“It doesn’t matter now,” Jimin says quickly then again more sternly. “What matter is that you’re
alright now. That you’re here with me again.”

“I won’t leave again,” the alpha whispers, their lips brushing slightly.

“Wherever and whenever- together, alright? No more fighting alone.”

“I promise,” Jungkook says and then they fall into each other.

Their lips melt against one another and Jungkook pulls Jimin in like even the slightest thread of air
that can sneak between them would break his heart.
And even though everything about it is tender and soft, Jimin feels arousal creeping up his body.

It’s not enough to see Jungkook healthy in front of him. It’s not enough to hear his soft voice
whisper promises against his wet lips.

He needs more.

He needs the clothes between them gone.

His hands fly to Jungkook’s shirt, and the alpha lifts his upper body before Jimin can ask for
permission. He drops the black material somewhere next to the bed and then scoots back from
Jungkook’s lap to undress himself.

He doesn’t feel embarrassed by his nakedness. Not even shy. He knows what he wants and he’s not
afraid to take it.

Not when Jungkook encourages him with gentle kisses and soft touches. Not when his nose falls
instinctively in the crook of Jimin’s neck as he settles himself back on the alpha’s lap. Not when he
holds Jimin just as tightly as he holds the alpha.

Jimin is not prepared to take the alpha in, and he doesn’t even want to waste time looking for oils.
He settles for only feeling the alpha’s cock nestled between his cheeks as he ruts his hips forward
with newfound energy.

“Jimin-“ Jungkook grunts, fingers trembling over Jimin’s hips.

“I love you,” Jimin gasps over the alpha’s lips. Eyes never leaving Jungkook’s.

Jungkook’s eyes are soft and completely black and Jimin finds that he loves this gentle side of the
alpha as much as he loves the rougher side.

“I love you,” he says again- voice broken.

Jungkook sneaks one arm around his middle to pull him closer while the other cups Jimin’s cheeks.

“I’m here,” he whispers and the tears making Jimin’s eyes blurry finally fall free. “I’m here.”

You are.

Jimin’s forehead falls against Jungkook as he cries, hips never stopping.

You are here.

His energy reaches out to Jungkook, and the alpha meets him halfway.

“I’m here. I love you,” Jungkook says before catching his lips in a burning kiss and Jimin
explodes.

His heart hurts from pain and happiness and his body trembles from pleasure.

He comes over Jungkook’s abs, white painting them beautifully. Jungkook’s cock twitches
between his rim, and Jimin struggles to keep his hips moving while he rides out his own orgasm to
make the alpha follow him over the edge.

“So beautiful-“ Jungkook murmurs into his neck. “So plump and warm and strong-“ he sounds
almost delirious as he nips at Jimin’s skin with his teeth and Jimin blushes furiously at his words.
Jimin wraps his arms around Jungkook’s neck, keeping the alpha close to him.

“Perfect,” Jungkook grunts. “You’re perfect. Perfect mate-“ the alpha’s words die down as a
guttural grown slips past his lips and he comes.

But Jimin hears him loud and clear and his heart soars.

He’s perfect. He’s the perfect mate for the alpha.

Just as Jungkook is perfect for him.

Jungkook comes with the tip of his cock catching on Jimin’s rim and Jimin trembles on the alpha’s
lap, almost slipping because of how good Jungkook feels against him.

Jungkook gasps and whispers praises against Jimin’s neck, hands gripping him tightly as he rides
out his release and Jimin melts into him. Happy.

Utterly content.

::Saman::

The cold cuts deeper into his skin with each passing day, and Jimin feels more restless with each
passing second.

“I don’t want to put them all in danger,” he whispers into the dark room. It’s quiet around them, it
always was so late at night when the hour tipped dangerously into the day. His fingers draw
intricate patterns on the alpha’s naked chest as he lays curled up next to Jungkook. There’s a
delicious throb lingering between his thighs that makes him want to swing his legs over
Jungkook’s lap and ride him into oblivion again, but he keeps still. This was more important.

Jungkook’s hand moves slowly up and down the curve of Jimin’s spine as he speaks. “I know you
don’t. But there’s no other way.”

Jimin holds his breath, eyes on the hard stones of the wall in front of him. “What if there were?”

“There’s not,” the alpha says sternly and Jimin closes his eyes. He hadn’t truly expected the alpha
to say something different, but he still had to try.

“I just-“

“I won’t have you sign your own death just because you don’t want to rely on people that are
obviously strong enough to stand by your side.” Jungkook’s hand around him tightens and Jimin
lifts his eyes to watch the alpha’s strong jaw as he speaks. “You’re not alone anymore. You learned
to rely on me- trust me. Now you have to rely on them as well. They’re here to help us because this
affects them as well, not only you- us.” His face shifts to turn to Jimin. “You’re not alone anymore,
Jimin,” the alpha says gently and Jimin hides his face in the crook of his strong neck.

He’s not alone. He knows he’s not.

But it feels strange to count on so many people. To know that so many were there to help him now.
It had been only him for so long….so long. Then Jungkook came along and even though Jimin
trusts him now, it took a lot of time for him to get here.

Jimin hadn’t simply woken up one day caring for the alpha and trusting him. It had been a tough
battle with himself and the alpha, but they were here now. Holding each other so intimately. Being
so open and honest with each other with only the dark to keep them company. It had been hard, but
they’re here now. And Jimin understands that the battle to get here had been more than worth it.

He needs to give himself time to trust the others as well. Only time will tell if it will be worth it or
not.

He’s not alone anymore. He has…friends. He has Jungkook. He has people he can trust.

“I’m scared,” he whispers. Always so honest- always unable to hide anything from the alpha.

Jungkook turns them around until his body cages Jimin in and then he’s swimming in warmth and
protection, black eyes watching him intently.

“It’s only natural to feel like that. But I promise I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Jimin smiles, but it doesn’t touch his eyes. It’s sad and pained.

“I’m not afraid for my life, Jungkook,” he whispers. “I’m scared of losing you and Moonbyul- of
losing everything.”

Jungkook’s eyes flicker to red before the alpha shuts them tightly and they return to their natural
black.

“What do you need?” Jungkook asks hurriedly, almost anxious. “What do I have to say or do to
lessen your fear? I will do anything,” he promises.

Jimin shakes his head slowly, eyes blurring. His hands circle around Jungkook’s neck, fingers
tangling in the alpha’s black hair.

“There’s nothing you can say or do,” he whispers. “I can’t escape this feeling no matter what I
think about. Don’t you…feel the same?” He asks slowly. “Aren’t you afraid?”

Jungkook stops caressing Jimin’s side, eyebrows furrowing as he takes a moment to collect his
thoughts.

“I’ve fought far too many battles to be afraid anymore,” he says finally. His voice is a little too
detached, it sends a shiver down Jimin’s spine.

“Are you- are you not afraid of losing me? Moonbyul or your clan?”

“I won’t lose you,” Jungkook says. His voice leaves no room for arguments, his eyes even less. He
watches Jimin like his eyes had already seen the future, like he knows Jimin will never leave his
side.

They’ve had this conversation before. About how none of them should sacrifice himself for the
other. But looking into Jungkook’s eyes now, Jimin understands that no matter how many times he
makes Jungkook promise that he would never die for Jimin, it would be an empty lie. Just like his
would be.

Jimin would die 100 times over if it meant saving Jungkook’s life and he would be selfish and
stupid to believe Jungkook wouldn’t do just the same.
Love will make them do foolish things. Their love will probably bring one of them to their knees.

But for some reason, Jimin can’t be afraid of that.

Jungkook’s hands tighten around Jimin’s waist as the alpha lets his head fall in the crook of Jimin’s
neck.

They will protect each other. Together they are strong enough to save one another before it is too
late. Jimin has faith in them. He trusts their bond and their strength.

It will not fail them when they need it most.

It will not.

“Why am I not a wolf?” Jimin asks into the darkness around them. The walls are starting to
become clearer, the sky outside no longer pitch-black but dark grey as the sun begins to rise.

Jungkook places a kiss right above Jimin’s pulse point before lifting his head to look down at
Jimin. “Because your mother was human.”

“But my father is a wolf. The chances of me being a wolf or a human would have been equal,
right?”

Jungkook shakes his head. He shifts a little to make himself comfortable between Jimin’s thighs.
His arms curl around the alpha in a second.

“Not really. Humans don’t give birth to wolves. I have never heard or seen it happen.”

“Then why did my father expect me to become one if he knew I would never present?” Jimin asks,
anger burning beneath his skin.

“Because he thought your mother had royal blood in her. He was probably hoping to create
someone like Hoseok-ssi; a mage and a wolf.”

“But…something in me must still be different,” Jimin whispers, hurried. “I- I actually talked to
Hoseok…about scenting one afternoon after training.” Jungkook quirks one eyebrow up, listening
intently. “He told me I shouldn’t be able to be scented,” Jimin reveals. “That even if mages take
the smell of their bonded wolf, they can’t scent or be scented back, it doesn’t work. So why…why
does it work with me; with us?”

“You didn’t ask him that?”

Jimin blushes, eyes turning away. “I did. But I wanted to hear your answer as well.”

“Then I will probably say what he told you. Your father’s blood must be manifesting in any way it
can. You’re not fully a wolf. You will never be. But my guess is that the bond triggered something
in you. It made that small part of you want to awaken- in the smallest way that it could.”

Jimin exhales shakily.

“Hoseok said the same…”

Jungkook watches him for a second before placing a kiss on the corner of his lips. “You’re
disappointed.”

Jimin’s eyes fly up. “How are you not? It would be so easy for us to- to-“

“To mate?” Jungkook finishes the question for him. “It would be easy for us to mate if you were a
wolf?”

Jimin looks away, shifting under Jungkook. “Well….yes…”

“We can still try,” the alpha whispers. Jimin turns to him, eyes wide. “We can still try to mate.”

“I’m not a wolf, Jungkook….” Jimin whispers. His eyes blur at the edges and Jungkook quickly
presses his body harder into Jimin to offer comfort.

“You’re not fully a wolf. But a part of you is. No matter how small. If it allows me to scent you, we
can at least try to mate.”

“And what if we fail? What if my body reacts to it as any other wound and tries to heal it? It would
only bring you pain. And I can’t bite you. I can’t claim you as my own as well.”

Jungkook hugs him tighter, eyes softening. “You already have. Can’t you see? Can’t you feel it? I
am already yours. I said that we can try, and we can- not now, but in the future, we can. And even
if it doesn’t work, we still have your magic keeping us together. It acts almost as a mating bond
would. I never told you that, but that’s what it feels like for me. It’s weaker and almost unreadable
sometimes, but when you let me in- when you open yourself up for me; body and soul, I can feel
you, Jimin. I can feel your emotions like any other wolf would feel its mate. And I know you can
feel the same.”

“Jungkook…”

“Don’t overthink this. I don’t need to sink my teeth in you and leave a mark to feel and know that
you are mine. Believe me, please.”

“I do,” Jimin whispers just as a tear finally falls from his eyes. “I believe you.”

“I wouldn’t change what you are for anything in this world,” Jungkook says, voice clear and loud.
“Not a single inch of you is out of place. Not a single inch is less than perfect. I know you hate
your father, but I can’t help but be grateful to him. You have within you the smallest traces of his
blood, but those make you able to feel me better and to control a dragon. You’re the strongest of
your kin. The bravest.”

Jimin closes his eyes, letting Jungkook’s words melt into his skin as the alpha bends to leave small
kisses all over his naked chest.

“My ego will reach the moon someday if you keep talking like that,” Jimin whispers.

“I will follow you there and I will make you reach even higher up.”

Jimin snorts, but the laughter turns into a tiny moan when Jungkook curls one hand around his
thigh to pull it further aside. He angles his hips down, and Jimin’s hands around the alpha’s neck
tighten in pleasure and anticipation.

“Can you take me again?” Jungkook whispers into his neck, one hand already guiding his cock to
Jimin’s ass. The head catches on Jimin’s rim and the mage whines as he turns his head to the side.
Ever since that first night, they have barely been able to keep their hands off of each other.
Sometimes, Jungkook pulls releases out of Jimin only with his mouth and fingers because Jimin is
too sore to take the alpha. And sometimes, Jungkook likes to make Jimin open up to him even if he
knows Jimin is too sore to take him.

They’ve done it only once tonight, just like any other night. But it seems like tonight, the alpha
doesn’t want to take Jimin into his mouth, he wants to feel Jimin around him again.

And even if it hurts and Jungkook’s cock feels ten times bigger now when he’s sore, Jimin nods
and lets Jungkook push himself into him.

Tomorrow morning- or just in a few hours, another meeting awaits them, but Jimin doesn’t want to
push the alpha away. Not when he still craves to feel Jungkook closer again.

Maybe it’s fear that pushes him to curl into Jungkook’s arms every night and ask to be taken.
Maybe it’s just pure need. Whatever it is, Jimin doesn’t question it. He just lets himself feel.

Jungkook feels just as big as ever in him. As heavy and hot. It leaves Jimin’s mind spinning and
heart barely being able to keep up.

It still amazes him just how good it feels to have the alpha like this, and he can’t help but wonder if
it could get any better. If it would feel better than this if Jungkook finally let his alpha take control.

But that’s all he can do- wonder. Because Jungkook keeps his alpha on a tight leash, and no matter
how much Jimin bears his neck and flutters his eyelashes just as Hoseok has taught him, Jungkook
doesn’t snap.

He remains calm- collected. Sweet and tender. And Jimin loves and equally hates him for it.

“I know what you want,” the alpha whispers into his ear. Jimin gasps, walls tightening around
Jungkook as the alpha stops his hips flush against Jimin’s ass. “But not now, my love,” Jungkook
says, almost distressed. “I don’t want to lose my mind when there’s danger looming above our
heads every single second. I want to feel you close and see you conscious enough to understand
what’s happening. If I take you as I truly wish to- you will lose yourself in that feeling,” Jungkook
growls into Jimin’s skin, hips moving again.

“W-when does y-your rut start?” Jimin asks through small gasps and moans. They feel impossibly
loud in the poorly furnished room.

“In- a month or so.”

“Then-“ Jimin turns his head to watch the alpha. He struggles to keep his eyes open as Jungkook’s
cock pushes in and out of him, the slide almost painful against his sore walls. “Then w-when it
starts, let m-me- ah, let me take c-care of you.”

Jungkook’s eyes flash red for a moment before they quickly turn black again. But his hips pick up
a rougher and faster pace. Jimin throws his head back- exposing his neck, and Jungkook dives in.
He bites and licks every inch of skin he can find, hips rutting forward almost mindlessly.

“I promise,” he grunts. “I promise you won’t leave my bed for days when my rut starts. I will take
care of you so well. Have you full every waking and sleeping moment-“

“Jungkook-“ Jimin shudders, eyes widening. The pleasure that was burning slowly in his lower
belly snaps all of a sudden, leaving him breathless.
His cock twitches weakly on his stomach and his back arches off the bed, body moving on its own
to be closer to the alpha.

Jungkook watches him through half-lidded eyes, fingers digging harshly into Jimin’s hips. And
when the alpha finally comes, with a string of Jimin’s name and curses and dirty promises on
Jimin’s lips, Jimin falls lips on the bed. Body and soul utterly content.

::Ginnung::

Jimin had never realized how small The Great Hall actually is.

When he had to sit in the middle of the room during their meetings, the room seemed so big and
hollow. Voices used to echo all around him like a threat.

But now, from his seat next to Jungkook at the table, the room looked infinitely smaller, more
crowded even though the same number of people were around the table every single time. It makes
him wonder if there are other things that seem big and scary around him that, from another point of
view, would be insignificant.

“Jimin needs me with him in the tower, but I also want to lead my men.” Jungkook’s voice cuts
through the static noise in his ears.

Jimin turns to him, body stiff- eyes tired. Maybe they should have slept at least two hours. He
scrunches his nose slightly when pain shoots up his spine as he shifts on the wooden chair. From
the corner of his eye- on the other side of the table, he catches Hoseok watching him with an
amused expression. Jimin straightens his back, blushing.

“You can’t do both,” his father says harshly.

Jungkook narrows his eyes. He bites his lip to hold back his anger and Jimin places a soft hand on
his knee. The alpha covers Jimin’s hand with his own, expression softening.

“Then I will stay with Jimin.”

“What about your men?” The head of the guard asks. Jimin looks at the woman. She looks slightly
older than the last time, her hair much longer. This time, her scrutinizing eyes don’t anger Jimin to
the point he wants to cut her airflow. But her annoyed tone makes Jimin narrow his eyes.

“If you agree,” Yoongi cuts in, eyes on Jungkook. “I and Hoseok can lead them along with my
men.”

Jungkook’s eyes widen for a fraction of a second then he quickly regains his composure.

“If your men are capable of following my command, that is,” Yoongi adds, a teasing tone in his
voice.

“My men are trained to follow my command,” Jungkook says, voice even. “And if I command
them to follow yours, they will.”

Head Alpha Min nods then leans back on his chair, body relaxed. It seems like he will no longer
have anything to say now that he knows what he has to do. But Hoseok doesn’t seem as relaxed as
his mate. The amusement that was lingering in his eyes is long gone now.

“I haven’t had any visions of your father. Are we sure he will come for you with the dragon?”

Jimin shifts a little in his seat. Jungkook’s hand tightens over his.

“I haven’t had any visions of him either. But that’s what the wolf told us before…” he trails off,
uncomfortable with putting into words what happened to Jungkook. “He told us that he’s looking
for me, so he will come. I’m sure.”

“Then we will stay with you as well, Jimin-ssi,” Namjoon says from beside him. “I and Seokjin.”

“And I.” A deeper voice cuts in from beside Jin. Jimin leans over the table slightly to smile at the
other mage. It had taken a while for Head Alpha Jeon to let Taehyung sit at the table with the
others, but he was here now.

“I want you with the humans. They need you there if-“

Taehyung stands up abruptly, making Head Alpha Jeon almost growl at him.

“They’re protected by the whole Jeon clan and the sea. Nobody will touch them as long as we
don’t lose the fight. And for us to win you need to stay alive to control that dragon. We have to
make sure nobody gets to you.”

“Jungkook is more than capable of protecting me,” Jimin says.

Taehyung shakes his head, arms crossing over his chest. “I won’t leave your side,” he says, voice
steady.

Jimin watches him for a moment. His strong eyebrows. His tall and lean body. His tense shoulders.
There’s not an inch of him that’s relaxed or afraid. His legs don’t tremble, and his eyes are as
determined as ever. He wants to protect Jimin. He wants to be useful and not just stand by and
watch and Jimin can’t refuse him that.

He can’t make Taehyung do something he would also never agree on.

“Alright,” Jimin whispers. “I will count on you to stay by my side.”

Taehyung smiles at him, quick and small, but Jimin sees it before the mage takes his place next to
Seokjin again. The omega offers them both a reassuring smile and the weight pushing Jimin down
finally feels lighter. More bearable.

“When will they reach the border?” Jungkook’s father asks. That’s the first time he has spoken
since the meeting had started and Jimin startles a little at his voice.

“In two days,” Hoseok says.

The alpha grunts, his chair squeaking as he shifts and turns in it, restless. Jimin has yet to find out
how any chair can stand supporting the weight of such a powerful man.

“I have yet to find out how you will kill the dragon.”

Jimin gulps drily, fingers going numb. He has yet to find out because they never told the alpha
they will not be killing it. Jimin and Jungkook both settled on keeping his father in the dark about
it. If the alpha found out they intended on directly going against his orders all hell would break
loose. Instead, Jungkook will take care of his father when the time comes.
After they win and Jimin has the dragon under his control, the Head Alpha will see the dragon will
be more useful alive than dead.

Killing it. Releasing it.

They both sound like the worst ideas if Jimin can truly control it because they could do so much
more with it.

Maybe Jimin was foolish to keep on dreaming about blooming flowers in newly built human cities.
But how could he not think about it after Jungkook had planted the idea in his head? Jungkook,
with all of his promises and gentle hands, had made Jimin dream big. With the dragon under his
control, Jimin can not only help humans, but also wolves. He can make this land better. He will
make it better with Jungkook by his side.

Jungkook’s hand tightens over his before the alpha speaks, head turned to his father. “I will make
sure everything goes smoothly, father. You don’t have to worry. The elders and young pups will
need you on the northern border. Focus on that.”

The alpha narrows his eyes, lips pulling tight in a thin line. “I might be old, son. But I can help.”

“You will be protecting the future of our clan. Nothing is more important than that, father,”
Namjoon adds.

Alpha Jeon watches his sons with reluctance, obviously not pleased with his role in the fight. The
muscles in his arms flex as he stands up and Jimin sees that the alpha would have no problem
helping them fight. A trained warrior was still a trained warrior even after almost a century spent
alive.

The alpha steps back from his chair, but before he leaves the table completely, he stops to stare at
Jungkook. His eyes are vibrant red, as always, but they seem so much more powerful now.

“I want the head of the dragon at my feet at the end of the battle, Jungkook.” His rough and big
hand falls on Jungkook’s shoulder as he takes a step behind his son. His next words make Jimin’s
heart drop to his stomach. “If not, I will name another heir.”

::Winter is Here::

The wind is strong so high up, the cold even harder to keep away from his skin, but Jimin feels
strangely calm.

The night is dark, and he struggles to look around between the heavy snowflakes falling from the
sky. It’s not even winter yet, but so close to the north, that doesn’t really matter. The heart of the
Jeon clan is slowly being buried underneath heavy snow.

Patches of fire flicker into the night on different parts of the land for as far as Jimin can see and
Jimin wonders just how much fire the morning will bring when the Yen wolves arrive at the
border.

He takes a deep breath in, hands clenching by his sides.

This is it.

This is what it all comes down to.

This is why Jimin had left his clan. Why he had endured anything and everything coming his way
for so many months. If he fails here, everything will be for nothing. If he fails here, he will lose
absolutely everything.

If he fails here-

“Jimin.”

Jimin swirls around with a small gasp. Jungkook stands in front of the door leading down into the
main room of the tower. Jimin hadn’t even heard the alpha come up. And now that he sees
Jungkook’s big frame blocking the door, he realizes how lonely he was starting to feel up here all
on his own. The alpha watches him with worried eyes and Jimin almost runs into his arms.

“You should rest for a while. I will keep watch.”

Jimin shakes his head and without a word, he turns to watch the fires burning in the distance again.

This time he hears Jungkook approach and when the alpha places both of his hands on the stone
half-walls in front of them- caging Jimin against his body, the mage leans into him.

“You need to rest,” the alpha whispers into his ear.

“You should have told me that yesterday when you kept me up all night,” Jimin murmurs. He tries
to laugh. Any other day, he would. But not tonight. He can’t.

Jungkook’s lips move from the back of Jimin’s ear down to his chin then into the crook of his neck
where he places a soft kiss. Jimin sighs, closing his eyes.

“It’s driving me insane, even now…” Jungkook’s hands tighten on the wall and Jimin leans his
head on the alpha’s shoulder- offering more skin for Jungkook to kiss and nip at.

“What?”

“Your scent.” The alpha explains drily. But even if his tone gives nothing away, Jimin has learned
to read between the lines. The way Jungkook is inhaling deeply right above Jimin’s skin. The way
he barely takes his lips away from Jimin’s neck. The way his hand slips from the wall to circle
around Jimin’s middle. It’s all too obvious.

Ever since Jungkook had been injured and he had comforted his alpha, Jimin has been keeping his
energy fully open to the alpha. That meant his emotions were like an open book to Jungkook. And
also, that his scent was stronger, especially with how much Jungkook has been scenting him lately.

Jungkook’s teeth sink deeper into Jimin’s neck at the same time his hand trails lower between
Jimin’s thighs. Jimin pushes himself off the alpha and turns away before Jungkook loses himself
completely.

“We can’t,” he shakes his head. Jungkook’s expression turns from blind arousal to annoyance and
then acceptance before he nods and pulls away.

“Hyung’s patrolling the grounds around the tower. Seokjin and Taehyung are sleeping downstairs,”
Jungkook says as a way of distracting himself. He’s walking around aimlessly, eyes looking
everywhere but at Jimin.

“I don’t want to sleep. I’m not that tired. And even if I were, I wouldn’t be able to fall asleep.”

Jungkook nods. He stops on Jimin’s right- a few steps away, looking at the dark sky.

“Then can I stay here with you?”

Jimin smiles. His legs move before he has the time to think about it and he’s beside the alpha in a
heartbeat.

“Of course,” he whispers.

They stay in silence for what feels like days. Weeks.

Sometimes, Jungkook tries to make a joke to lighten the mood, but even if Jimin scoffs or laughs
softly, he does it halfheartedly.

Sometimes, they gravitate towards each other- their hands touch slightly and before they know it
they’re kissing softly under the dark sky. But they always pull apart after a couple of seconds.

Sometimes, they just watch the land in complete silence just like they do now as the darkness
slowly makes way for the sun to rise. The snow starts falling down faster and when Jimin closes
his eyes to open his energy further, he feels them.

::Danelagen::

He gasps, pulling back from the edge of the tower. It’s overwhelming. Almost unbearable.

“Jimin?” Jungkook is in front of him in a second. His hands wrap around Jimin and then the mage
is pulled into a tight embrace.

“They’re so many,” Jimin murmurs, eyes wide. “Jungkook-“

“We’re prepared.”

Jimin shakes his head, fingers trembling as his hands grip the alpha’s armor.

“Not for that many.”

Thousands.

Dread creeps up his spine, engulfing him whole.

“How many men do you have?”

“Jimin-“

“How many?” Jimin asks hurriedly. He pulls back from the alpha and Jungkook lets him.

“Five hundred.”

“Seven hundred with the Min wolves. Not enough…”

“We knew we will be outnumbered. We’ve talked about this.”

“I know. But-“
But not by more than half.

His eyes snap to the border, to where he feels that ugly and massive energy looming.

“Jimin,” Jungkook is in front of him again, blocking his view. “Look at me- Jimin. All you have to
do is concentrate on locating the dragon and controlling it. Leave the fight to us- to my men. One
of them is worth more than twenty Yen wolves, I promise you. We won’t lose.”

“Don’t leave my side! Not even for a second or I will-“

“I won’t,” Jungkook says quickly. “I will stay right next to you until we win. I promise.”

Jungkook bends to kiss Jimin’s forehead, and the mage closes his eyes. He allows himself to take a
few calming breaths to collect himself.

A loud sound cuts through the eerie silence of the early morning and Jimin’s eyes snap open.

“They’re in,” Jimin whispers. The yen clan has breached the border.

Jungkook nods, head turned in the direction of the horns. The signal they were expecting.

“Namjoon and Seokjin will remain downstairs, but if you need Taehyung he will be here.”

Jimin takes a step back.

“I don’t need anyone but you.”

Jungkook nods and with one last reassuring look, Jimin closes his eyes and falls to the ground.

It’s surprisingly quiet around them after the horns stop. But Jimin feels the pain and anger
threatening to burst from the wolves fighting around the border. Not a single cry reaches Jimin’s
ears, but their energies are as clean as day.

Dozens die in the first thirty minutes.

A hundred in just one hour.

All Jungkook’s men.

All his people as well.

Jimin doesn’t realize he’s been crying until Jungkook’s rough finger wipes one of his tears away.
He doesn’t say anything to console the mage and Jimin doesn’t open his eyes to look at the alpha.
He can’t.

Because he knows that as soon as he catches Jungkook’s worried eyes, he will break. And he can’t
afford that. Jimin can’t afford to be weak. Not now. Not now.

The first zap of familiar energy that cuts through him is so fleeting Jimin thinks he had imagined
it. Thinks he wishes to feel it so badly that his mind had hallucinated the feeling. But when the
energy returns for the second time, just as weak, Jimin’s eyes snap open.

“It’s close.”

Jimin stands up, turning to look at the sky. It’s bright now. So bright Jimin has to blink back fresh
tears from how sensitive his eyes are to the strong light.

“I can’t see anything.”

Jimin shakes his head even though Jungkook can’t see him.

“I can feel the dragon’s energy but it’s very faint. They’re probably days away by foot but…” his
eyes lift to the sky as well.

“Minutes way with how fast it can fly.” Jungkook continues for him.

Jimin comes to stand by Jungkook’s side.

“Whatever happens,” he whispers. Jungkook narrows his eyes, but Jimin doesn’t let that stop him.
“Whatever happens, don’t let the other intervene.“

Jungkook takes his hand. Every nerve in Jimin’s body comes alive when their fingers touch.

“It’s you and me,” Jungkook says and Jimin believes him with everything he has.

Nobody else. Just them.

Minutes pass by agonizingly slow as they wait. Every fresh snowflake that hits Jimin’s face- on the
tip of his nose, on his cheekbones, feels like it leaves a cut bone deep.

They stand hand in hand- waiting, and Jimin tries to block every dying wolf from his energy. He
can’t let himself get distracted. As much as it hurts him to let them suffer like that, he can’t do
anything to help now.

Five minutes is all it takes for the dragon to finally be visible high up in the sky. It grows from a
dark and barely visible dot in the sky to the majestic, yet murderous beast Jimin equally hates and
loves.

But it’s not the dragon that has his heart threatening to snap out of his chest. It’s not the strong
wind that has him taking a step back even when Jungkook holds him fast in his place.

It’s the man standing on the dragon. It’s the red eyes he recognizes in an instant when the dragon
hovers in front of them. It’s the voice he had wished to never in his life hear again.

The legs of the dragon fall on the ground and the whole tower shakes under their force. He’s so
close Jimin can almost hear its heartbeat. It head towering over them even so high up.

“My son,” the man screams over the powerful wind. “I’ve been looking for you.”

His father.

The same man that used to beat Jimin until he couldn’t move anymore. The same man that hated
his guts for not being what he should have been. The same man that had left him to fend for
himself and his clan all of his life.
Jimin can’t speak. Can’t let out a sound.

He knew he would have to face his father the second that wolf had said the alpha was looking for
him. But he had not been prepared for this. He hadn’t been prepared to feel so scared. So small
under his father’s stare.

The ground melts under his feet and he’s back in that room so many years ago. Back to being
useless and powerless. Back to a small child that only wanted to be enough. To be loved. To be
something, anything for his father.

“My men tell me you’re strong now. But you still shiver like a leaf in front of me.” The words
should cut deeper than a knife. Should make Jimin want to snap and show the man just how
powerful he is now. But he can’t snap out of his own mind.

He’s still so small.

Jungkook steps in front of him, blocking Jimin’s view and for the first time, Jimin exhales. He
gasps for air quietly, limbs trembling.

“You can come with me now.” His father’s voice rings clear in Jimin’s ears even though he doesn’t
even want to imagine going to the alpha. “Come to me, son.” Jimin’s hand on Jungkook’s tightens.

“He’s part of my pack now.” Jungkook’s voice cuts through the wind like thunder and Jimin stops
breathing at the alpha’s words. “You will not touch him.”

“I see you’ve found a nice bond for yourself.”

“Why did you burn them?” Jimin asks over the ringing in his ears. He can’t bear this small talk. He
can’t bear his father mocking him any longer.

“Who?”

“The humans. My clan. Mother-“ his voice breaks and he stops himself. But suddenly, he’s
overcome by anger, and he steps aside to show his face to the alpha again.

His father looks at him with empty and lifeless eyes and Jimin understands. He will never find any
remorse in them. Only greed.

“Because they were weak. There’s no place for the weak in a world ruled by me.”

Jungkook growls low in his throat, the sound menacing enough for his father to narrow his eyes at
the young alpha.

“You are no ruler. You will never rule over this land. “

The alpha cocks his head to the side, a dry smile stretching over his wrinkled skin.

“I will rule over your land by the time the sun makes way for the moon again, pup.”

Jungkook’s eyes turn red. His hand drops Jimin’s, but the mage is faster. Before Jungkook can lose
his temper and do something rash, Jimin lifts his hand- one clear goal in mind.

“You were right!” Jimin screams as he jumps in front of Jungkook. “I am stronger. Strong enough
to finally kill you.”

He clenches his fists, eyes on his father’s face.

But what he expects never comes.

The alpha doesn’t topple over. He doesn’t flinch back at the loss of air and neither does he begin to
claw at his face.

The alpha’s face turns into one of pure furry and only one word gets out from between his lips.

“Down.” The command is whispered, so as to not let too much air out but the dragon hears it well
enough.

It lowers its head slowly until its nose rests right in front of Jimin against the stoned wall and his
father snaps up. He runs down the dragon’s neck and over his head in a few seconds.

Jimin gasps, hands pulling back.

His father snaps one hand out to reach for Jimin’s neck, but Jungkook is in front of him before the
alpha can touch Jimin. Jungkook catches the alpha’s arm with one hand and then turns to pin it
behind him, the other hand coming to grip the alpha’s neck.

“Block him,” Jungkook growls.

But before Jimin can do that, his father scoffs and Jimin’s eyes snap to him.

“Get off me, pup.” The alpha snaps and in one swift movement he has Jungkook on the ground.
Jungkook jumps to his feet in a blink of an eye, but it takes him long enough for the older alpha to
reach Jimin.

Jimin stumbles back one step and then he’s trapped between strong arms. Claws come to rest
against his pulse point and right over his heart and he instinctively pulls his magic back.

His father doesn’t gasp now that he’s able to breathe again, he merely inhales slowly.

“Do you think this is my first time fighting against a mage?” He laughs behind Jimin. The sound
making every inch of his skin crawl.

How many like Jimin has he fought exactly? How many had he killed or even used for his own
gain? How many have suffered because of him?

Too many. Far too many.

Jungkook watches them like a hawk. Red eyes zeroed on the older alpha’s claws on Jimin’s skin.

“Let him go.”

His chest moves rapidly as he tries to control his breathing. But his eyes are a dead giveaway that
he’s ready to snap. Jimin has never seen them so sharp before. So focused on only one thing.

Jimin closes his eyes, focusing on feeling his magic again. This is what he has been training for.
He can’t wait and watch as Jungkook protects him again all on his own. This time he can help.
This time he has to help.

“This is a family matter, pup.”

“I am his family now. Not you.”

Jimin’s heart skips a beat, but he can’t let himself open his eyes to watch Jungkook. He has to
remain calm. He has to concentrate.

He’s done it before. Even when it hurt Jimin to block Jungkook’s wolf from him, he had done it in
order to train for this very moment. And now that he truly wants to do it, nothing can keep him
back. Nothing can stop him.

Nothing stops him from walking toward the beast inside his father’s soul. Nothing stops him from
shielding the wolf away. Nothing. The brown wolf wines and falls on the ground, nose tucking
protectively between his paws.

“I’m sorry,” he whispers.

“What?” His father growls against his ear and then the shield snaps into place and his eyes open
wide.

“W-What-“

The claws threatening to spill blood are nothing but old and fragile fingers as his father stumbles
back.

Jimin doesn’t even look at him, he jumps from the man and into Jungkook’s awaiting arms. The
dragon huffs behind Jungkook, eyes watching Jimin with intent. They seem too humane in that
moment. As if the dragon can understand exactly what’s going on. What Jimin has done and will
do.

“You-“

The alpha falls on his knees, pain overwhelming his weak body.

Jimin watches him almost as if in a daze. His body is warm from how hard Jungkook has his arms
circles around his waist. His mind is clear, yet strangely unfocused. He sees his father struggle to
form coherent words. Sees him grunt and tremble as he tries to get up from his knees. But it’s as if
he’s not watching from his own body anymore. He’s floating somewhere between dream and
reality and all he can think about is his mother.

Had his mother suffered like this in her last moment? Had his father seen her die? Had she begged
and screamed for mercy and salvation? Had she prayed Jimin would come to her aid?

“My mother,” Jimin whispers over his father’s pained sounds. “Why couldn’t you allow her to
live?”

The alpha opens his eyes finally. And even though Jimin should have known better than to expect
to see remorse in them, he still feels like a piece of his heart falls apart when his father looks at him
with hatred and disgust.

“Nobody as w-weak as her should be a-allowed to live.”

His hand slips from under him and he falls face first on the ground. He grunts and Jimin finally
steps forward, leaving the comfort of Jungkook’s embrace.

“Then I guess your time has come, father.”

“As if you could ever-“ Jimin clenches his fist. This time, the alpha doesn’t expect the attack and
he struggles to keep himself from gasping for air.
“You’ve said enough,” Jimin whispers. “I had thought that seeing you like this would make me
happy. Would make me finally feel free of the past- of the pain you’ve put me through. I wanted to
drag this moment on for as long as I could. To watch as you die slowly and painfully, all alone.”
The alpha falls on the ground completely, eyes turning red, and seeing a man that once looked so
powerful and frightening crumble like that doesn’t give Jimin the satisfaction he was craving for.
“But I don’t care if you die or not. I don’t care if you suffer or not. I hoped this moment would
make me feel like I finally revenged her, but it doesn’t.”

His eyes blur around the corners. His mind feels weak, his heart and soul even more. But his magic
is more powerful than ever.

“I had hoped that by killing you I would be forgiven for failing to protect her. But I feel as empty
and useless as I did back then. You can’t help me,” he whispers. “It was the only thing I needed
from you, and you can’t give it to me.”

He lifts his other hand slowly, watching as his father’s eyes widen fearfully. He finally
understands. But it is too late.

“I will burn your whole clan to the ground and your bloodline will die with me,” he says, voice
void of any emotion.

He clenches his fists in a sharp movement and his father’s heart stops beating instantly.

It’s quick and rather painless. More than he deserves. But Jimin knows his words had cut deeper
than any wound would.

His father had dedicated his whole life for this moment. For his dream to rule over the whole land
and his own son, the one he had hoped to use for himself, would be the one to destroy it.

There’s a constant ringing in his ears as he turns around to face Jungkook, but he ignores it the best
he can.

“Take him away,” he says and Jungkook is quick to comply.

He hears the alpha carry the dead body down the stairs. Hears the grunts and screams of wolves
fighting below him. He hadn’t even noticed when they had reached so far into the territory. He
hears his own heart beat in his ears. But he doesn’t focus on any of that.

All he sees are calm eyes and sharp teeth. All he sees is a weapon and an innocent soul. All he sees
is greed and power.

He should have known he would never need to control the dragon forcefully. Should have known
his magic and blood would be enough for the beast to recognize Jimin as it owner.

His body moves on its own, guided by the energy he feels calling for him. And when he’s finally
so high up into the sky, flying over dead bodies as the snow falls harder and faster, all he sees is
the end.

Jimin had never questioned why the first thing he had ever been able to do as a child was to burn
his own skin. Had never questioned why controlling fire had never required training or
understanding. Maybe he should have, but even if his mind had no idea, his soul knew.

It’s why the dragon had called for him. Why it lets Jimin freely ride him. It’s why their energies fit
together as two pieces of a puzzle.
Jimin was the true leader of the Yen clan. His father had failed to make him a wolf, but the blood
running through his veins was still strong. On the dragon, Jimin is unstoppable. Unbreakable. But
he doesn’t want to be. The blind greed for power will end with him. The bloodshed will end with
him.

It’s in the Yen bloodline to always seek war. To prey on the weak and thrive from pain and hatred.
It’s in Jimin’s blood as well.

But he won’t allow that greed to grow. He won’t allow it to take root and blind his mind and heart.

He will be the last of his kind. All that hatred and pain will die with him.

He just hopes that will be enough to make his mother forgive him.

“Fire,” he whispers, and everything burns.

::Epilogue::

Jimin had hoped he would never have to lay in the middle of a burnt field ever again in his life. But
he’s here again. With the same smell filling his lungs. The same arms holding him close. But not
the same pain.

No pain at all.

For the first time in his life, Jimin breathes properly.

There’s no weight pushing him to the ground. No threat making him feel afraid of closing his eyes
even for a second. He has finally reached the end. He has finally won.

They have finally won.

“The last time I held you on a burning field like this, I was shaking in fear thinking you would burn
yourself alive,” Jungkook whispers into his neck.

His hands tighten around Jimin’s middle, and the mage leans further into the alpha’s strong chest.

“Wasn’t it too easy?” Jimin asks, eyes searching for a flicker of green for as far as he can see. But
he never finds it.

“What was? Winning?”

Jimin hums and Jungkook finally lifts his head from Jimin’s neck.

“What exactly was easy?”

Jungkook’s small voice makes Jimin turn around to face the alpha. His thighs and back hurt from
riding the dragon for so long.

He expects to find Jungkook looking at him with narrowed and angry eyes. Instead, the alpha looks
sad.

“What was so easy about everything you’ve been through ever since you were born to make you
think winning was simple?”

“I-“

“Jimin-“

“I just- I just don’t know what I’m supposed to do now. Fighting and killing just to survive is all I
know. All I trained myself for. What do I have to do now?”

“My love,” Jungkook whispers. His rough hand lifts to press gently over Jimin’s cheek and Jimin
breaks. Tears fall from his eyes and Jungkook kisses each one way until Jimin can see his beautiful
face clearly again.

“Now you finally get to be happy. You’ve learned to fight and kill for survival. But now you will
have to learn to be a father, a mentor and…a lover,” he finishes, his lips right over Jimin’s.

Jimin lifts his head slightly and Jungkook captures his lips in a slow kiss. Nothing in the world has
ever felt sweeter than this. Sweeter than a kiss that speaks of a future full of happiness and peace
together.

Everything they’ve fought for together and apart is finally in their reach. And even if Jimin was
afraid to lift his hand and take what he deserved, Jungkook wasn’t.

When they pull apart, Jungkook’s hand falls from his cheek to his neck. His fingers press on the
soft skin and Jimin curls into him.

“I will be the best alpha for you, Jimin. I swear it on my name.”

He says the words with so much conviction Jimin can’t do anything but believe him.
“But you already are, Jungkook.”

Jungkook shakes his head, his body rigid against Jimin.

“Let me court you.”

He finally says it. The words leave his lips in a rush and his shoulders tense even more. As if he
expects Jimin to say no. As if he had thought he would never even get the chance to ask that
question.

Jimin doesn’t even really know what courting entails. But he would let Jungkook do anything and
everything to him.

They’re here now. At the end of the bumpy road together. Alive and well. Jimin would be a fool to
refuse Jungkook anything.

“My heart belongs to you, Jungkook,” he whispers. Jungkook inhales sharply, leaning forward to
kiss him again. But Jimin pulls back slightly. “I’m already yours body and soul. And you’re mine
as well.”

“I’m yours,” the alpha lets out in a rush. “My power is yours. My clan is yours. My heart is yours.
Everything I am and everything I have to give is yours, Jimin. But I need to court you. My
alpha-“He stops. His eyes close for a second, eyebrows furrowing. “My alpha understands that
you’re mine, but I have to show you how I love you in his language. Let me court you.”

Jimin’s whole body comes alive under Jungkook. His words sound like a plea and Jimin blooms
under the alpha’s intense gaze.

“I want you to court me,” he whispers over Jungkook’s lips, eyes almost crossing to look at the
alpha. “I-“

The words die on his lips as Jungkook dives in for a hungry kiss. It’s soft yet rough. It’s gentle yet
rushed. It’s Jungkook and his alpha all at once and Jimin feels like he’s floating in his arms.

They let the lingering fear in their bodies melt into the kiss. All that pain and sorrow that has kept
pushing both of them down now leaving their souls in waves. Until they’re laid bare in front of
each other. Until Jimin feels nothing but pure love and contentment engulfing them both in a warm
embrace. Until he’s just a man in love being held by the man he loves.

When Jungkook pulls back to look down at Jimin, he’s nothing but a pile of breathless small gasps
in front of Jungkook. A beautiful, almost wild smile gracing his lips.

“I love you,” Jungkook whispers. His eyes are as black as the midnight sky and his energy as
welcoming and warm as the morning sun.

There’s still doubt in his mind. But his soul craves for freedom. He wants to smile and love
Jungkook freely. And Jimin will not deny himself that happiness any longer. He deserves this.

His hands curl around the alpha’s neck, lips already hovering over Jungkook’s again.

“I love you.”

Maybe the worst has passed. Maybe there’s no immediate danger looming over their heads. But
they still have so much to do. So much to rebuild and save.
But as long as they’re together, nothing will ever be too hard. Nothing will ever make Jimin curl
into himself and wish to die because he has so much to live for.

“I want to see Moonbyul,” Jimin whispers when they finally break apart. “I have to see him.”

Jungkook nods, already moving to lift his body. Jimin moves to follow him, but before he can
apply pressure on his leg, the alpha’s arms scoop him up and off the ground.

A laugh bubbles out of Jimin, eyes almost disappearing as he smiles at Jungkook.

“I can walk on my own.” But Jungkook doesn’t relent.

“You’ve hurt your foot before. If you force yourself now it could get worse.”

“I guess I still have training to do. Getting on and off a dragon is no easy thing.” Jimin doesn’t
even remember how he had managed to get himself on the back of the dragon. But he remembers
clearly how he had fallen from it at the end before the dragon had flown away into the night.

Jungkook hums, smiling softly.

“Until then, I will carry you anywhere you wish to go.”

“Even when I have to eat?” Nod. “When I have to poop?” Jimin asks, biting his lips to hold his
laughter. Jungkook’s nose twitches but he still nods. “When I have to bathe?”

Jungkook looks down at him, silvers of red swimming in a pool of black. “Especially then.”

“Then take me bathing after we see Moonbyul,” Jimin murmurs over Jungkook’s lips. His heart is
beating fast and his eyes are hooded. His body speaks for itself and Jungkook is no fool. He
understands perfectly what Jimin wants. Needs.

Jungkook stops walking to give Jimin his full attention.

“After we see Moonbyul and speak with the others,” he promises before kissing Jimin.

A shiver runs down Jimin’s spine and he melts into the kiss.

Jungkook’s lips taste like freedom and love and Jimin never wants to pull away.
 Epilogue
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

The winds are strong so high up in the skies on a dragon’s back. But Jungkook’s arms are like iron
around Jimin’s waist- secure and unflinching. Somehow, he feels safer now- when the threat of
falling down hangs over both of their heads, than he does on the ground.

So high up, it’s only them. But on the ground, Jungkook’s father awaited.

He’s being dramatic. He knows it. But he can’t help it. The Head Alpha has done everything in his
power to make Jimin feel his disdain. He’s dreading seeing the alpha again after so many days
away.

But that was a problem Jimin wouldn’t have to face until tomorrow afternoon. Tonight, as the last
rays of light make way for the stars to shine, Jimin only has to concentrate on their landing. He has
gotten better at it. He would hate himself if he hadn’t- it’s been already two months since the war.
Two months of flying around almost every day. But landing a dragon is still quite difficult.

He doesn’t know how to actually communicate with it because the dragon is quite the jester. He
lets Jimin think he has finally figured out how to get to him only to completely ignore Jimin’s
requests when he feels like it.

Tonight, to Jimin’s surprise and relief, the dragon feels like listening without causing trouble. At
least that’s what Jimin thinks when they fly directly to where Jimin wants to go. There’s a hill in
the middle of the valley- two days away from the Jeon clan if they were walking, on air- only a few
hours away. It’s the perfect place for them to spend the cold night. Jimin would prefer the comfort
of their bed back home after a full week of flying around, but even the snow was soft enough if
Jungkook’s arms were wrapped around him.

The second they land is the second the dragon decides to play again. In moments like these, Jimin
realizes he must be rather young. He circles around a few times on the snow at the top of the hill
even as Jimin tries his best to will it to stop moving.

“Let him,” Jungkook whispers from behind. “Aside from learning how to control him, you should
also learn how to enjoy this side of him.”

Jimin sighs, leaning back to rest against Jungkook’s hard body. “It’s hard to do that when I can
barely feel my legs from flying for so long and all I want to do is fall on the ground and sleep.”

The dragon wiggles rather harshly as he keeps walking around the ground and Jungkook’s hands
tighten around Jimin on instinct. Jimin preens at the action, smiling slightly. The dragon stops
moving, lowering his neck to look down the hill. It makes Jimin slide forward and Jungkook
follows him, their hips slotting together.

Jimin ruts backward once. His hips rut slowly- tentative and with Jungkook’s armor and his own
clothes in the way, he barely feels anything. But after a whole week of missing the heat of
Jungkook’s body against his own, a shiver runs up Jimin’s spine making him tremble wantonly.

“Maybe we should look for a cave to spend the night in,” Jungkook suggests lowly into his ear.
The alpha’s hand moves from Jimin’s waist to his thigh where his fingers dig into the plush flesh.

“There are no caves around the valley.” His eyes fall shut, head leaning back on Jungkook’s
shoulder to expose his throat. “We would have to fly for another three hours at least.”

Jungkook’s lips find Jimin’s pulse point and the hum he lets out against Jimin’s skin travels all the
way between his thighs.

“Then the snow will have to do,” Jungkook says a little too eager.

“Well,” Jimin chuckles, eyes opening to look down at the dragon. He’s still looking down the hill,
head tilted to the side. “We won’t even get that if he doesn’t let us get off.”

The dragon shakes again as if in response and Jimin pats his scales, endeared.

“Let us down, boy,” Jimin coerces gently. He had never imagined he would have to speak with a
dragon as he does with Moonbyul, but if it’s what makes the dragon listen, then so be it.

Jungkook sighs and scoots away from Jimin. He swings his leg to meet the other one on the right
and then waits patiently for the dragon to get lower to the ground. Jimin watches the alpha closely,
only slightly afraid he is too impatient and decides to just jump from this height. He had tried
before. He failed but still tried. Jimin will give him points for courage.

The dragon huffs and shakes his head for a few minutes and then finally lowers his body to the
ground. But even when the dragon’s chest touches the snow, the ground is still rather far away. But
not for Jungkook it seems.

The alpha jumps down without fear. Jimin watches him fall for two seconds before his feet land on
the snow with a powerful thud. Jungkook straighten his back- he had hunched himself to prevent
his spine from getting hurt and then a smug smirk tugs the corner of his mouth up as he stares at
Jimin. His hands lift in front of him and Jimin shakes his head.

“I will not jump.”

Jungkook barks out a laugh. “Either you jump, or you spend hours trying to make him lower his
neck so you can glide down.”

Jimin’s eyebrows furrow as he gazes between Jungkook’s arms and his place on the dragon. He
could make the drop. It’s not that big. But he’s still afraid of it. And as much as Jimin trusts
Jungkook to catch him, he doesn’t trust himself to fall correctly into his arms.

Jungkook’s smirk disappears slowly, but his eyes glint red and that’s all it takes for all air to leave
Jimin’s lungs.

“Come to me, Jimin,” Jungkook beckons, and Jimin can’t do anything but comply.
His fingers tremble as he shifts around to bring his legs together. His ass and thighs hurt like hell.
His back is sore as well, but he manages to get himself on the edge, feet digging into the dragon’s
dark scales.

“I won’t make Jungkook hunt any more boars for you,” Jimin swears. The dragon huffs and shakes
his back roughly. With a yelp, Jimin falls from his back. His eyes close instantly, fear creeping up
his legs. But the second it comes; it disappears as strong arms catch him without fail.

Laughter booms around them on top of the hill and Jimin snaps his eyes open to stare up at
Jungkook. The alpha’s eyes glint in amusement and his lips catch Jimin’s mouth into an all-
consuming kiss the second Jimin’s eyes meet his.

Jimin should be able to say he’s used to it by now. Used to feeling Jungkook’s teeth clash against
his when the alpha is a little too impatient. Used to feeling Jungkook’s tongue mark every inch of
his mouth as his. Used to feeling unadulterated want burn him alive when the alpha sucks Jimin’s
lower lip into his mouth- grinning devilishly when his teeth sink into the plush flesh.

But he’s not. And as the dragon flies away from them to find his own place to rest for the night,
Jimin lets himself fall once again into Jungkook’s arms without any restraint.

There’s no holding back once the alpha lowers him to the ground after placing his cloak over the
snow. All Jimin feels is love and arousal. And all he needs is to feel Jungkook’s naked skin against
his own.

His head falls back and Jungkook gets up on his knees to quickly get his armor and shirt off.
There’s still enough light for Jimin to see the muscles moving along Jungkook’s abs and arms. To
see the alpha’s chin flex as his arms snap forward to tug Jimin’s pants off in a heartbeat. Enough
light to feel a tad bit embarrassed about doing this out in the open.

Realistically, Jimin knows nobody could see how their naked bodies fall against each other this far
up. But he still blushes at the idea of it.

Jungkook bites and mouths at every inch of skin from Jimin’s inner thigh to his lips. It’s
maddening- the way Jungkook’s hot mouth feels right under his belly button. The way his sharp
fangs come out to teasingly bite Jimin’s skin. Jungkook has taken the liberty of using his fangs to
tease Jimin for only a week now and Jimin still remembers how embarrassingly fast he had come
in the alpha’s hand the first time it happened. There was nothing quite like the thrill of feeling the
bite of something so sharp in the most intimate places- knowing it could kill, but would never do
so.

When Jungkook’s lips find Jimin’s again, the alpha’s fingers dig into the meat of his thighs
hungrily as he lifts them up to circle them around his waist, and Jimin whines under Jungkook.

Jungkook murmurs into Jimin’s neck as his hands continue to knead Jimin’s skin. He sounds
feverish- almost too lost to properly articulate his words. Jimin doesn’t think much of it, too lost
himself. Until one word registers in his hazy mind and his eyes snap open.

“Fat?!” He gasps, flabbergasted. His breath is ragged and he wants nothing more than to just let
Jungkook do whatever he wants with his body, but he’s too shocked to let it slide.

He must have heard Jungkook wrong. Why would the alpha-

“Fat,” the alpha grunts without shame as one hand slips from Jimin’s thigh up to his hip. His palm
is pressed so roughly over Jimin’s skin that the meat of his hips spills slightly over the alpha’s
hand.

Jimin sees red.

He jerks back, moving to slip from under Jungkook but the alpha’s other hand snaps to wrap
around Jimin’s neck and that’s all he has to do for Jimin to go lip under him.

The rough hand pressed on his slender neck would send him spiraling any other time, but tonight
he keeps his ground.

“Why would you say that?!” Jimin snaps, his voice more whiney than anything else. He wanted to
get railed not called fat.

Jungkook watches him with fully red eyes now, head cocked to the side. He analyses Jimin’s face
with an impassive expression and the darker the night grows around them without an answer from
the alpha, the calmer Jimin gets. Jungkook’s eyes lower from Jimin’s face to his hip where his
hand still grips Jimin’s skin. He squeezes his fingers and Jimin twitches under him. It hurts slightly
but the way Jungkook’s lips part around a hungry inhale makes Jimin forget all about the pain.

“I will hunt another rabbit for you tonight,” Jungkook says all of a sudden. It gives Jimin whiplash.

“We just ate a few hours ago.”

Jungkook shakes his head, eyes finding Jimin’s again. His fingers slip from Jimin’s hip to his ass.
They dig into the plush flesh and once Jungkook feels his grip rough enough he pulls the cheek
aside.

“Here as well,” he growls over Jimin’s lips. “Fa-“

“Say that word one more time and you won’t get to feel me tonight.”

Jungkook snaps his head up. “Why?” He asks, confused and distraught because of Jimin’s harsh
words.

“Because I’m not fat,” Jimin explains furiously, cheeks aflame. “I gained some weight because we
don’t travel by foot anymore and you keep feeding me too much every day but I am-“

“You’re fucking beautiful,” Jungkook growls into Jimin’s mouth, stopping his rant. “All plump
and soft and warm because of me.”

Jimin holds his breath as Jungkook almost trembles above him from anger.

“Did you think I called you fat to insult you?”

“Well- I…no? Yes? I mean not really-“

“Jimin-“ Jungkook snaps. His eyes are wild, his mind probably running to come up with the perfect
way to explain his thoughts to Jimin. “I love how full you feel in my palms.” His fingers tighten
around Jimin’s cheek. “You’re healthy and now you finally also look like it. I want to kiss every
inch of you. I want to knead and leave my mark all over your skin.” His hand dips to Jimin’s inner
thigh. “This-“ he grunts, fingers digging into the flesh, “It drives me crazy.”

Jimin sighs and closes his eyes.

Jimin never thought he looked particularly unhealthy before the war. But he also never had the
chance to watch his own body from afar. He has no idea how he really looked back then or how
Jungkook saw him. He remembers how his fingers used to slide over his hips- bones protruding.
He remembers how fragile his own arms felt sometimes. How slender his legs felt every time he
washed them. But that was no longer the case.

He feels healthier than he has ever been in his life and he guesses he looks like it as well.

“Then just say plump like you always do. Why call me fat all of a sudden…” he mutters.

“Wolves use it all the time to describe their mates. I heard it almost every day when I was a pup
and eavesdropped on the older wolves. It’s a compliment, Jimin. It means I’m doing well taking
care of you. It means you’re healthy because you’re happy with me.”

“Alright,” Jimin whispers, eyes opening to gaze softly up at the alpha. He still has a long way to go
until he understands how everything works. How his relationship with an alpha should be. This is
not the first time Jungkook shocks him like this and he’s more than sure it will not be the last. But
he’s learning.

“Now, please-“ he whines, heels digging into Jungkook’s lower back to push the alpha flush to
him. “Fuck me.”

Jungkook’s face falls in the crook of Jimin’s neck as he ruts forward once. Their cocks slide
against one another and Jimin throws his head back, moaning shamelessly.

“Do you have your magic oil with you?” Jungkook asks before licking a fat stripe from Jimin’s
neck to his chest. His mouth catches Jimin’s right nipple in his mouth and Jimin’s back arches
instantly.

“Yes-“ Jimin giggles at the word magic, but his laughter dies down in a low moan.

Jungkook’s fingers feel as big as his cock inside Jimin, and it is in moments like these that Jimin
feels a sense of pleasure in the fact that he’s not fully an omega. When Jin had first explained to
him how a male omega’s body functioned, he almost caught fire. Heats, silk- Jimin knows it all.
He knows Jungkook wouldn’t have to use oils to open him up. He knows he would be able to take
Jungkook’s cock anytime without much preparation. But even though he sometimes wishes he
could get wet; he loves how gentle Jungkook is when he stretches Jimin open.

Is intimate and soft when maybe it shouldn’t be with how heated both of them are. But Jungkook is
always particularly careful when it comes to prepping Jimin. He never does it half-heartedly. He
opens Jimin up until he feels like he could take four fingers before the alpha finally buries himself
to the hilt.

“Oh gods,” Jimin gasps. His fingers dig into Jungkook’s back. The heels of his feet pushing
Jungkook harder into him- urging the alpha to go faster and harder. And he does.

There’s nothing gentle in the way Jungkook’s fingers cut into his skin, drawing blood. Nothing
sweet in the words he whispers darkly against Jimin’s ear- suckling and biting the skin around it.
Nothing soft in the way he moves his hips against Jimin. Rough and fast.

“Jungkook- jungkook-“ Jimin tries to speak between broken moans.

The alpha hums into his neck, but other than that he does nothing to help Jimin voice his thoughts.

“Kiss-“ he mumbles into Jungkook’s hair. His fingers slip from the alpha’s back due to the thin
layer of sweat coating their bodies and Jungkook finally lifts his head.
But he doesn’t regard Jimin with an innocent smile and gentle eyes as Jimin expects. The alpha
feels almost distant as he keeps thrusting into the mage while staring at the hand he still has
wrapped around Jimin’s neck.

Now that the alpha is not so close to him anymore Jimin sees that night had fully settled around
them. He can barely see Jungkook’s body moving above him. But he feels the way he moves in
him. His cock brushes and pushes against every right spot in Jimin’s body. He feels Jungkook’s red
eyes trail up and down his body, savoring every inch like the sweetest treat.

And there it is. The thrill he knew would come once Jungkook finally lets his alpha through a little
bit.

For the first time, Jungkook takes Jimin the way his alpha tells him to. Fast and dirty in the middle
of nowhere with his fingers digging into Jimin’s soft neck. And Jimin surrenders willingly.

“Jungkook-” he whimpers. Tears trail down his cheeks from his half-lidded eyes and this time
Jungkook doesn’t bend to kiss each one tenderly.

He grunts, hips snapping into Jimin harder, and then he falls on Jimin again. Jimin hears himself
cry out when Jungkook stops his hips flush so his cock can press into his prostate. He hears
himself beg and whimper when the alpha licks fat stripes up his cheeks and down again to his
mouth. He hears himself mewl into Jungkook’s mouth. But there’s no coherent thought running
through his mind as he does each one.

He simply feels.

And when he reaches out to feel Jungkook, he comes. It’s so sudden he screams and trashes
underneath the alpha. But Jungkook keeps him fast in place. Jimin’s cock twitches helplessly on
his belly and his hips rock frantically against Jungkook’s to ride his orgasm and Jungkook watches
him through it all with hungry eyes.

When Jimin’s back falls on the black cloak again and his head lolls to the side, eyes almost
closing- Jungkook comes with a broken groan against his neck. His fangs nibble on the sensitive
skin and every nerve in Jimin’s body comes alive.

It takes a while for their breathing to calm down. Jungkook’s fingers don’t unclench from around
Jimin’s neck until his cock softens fully inside Jimin. It slips out with a wet sound that makes the
mage’s cheeks burn and the alpha’s fingers finally trail down his naked body as Jungkook slides
down between his thighs.

His tongue is hot and wet as it dips into Jimin’s belly button, then down his lower belly over
Jimin’s release to where his cock lays limp. Jimin hurries to hold Jungkook’s head from going back
down.

“Let me clean you up,” Jungkook murmurs. He pecks Jimin’s hip and the mage arches under him
at the touch.

“When will you get tired of asking?” Jimin had never let the alpha lick him clean. But that didn’t
stop Jungkook from asking. He usually wore an amused smirk on his lips when he did because he
knew what Jimin’s response would be. But now there’s no glint of amusement in his eyes and
expression. Only want. Only pure need. It hits Jimin straight in the guts making his hips twitch.

“Is-“ he wets his lips with his tongue, neck straining to keep his head up so he can watch Jungkook
between his legs. “Is your rut close?”
Jungkook’s eyes find his in the dark and Jimin forgets how to breathe as he waits for the alpha’s
response. They have talked about it on numerous nights. The alpha’s rut was inevitable and Jimin
had wished to be as prepared as possible for it. But when two weeks had passed- then three, then a
month without it coming Jimin started to forget about it. But it seemed like after two months, the
time has finally come.

He should have seen it coming. The signs were all there. Jungkook’s obsession with Jimin’s scent
and health. His overprotective stance as they flew over countless destroyed human clans right at
the border with the Yen clan. His constant need to keep at least one hand on Jimin at all times- to
feel his warmth and presence as close as possible. He should have seen in, but they’ve both been
too preoccupied with far more important things.

The alpha is quiet as he assesses Jimin. His eyes are far too calm and collected after what they’ve
done. Jungkook was usually more loving and far less composed after sex.

“Jungkook, if your rut is truly approaching we have to hurr-“ His words end in a gasp as Jungkook
quickly lifts his body up and buries himself to the hilt again.

Jimin closes his eyes, breathing harshly through his teeth. He’s sore and far too sensitive. He has
yet to get used to taking Jungkook so quickly two times in a row. But there’s no pushing away
when Jungkook’s strong arm slips under his back and up his spine to grip his shoulder and keep
him in place. There’s no refusing the alpha when he starts moving his hips with uncalculated
thrusts, keeping Jimin from slipping up the cloak with an iron grip on his shoulder.

Jimin was used to powerful and well-timed strokes that hit every right spot in his body. But this-
this was completely new. Jungkook moved above him as if in a daze- fast and rough then sloppy
and slow as his head fell to search Jimin’s lips.

The pace is so erratic Jimin can’t focus enough on what he’s feeling to search for his own pleasure.
The second he thinks he can let himself feel again, Jungkook changes his pace, and Jimin whines
and cries under him at the loss of that blinding pleasure that was within his reach. It’s too much yet
too little all at once. But that’s what makes it better somehow and a new thrill awakens inside him.

There’s pleasure, but there’s also pain and frustration as Jungkook keeps changing the pace and
force of his movements. So when the alpha comes and his cock goes soft before Jimin can find his
high again, he’s left wanting but too sore to actually search for his own release.

“Jungkook-“ Jimin whispers hurriedly. He can barely see the alpha above him and that makes him
feel too vulnerable and confused. “Talk to me,” he pleads into the night.

Jungkook hums into his neck. Fingers cut into Jimin’s skin. Fangs and lips nip and suck at his
neck. Strong thighs pin him down to the ground. They’re so close- there’s not an inch of Jimin that
doesn’t somehow touch Jungkook. And yet the alpha feels too far away.

He’s agitated still. One second, he’s licking down Jimin’s neck and in the other, his hips move to
seek Jimin again. But this time Jimin stops him. He will physically break if Jungkook takes him
again so soon.

“Jungkook-“ Jimin says urgently. “Jungkook- look at me.” He guides the alpha’s face from his
neck with as much force as he can muster. It takes some strength because Jungkook doesn’t want
to lift his head, but Jimin doesn’t relent and then Jungkook’s face hovers over him. There’s only
black and red around him, but Jimin is not afraid. He could never be. This was Jungkook. His
bond. His-
“Alpha,” Jimin softens his voice, and the reaction is almost instant. Jungkook’s hands shift to cage
Jimin’s face, and his eyes remain focused on the mage’s eyes, listening intently. “I’m too sore. You
will hurt me if you take me again.”

The moment Jimin’s words register in the alpha’s mind, he pulls away. He’s off Jimin in a blink of
an eye and Jimin almost cries at the loss of body heat. He lifts himself on his elbows to watch
Jungkook. The alpha’s back moves rapidly with the force of his breathing and his fists tremble
slightly as he presses them in the snow.

Jimin feels how distressed the alpha is. How confused and worried he is. It breaks his heart to feel
Jungkook like this.

When his hand touches the alpha’s naked back Jungkook turns around harshly. His eyes are a storm
of midnight black and brilliant red. Jimin scoots closer to glue his front to the alpha’s back.
Jungkook’s fast heartbeat vibrates through Jimin, and his lips seek out Jungkook’s neck. It’s
instinct that makes him move his nose up and down the alpha’s neck. Instinct that makes him open
his energy fully to the alpha. Even when Jimin is too overwhelmed to know exactly what to do, his
instinct does.

He scents Jungkook to the best of his abilities. And after a few silent moments, he feels
Jungkook’s body slowly relaxing against his until the alpha finally turns to face him fully. His
hands seek Jimin out and the mage moves instantly to straddle the alpha’s lap. Their forehead
touch and they stay like that- breathing in unison together until Jungkook finally speaks again.

“I’m sorry.” His breath fans over Jimin’s lips and Jimin leans to place a quick peck on Jungkook’s
mouth before pulling back enough to look down at the alpha properly.

“How do you feel?” He asks. His fingers move to ease the crease between Jungkook’s narrowed
eyebrows.

“Jimin-“

“Jungkook,” Jimin sighs. “Let’s not waste time on that. You will apologize over and over again,
and I will tell you that you have nothing to apologize for over and over again. So just tell me what
happened? Is your rut that close? Should we fly home right now?”

Jungkook shakes his head, eyes closing. His hands caress Jimin’s skin so tenderly they almost feel
like feathers on Jimin’s bruised and red skin. Jungkook’s breathing is normal enough, but it’s clear
in how tense his shoulders are that whatever had taken over him a few minutes ago still lingered in
his body.

“I’ve been in pre-rut for a few days now. Since before we left the clan.”

Jimin jumps a little, eyebrows furrowing.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

Jungkook opens his eyes. They’re fully black now. But Jimin expects a flicker of red to appear in
them at any second.

“You would have made us stay back. Or worse, leave without me.”

Jimin opens his mouth to argue, but no sound comes out. Jungkook was right. He would have made
them both stay behind or leave alone. Jimin had spent weeks preparing for their patrol around the
Yen clan’s border. He can’t lie to Jungkook and say he wouldn’t have tried to convince the alpha to
let him go alone.

“I would have…” he whispers, defeated.

Jungkook smiles at him softly. It’s comforting, but Jimin can see the alpha has to force himself to
be calm and gentle still. His hand moves up to play with Jimin’s ruffled hair. He tucks a few
strands behind the mages ear then leans in to kiss his cheeks.

“Are you alright now?” Jimin asks softly. His head leans into Jungkook’s touch and the alpha’s
other hand curls around Jimin’s waist to pull him closer.

“For now.”

“Can you tell when the next wave will hit?”

Jungkook had explained to him a while back that during his pre-rut he will experience a few
moments of blind and powerful need. But that they will be few and far in between. Yet it would be
nice if they knew if they could travel safely tomorrow morning.

“Not really,” Jungkook mumbles as his lips trail down Jimin’s cheek to his neck. “I will know a
few hours before it hits.”

“Should I try to call the dragon back now? We can leave right now.” He moves to slip from
Jungkook’s lap, but the alpha holds him fast in place.

“No,” he whispers into Jimin’s neck. “You need to rest. I was too rough with you.”

Jimin melts into the alpha’s arms, finger tangling into his hair. His thumbs move to massage the
alpha’s scalp and Jungkook hums pleased into the crook of his neck.

“I liked it,” he confesses after a while. Jungkook lifts his head to look at him and Jimin doesn’t
hide the tiny smirk on his lips. “I need more training, but I could definitely take you three times in
a row.”

Jungkook snorts and finally, his eyebrows loosen up.

“What?” Jimin asks with a laugh. “You don’t believe me?”

“I could barely fit my cock in you the second time around.” His bluntness makes Jimin’s cheeks
burn.

“Because you took me by surprise!” Jimin snaps. He expects the alpha to snap back at him with
something even more vulgar, but Jungkook’s eyes narrow again, a sad glint overtaking his
midnight black.

“I’m sorry.”

All fire leaves Jimin’s body. He shushes Jungkook with a gentle kiss. His hands move to cup
Jungkook’s cheeks and the alpha’s eyes close.

“You were always gentle and careful with me, and I loved every moment of it as much as I loved
every moment spent with you tonight. You know why?”

The alpha shakes his head, eyes opening.

“Well, you’re a fool for not knowing,” Jimin jokes lightly. But Jungkook doesn’t laugh and Jimin
quickly pecks the alpha again to soften him up. “Because I love you,” he whispers. “I told you I
want all of you. I wasn’t lying.”

Jimin’s words don’t have the desired effect on Jungkook. He expects the alpha to accept Jimin’s
honesty and calm down. But the alpha’s eyes narrow again and his jaw clenches so hard Jimin
expects Jungkook to cringe because of the pain, but he never does.

“I won’t fuck you when my rut starts.”

Jimin feels the alpha pull back. Not only physically as he’s gently put back on the black cloak as
Jungkook gets up. But also emotionally as Jungkook blocks his energy from the mage. The air
around them suddenly feels freezing cold.

“What?” Jimin mumbles, shocked.

“What happened tonight was nothing compared to what will happen if I take you during my rut.”

Jungkook moves around, searching for his clothes and Jimin struggles to find a way to calm the
alpha down. But Jungkook doesn’t look mad or angry. He’s calm. Resigned. He will not fuck Jimin
once his rut hits and his decision is final.

“What will you do then?” Jimin asks loudly, fingers shaking. “Will you look for a nice omega to
warm your bed?”

The second his words leave his mouth, he regrets them.

Jungkook snaps around to face Jimin so fast the mage flinches. If Jungkook was any other wolf
Jimin would be running as far away as possible right now. In the dark Jungkook looked like a
predator ready to strike.

“What?” Jungkook asks lowly, voice rough and cold.

Jimin’s fire dies down instantly but there’s no hiding his insecurity now. Maybe Jungkook didn’t
appreciate the intimacy stretching Jimin open offered the same way the mage did. Maybe the alpha
missed being able to take his lover anytime he wished without much effort.

“You said you won’t fuck me so whom will you take into your-“

Jungkook is on him in a second. He hovers over Jimin as he crouches in front of him and pulls
Jimin close to his face with a rough grip on his jaw. Jimin’s stomach drops.

“After everything we’ve been through you still think I could do that?” Jungkook growls, eyes red.
He’s shaking in anger, yet his hold on Jimin’s jaw softens slightly.

Jimin shakes his head frantically, eyes puffing with unshed tears. “I don’t. But what do you expect
me to think when you say you won’t fuck me?”

“I expect you to think I want to protect you, Jimin! Not jump on the first chance I get to look for
another hole to fuck.”

Jimin’s hand shakes as he unclenches his fist but that doesn’t stop him from creating a small fire in
the middle of his palm to see the alpha better. The white of Jungkook’s eyes are almost as red as
his irises and Jimin breaks.

“I’m sorry,” he whispers as the first broken gasp slips from his lips, and the alpha’s hands wrap
around him immediately. Jimin’s arms come up to curl around Jungkook’s shoulder, the fire
disappearing as he closes his hands in tight fists to control his breathing.

He murmurs apologies over and over again and tears won’t stop streaming down his face no matter
how much Jungkook tries to calm him down. He kisses Jimin’s cheeks gently. Rubs at his naked
hips to calm him down. Whispers assurances against his parted lips. But nothing helps.

Until the alpha guides them back down on the cloak and he lets his weight press over Jimin’s
body. There’s no space between their chests. And as Jungkook’s nose falls into the crook of
Jimin’s neck to scent him, their hearts beat in unison.

“I didn’t mean it,” Jimin whispers against Jungkook’s hair after his breathing finally calms down
enough.

“I know,” Jungkook murmurs into his skin.

Jimin shakes his head, eyes blurry. He guides Jungkook’s face up so they can look at each other.

“I love you, Jungkook. And I trust you,” Jimin says solemnly. “I know you would never hurt me
like that. I didn’t mean it.”

“I’m just trying to take care of you the only way I know how,” Jungkook whispers. “I know you
think you can take care of me during my rut- but I’m scared, Jimin. Once it hits- I won’t be sane
enough to think things through. My alpha sees you as its mate. Especially after you let me court
you. It will want to mate. To breed-“ Jungkook stops for a second and Jimin’s lips part as he waits
for the alpha to continue. “What if what happened today repeats, but I won’t stop like I did back
then? What if you cry and scream for me to stop but I won’t? Will you forgive me if I betray your
trust like that?” Jungkook asks, voice breaking at the end.

He wouldn’t. They both know it. Jimin trusts Jungkook wholly. He knows it in his soul that the
alpha would never hurt him. But if he does- if Jimin truly screams and fights to break free but the
alpha doesn’t let him go, Jimin would never forgive him.

Maybe he’s just a foolish man in love, but Jimin can’t help but think nothing like that will ever
happen. No matter how far gone Jungkook is, he would never hurt Jimin like that.

“You said it yourself,” Jimin whispers finally. “Your alpha sees me as your mate. Would it really
let you hurt me like that?”

Jungkook’s lips part and Jimin sees it in his eyes that he’s unsure of his answer. He knows it
himself that his alpha would never do that, but he finds it hard to believe it. And Jimin understands
him. He’s scared of taking a leap of fate if Jimin would be the one getting hurt because of it.

“What if we restrain you somehow?” Jimin asks quietly. Jungkook cocks his head and when the
alpha doesn’t protest, Jimin continues. “You let me ride you on our first night together and many
others after because I can be in control like that,” he explains. “What if we do that and also restrain
your hands somehow when your rut starts? That way you won’t be able to overpower me. If I wish
to pull off, I will be able to.”

Jimin can’t help but feel silly for suggesting that. And the silence that follows doesn’t help lessen
that feeling at all.

“Or maybe it’s too much,” Jimin hurries to say, laughing drily. “You can’t spend your rut chained
to a bed. It was silly-“
“No,” Jungkook murmurs. “It wasn’t silly.” His lips find Jimin for a quick kiss then he pulls back
again. “It could work,” he agrees and Jimin can’t help the way his body sags, relieved.

“Are you sure?”

Jungkook nods once and then there’s no going back.

They reach the clan before the sun can fully reach the middle of the sky the next day because
Jungkook had become restless during the night, and it took only one look at him for Jimin to know
they have to get home.

Usually, when they’re not out looking for rogues or patrolling, they spend their days in the clan
apart most of the time. Jungkook has a new group of wolves to train on top of his other duties while
Jimin spends most of his time with Moonbyul and Jin. Even after two months, there were still a lot
of wounded wolves to take care of.

But now that Jungkook’s pre-rut has hit full force, the alpha doesn’t let Jimin out of his sight. If he
could, he would hold Jimin in his arms all day while Jimin went about his day. But as the Head
Alpha watched over them from afar, Jimin knew that would be a mistake.

Jungkook’s father will never make Jimin fear for his life like the Yen clan or rogues had when he
lived in the woods with his clan. But it still makes him feel uneasy. He’s scared of being
affectionate with Jungkook in fear the Head Alpha might say something. But Jungkook doesn’t
seem to be feeling the same because he never hesitates to scent the mage in front of his father if he
wishes.

But Jungkook is his son. He can afford the freedom. Jimin on the other hand? Can’t. He holds no
real title in the clan. The wolves love him. Just like Jungkook had said they would. But he’s still an
outsider. Still a mage under Jungkook’s control in their eyes- in the Head Alpha’s eyes.

He’s still a weapon. He’s still not a human being to them.

The weight of these thoughts almost crushes him throughout the day. But at night, when it’s just
him and Jungkook, they disappear like black smoke in the sky.

The closer Jungkook’s rut gets, the less likely Jimin is to leave their bedroom.

During their first week back in the clan, Jungkook was able of keeping up with his chores. Only
seeking Jimin out at night. But for the last two days, Jimin has practically been living with
Jungkook between his thighs.

If Jungkook doesn’t stretch Jimin open over and over again with his cock, he does it with his
fingers or tongue. If he’s not fucking into Jimin until the sun shines through the windows again, he
sucks or licks him dry. And by the end of the third day spent in their bed, Jimin swears he’s never
been this open in his life.

He doesn’t go five minutes without something stuffing him full- keeping him stretched and ready
and that’s exactly what Jungkook wants.

The alpha doesn’t have to say it for Jimin to understand that he’s making sure Jimin is as ready as
possible for when Jungkook’s rut hits. And by the way the alpha is fucking into him- restless and
uncoordinated, Jimin guesses it could happen any minute now.

They made sure Moonbyul was being watched over by Jin and Namjoon and every single one of
Jungkook’s duties was being covered by another wolf so that they could spend the alpha’s rut
without any worries.

Jimin is so lost in the pleasure making his body numb he doesn’t even feel Jungkook lift his body
up. But he feels the alpha pull his cock out. He cringes at the cum and oil trailing down his balls
and onto the furs on the bed. But before he can fully understand why Jungkook would pull out,
he’s being lifted into the air.

“Jungkook-“ He yelps, struggling to hold on to the alpha’s shoulders. His ass touches the bed again
and then his wide eyes follow as Jungkook plasters his back to the wall behind the bed. His
breathing is ragged. His eyes wide and red and two fangs slip from beneath his lips as he opens his
mouth to speak.

“Now,” he grunts with great effort.

Jimin blinks at him. The phantom of Jungkook’s cock in him makes him feel too slow still. His
mind too foggy to fully understand Jungkook’s words.

“Jimin- the chains!“ Jungkook snaps and Jimin jumps into action.

His feet tangle into the furs as he hurries off the bed, but thankfully he doesn’t fall.

This is it.

He thinks to himself.

This is it.

He will either be strong enough to help Jungkook with this and prove to himself and the alpha that
they can truly be with one another. Or something goes miserably wrong and Jungkook will never
forgive himself for it.

Jimin’s fingers tremble as he snaps the chains to Jungkook’s right wrist and then on the left one. It
makes him feel uneasy. Jungkook looks more like a rouge than his lover like this. The alpha had
made Namjoon fix one end of each chain on the wall because a wooden bed was as easy as a
feather to break if Jungkook tried to.

And he will try to.

Jungkook’s muscles flex as his hands tug at the chains. They ripple and jitter and Jimin cringes at
the sound. But Jungkook seems satisfied with their strength and it’s all Jimin can ask for.

“Jimin.” Jimin’s eyes fly up to look at the alpha, heart in his throat. There’s sweat trailing down
Jungkook’s forehead and chest and his breathing has yet to calm down. “Come to me.” His voice is
so deep it sends a shiver down Jimin’s spine. He’s right next to the alpha, but Jungkook asks for
him to come closer as if Jimin was miles away into the air. Still, he goes. His legs ache as he
straddles the alpha and his cock is soft because of how hard Jungkook had startled him mere
moments ago.

But Jungkook is as hard as a rock between his wet cheeks and Jimin knows what he has to do.

For the first few hours, nothing special happens. Jungkook seems to be present enough as Jimin
rides him. He’s vocal enough with his praises and grunts and he actually has the presence of mind
to ask for water or small bites of food Jin had prepared for them. Jimin does anything the alpha
asks of him. But the darker the room becomes, the quieter Jungkook gets.

He goes from whispering sweet nothings into Jimin’s neck and asking for water to only being able
to let out a few grunts and gasps. But even if the alpha can’t be vocal with his needs, Jimin tries his
best.

He tries his best to give Jungkook a few sips of water every hour or so. And when his legs give up
on him and he no longer can work himself on the alpha’s cock, he has Jungkook coming with his
mouth and hands.

He’s not good at it. He knows it. There’s no way he would be good because he had never sucked a
cock in his life and during the few times Jimin had been brave enough to ask Jungkook to let him
do it, the alpha had gotten too into his mind about it and had fucked Jimin into the mattress before
Jimin could even get his hands on the alpha’s cock.

But Jimin’s devoted and determined to please the alpha any way he can. He drools and gags around
Jungkook grith and thinks he must look quite embarrassing, but the sounds only serve to drive
Jungkook faster and faster over the edge each time. And Jimin can’t deny the shiver of satisfaction
he feels each time Jungkook comes undone in his mouth or on his fingers.

And it’s almost too easy. What had Jungkook been so afraid of? Here they are almost through the
first day- both of them safe and satiated. Jimin feels quite proud of himself. He’s not even that sore
yet.

But things change when the second night approaches and Jungkook starts to become restless. He
becomes vocal again. But his words are not sweet or gentle. They’re vulgar and almost cruel as
they roll lewdly from Jungkook’s wet lips.

A you can take it better than this, spat in Jimin’s mouth as sharp teeth tug at his lips. Or a so tight
for your alpha as Jimin tries- and fails, to keep up a good rhythm. He can’t lie and say they don’t
have any effect on him. Nobody can blame him for planting his heels into the mattress to move his
hips faster and leaning his head forward to moan directly in Jungkook’s ear when the alpha talks
like this to him.

Jungkook’s words are maddening. The way he grunts and growls them right against Jimin’s ears
almost send Jimin over the edge over and over again. But he’s too spent to actually reach another
orgasm. His cock lays soft between his thighs, moving harshly with each hurried fall on
Jungkook’s lap and Jimin can’t even tell how he’s able to still ride the alpha.

But he can’t stop himself.

Can’t pull away when Jungkook takes his earlobe between his heated lips and grunts about how
good Jimin feels inside. How hot and tight and wet he is. How well stretched he is. How well he’s
taking his alpha’s cock.

It makes Jimin glow with how happy he is to be able to make the alpha feel so good.

He’s riding Jungkook again when the first low call for Jimin’s inner wolf happens.

“Omega,” Jungkook growls into his neck, fangs nipping at the skin.
Jungkook sounds so lost in his desire to feel Jimin’s wolf that the mage almost cries when he
realizes he will never be able to offer that sort of comfort to Jungkook. But he tries his best to scent
Jungkook and let the alpha feel him through their bond. And Jungkook does calm down for a
while. Until his eyes narrow dangerously and his hips start thrusting to meet Jimin’s as his hands
tug at the chains keeping him in place.

“It’s time,” Jungkook says vaguely and Jimin pays him no mind. He continues to ride the alpha-
moaning and gasping each time he moves his hips just right.

“Let me go,” Jungkook murmurs after another harsh tug, and this time Jimin stops moving.

“What?” He breathes out, confused. He had been so close to another orgasm. His heart beats in his
chest frantically and his cock is embarrassingly wet between them.

“It’s time. Let me go.”

“I- I can’t let you go,” Jimin whispers. But it was the wrong thing to say.

Jungkook’s muscles snap as he tugs harder on the chains. The rough action makes Jimin flinch.
The alpha’s cock slips out of him, earning an angry growl from Jungkook. Jimin’s eyes snap to
him.

Jimin has heard the alpha growl before. Many, many times. But never like this. He hurries to
straddle the alpha’s lap again, careful of his hard cock. His hands cup Jungkook’s cheeks and he
tries to keep his voice as low and sweet as possible as he speaks.

“Alpha, you made me promise to not release the chains before your rut stops. Do you remember?”

Jungkook watches him, but his red eyes see right through Jimin. He’s not present. Maybe he can
hear the mage, but he can’t really understand what Jimin is trying to say. Another growl. Another
powerful tug. But this time, a sharp and high sound resonates through the room as one of the big
nails keeping the chains to the walls falls on the ground.

Jimin’s eyes snap to it. Then up to the hole it had left in the wall. And then to the single nail
remaining there to hold the chains and his heart drops in his stomach.

Jungkook growls as he inhales deeply, his muscles flexing- preparing for another powerful pull.

“Jungkook- Alpha,” Jimin whispers alarmed. His fingers tremble as he holds them tightly pressed
to the alpha’s cheeks, arousal long gone from his body. “Please calm down. I’m here. I’m here.”
He forces his hips into Jungkook’s to let the alpha feel him. “Tell me what you want- what you
need and I will do it, hm? Please? Alpha-“

Jungkook watches him with a chilling detachment. And no matter how sweet and careful Jimin
tries to be with his words, Jungkook tugs at the chains again.

Namjoon had promised them they would hold. Had assured Jimin and especially Jungkook that no
matter how hard Jungkook tried, he wouldn’t be able to make the nails break from the stone.

But he had been wrong.

Jimin stumbles off Jungkook’s lap and away from the bed the second Jungkook’s hand jerks
between them- free of the chains. He’s not fast enough to catch Jimin with one hand- the other still
tied.
Jungkook breathes harshly through his nose and growls at Jimin from the middle of the bed. He
looks- Jimin shakes his head. He can’t even say it.

The ground is ice cold under his naked feet and his thighs tremble from having ridden the alpha for
so long as he watches Jungkook continue to struggle.

He has to do something. But the second he speaks, a meek alpha leaving his lips, Jungkook fights
harder against the chains on his left hand still keeping him to the bed.

“Please-“ Jimin’s voice breaks. He can’t watch Jungkook fight the chains like some mad dog. His
mind is a mess. His heart even more. “Please, Alpha- I’m here-“ he whispers. He takes a tentative
step back to the bed and Jungkook stops struggling. “I’m here. I’m sorry.”

“Come.” Jungkook snaps through gritted teeth and Jimin crawls back on the bed. The second his
knees touch the furs, Jungkook’s free hand curls around his thigh and he’s dragged forward. He
falls on his back with a yelp, hands struggling to find purchase. Jungkook makes quick work of
pulling Jimin’s legs apart and then he’s thrusting to the hilt inside Jimin.

Jimin shrieks and cries out. But not because of the pain- he feels none. But because of how rough
Jungkook is. His fingers cut harshly into Jimin’s hip until wetness trails down his skin- blood.

“Why’d you run?” Jungkook asks abruptly. Jimin shakes his head, fighting back the urge to close
his eyes due to the pleasure to keep Jungkook’s intense gaze.

“I’m here-“ he whispers. “ I didn’t run.”

Jungkook’s muscles ripple and flex as he fucks into Jimin with a need Jimin has never experienced
before. He looks divine above him. Every inch of him screamed power and strength. Sweat trailed
down his body- between his heaving chest. Down his abs, catching in the trail of fine hairs right
below his belly button.

“Alpha-“

The sound is so broken Jimin doesn’t even recognize his own voice. It ends in chocked mewl and
then everything happens too fast for him to truly comprehend.

Jungkook’s eyes darken and his face morphs into something more animalistic than humane. His
hips rut into Jimin violently- so fast Jimin can almost feel the bruises forming on the skin between
his thighs. But he can’t pull away. He’s too weak to move or push the alpha way and even if he
could, he wouldn’t want to.

“Omega.”

The word is so distorted by growls and grunts Jimin melts into himself at the sound. His body is
not even his anymore. His mind is so high up in the clouds he can almost see himself laying limp
underneath Jungkook’s huge body as the alpha fucks into him. He’s like a ragdoll- moving up and
down the bed with the force of Jungkook’s thrusts- head lolled to the side, drool trailing down his
parted lips and chin.

Jungkook’s tongue comes out to lick a fat stripe up Jimin’s neck to his cheeks- collecting the drool
that had trailed down.

Jungkook’s hips suddenly slow down into deep and powerful strokes right against Jimin’s prostate
and his body convulses violently. He comes with a loud cry- back arching off the bed. There’s
nothing to see behind his tightly closed eyelids as white, hot pleasure washes over every inch of his
body. He’s gripping and scratching at Jungkook’s back for dear life, muscles tightening around
Jungkook’s cock.

And just as his ears stop ringing and his cock stops twitching, he hears heavy chains hitting the
ground and all air leaves his lungs.

Jungkook is on him in a heartbeat- caging Jimin in with both arms now. His eyes are wild as they
trail all over Jimin’s blushed and wet skin and he wonders what the alpha must think of him now.
There are no chains to keep him back anymore. He could take Jimin as he pleased. Bend and mold
him into any position his heart desired and Jimin wouldn’t be able to push him back or refuse him.
And yet he doesn’t.

The alpha fucks into him just like before- with brutal need. It has Jimin curling into himself,
shoulders rising as his head thrashes around on the bed. He’s sore. Or far beyond that. His thighs
hurt. His asscheeks hurt. His back hurts. Every inch of him aches and yet he clenches around the
alpha and wraps his legs around Jungkook’s waist to pull him closer.

He longs to hear Jungkook’s praises. Wants to know if he’s being good for the alpha. Craves
Jungkook’s sweet words and gentle kisses. But the alpha remains silent, save for a few muttered
curses.

When Jungkook’s hand sneaks around his ass- pulling his cheek aside, Jimin flinches slightly. Hot
and thick cum drips from his abused hole down his balls and onto the bed and Jimin realizes with a
startled whimper that the alpha had come.

But Jungkook’s cock doesn’t soften. In fact, it grows bigger. And that’s when Jimin truly starts
panicking. He tries to speak to the best of his abilities when he can barely make his tongue move.

He can’t take Jungkook’s knot. He can’t. He will break.

“Jungkook-“ he strains to speak, white dots playing around his vision. His arms shake as he moves
his hands to cup Jungkook’s cheeks. He holds them like the most precious stones, hoping against
his better judgment that the gentleness will get through Jungkook’s rough exterior.

He gazes up at Jungkook through heavy and fat tears, flinching slightly every time the tip of
Jungkook’s cock hits his sensitive prostate.

“Alpha-“ he croaks out. “You have to pull out, please-”

Jungkook’s sharp claws rip holes into the pelts around Jimin’s head as his hips pick up the pace.
Jimin struggles to keep his eyes open.

“I can’t take it,” he reminds the alpha through small gasps. “You told me yourself that I can’t.”
Jungkook grunts, abs flexing as he continues to move powerfully. There’s not a flicker of
recognition in his eyes. Not an inch of him that seems tired, or willing to stop and fear slowly
creeps up Jimin’s body.

It starts at his toes as he feels Jungkook’s cock getting bigger and bigger- his body straining to
accommodate him. It shivers up his spine- making his blood run cold as Jungkook’s clawed fingers
wrap around Jimin’s neck to keep him from trying to pull away. Usually, Jungkook knows where to
place them and how hard to push on Jimin’s skin to make the mage feel enough pressure but not
cut his airflow. But the alpha is far less careful now and fear finally clutches Jimin’s heart fully
when he tries to pull away for the first time and Jungkook’s claws tighten around his neck, fingers
pressing harshly into his pulse point.
“Alpha-“ He tries again. It’s his last hope. He must get through the darkness clouding Jungkook’s
mind. He must get through his alpha. He seeks out Jungkook’s wolf with his energy, laying
himself bare- body and soul, to the alpha. “You swore to take care of me,” Jimin whispers, salty
tears pressing into his lips. “You promised to be the best alpha for me, remember?”

Jungkook’s hips stutter, his fingers loosening their hold around Jimin’s neck. It spurs Jimin on.

“You’ll hurt me if you don’t stop now-“ Jungkook drives his hips forward sharply and Jimin cries
out in pain. “Oh gods-“

His fingers shake on Jungkook’s face, but he still keeps them on the alpha’s cheeks. He’s so hot he
could rival a burning flame, but its heat doesn’t hurt Jimin.

“I love you,” Jimin whispers as he feels his senses slowly slip away from him the harder Jungkook
presses into his pulse point. He will pass out. He’s sure of it. And it scares him to death that the
thought calms him down. It makes him cry even harder that he feels like he needs to escape
Jungkook’s touch in that way.

This was exactly what the alpha had tried to protect him from. Exactly what Jungkook had been
afraid he would end up doing.

“Will you forgive me if I betray your trust like that?”

No. He wouldn’t.

And he can’t let that happen.

This is Jungkook. His Alpha. His mate.

He can’t let this break them.

Jimin clenches his legs around Jungkook’s waist as hard as he can with newfound strength and the
alpha’s hips stop moving. “Look at me-“ Jimin murmurs. When the alpha’s eyes remain red and
unfocused, he repeats his plea- louder and harsher and Jungkook finally blinks his eyes into focus.

“Feel me-“

And as the words leave his lips, he tries to open his energy to the alpha as much as he can. It’s hard
with how exhausted he feels. Hard with how far away Jungkook feels and looks. But he doesn’t
give up.

“Can you feel our bond, Alpha? Can you feel how deep it goes? How warm it feels?”

Jungkook cocks his head to the side. He’s stopped trying to move his hips against Jimin’s legs
keeping him and place and Jimin takes it as small win. It gives him hope.

Licking his lips, he moves his hand down to place his shaky fingers over the alpha’s heart. It beats
rapidly under his muscular chest and heated skin.

“Because I do- I feel you. I feel you when you’re so tired you’re ready to fall on your knees from
exhaustion, but you still keep your head up and push yourself to train or work harder. I feel you
when you’re afraid of acting or saying certain things because you think they might hurt me. I feel
you when you let your walls down completely when you’re with me-“

Jungkook’s eyes flicker black for a split second and Jimin holds on to that image like a lifeline.
Lifting his head, he places a tender kiss on Jungkook’s lips and then pulls back to look up at the
alpha.

“I feel how much you love me. It’s almost overwhelming. But I don’t think you’ve ever truly felt
how much I love you.”

Jungkook had told him more than once that when Jimin fully opens himself he can feel the mage.
But other than that, the alpha can’t truly feel all of him. It’s like a gentle hum in the back of his
head. Like a foggy dream he would forget once his eyes opened to the morning son.

But maybe…

“Bite me,” he whispers.

Maybe if Jimin let the alpha bite him it would be enough to make him feel Jimin better and calm
down.

The reaction those two words get out of Jungkook is almost visceral. His eyes darken and every
muscle in his body turns to stone. His fingers slip from Jimin’s hips further up- still as rough and
sharp. Jimin feels the ghost of purple and red marks in the shape of Jungkook’s fingers bend and
form on his skin and a part of him can’t help but crave more. He had never been afraid of wearing
Jungkook’s mark on his body.

And maybe he needs Jungkook to bite him just as much as the alpha wants it.

There’s no doubt in his mind when Jungkook starts nuzzling his neck- searching for the right spot
to sink his fangs in. No doubt in his heart when the alpha cups the side of his head and tugs to turn
it further to the right to expose more of Jimin’s blushed skin.

His head is spinning, and he can barely feel the air filling his lungs. But his vision hasn’t gone
black, and he still feels the weight of Jungkook’s heavy body on top of his so he’s far from passing
out. But Jungkook’s hot breath on Jimin’s neck and his wet tongue sliding up and down his skin
feel other-worldly.

For a few quiet moments- where only the sound of his erratic heartbeat echoes in his ears, Jimin
swears he’s never felt this nervous in his life. His mind is spinning with endless outcomes and his
nails dig into Jungkook’s skin until he’s sure nasty marks will be left behind.

Jimin had hoped to let Jungkook bite him after the alpha was done courting him. But this felt just
as right.

This was Jungkook. It could never feel wrong.

The world doesn’t stop when Jungkook finally breaks his skin. But Jimin sure feels like it did.

He’s spinning and falling faster than a shooting star and no matter how hard he grips Jungkook’s
shoulder with both hands, he never reaches land. There’s darkness around him- white dots in the
back of his vision, but it’s not frightening. It hurts like hell- he’s sure he hears his own voice crack
at the end of a loud cry, but he’s still not afraid. Because there’s warmth in the darkness. And
there’s pleasure in pain.

There’s nothing but pain for a few harsh moments. His breathing is ragged- gasps and whimpers
cutting his inhales short. But the moment Jungkook’s fangs don’t feel as sharp and cold- there’s
nothing and then everything all at once.
He’s hit with an amalgam of feelings that knock all air out of his lungs. Wave after wave of strong
feelings that completely render him speechless.

He’s whole.

Jimin can’t think of a better comparison.

He’s finally whole.

But too overwhelmed to even breathe properly.

“Jungkook-“ He gasps, shaking from head to toe.

The alpha pulls back finally. But he doesn’t lift his head no matter how much Jimin tries to nudge
their lips to meet. The alpha licks the bite thoroughly until the mark stops throbbing painfully- until
the pain turns into a dull ache.

And when he finally lifts his head to look down at Jimin, the mage finds himself staring into
brilliant red eyes- focused and conscious eyes. He breaks.

“Don’t-“ the alpha grunts. His voice is rough and quiet, but his lips are feather-like on Jimin’s
face. “Don’t cry.”

Jimin shakes his head. His arms slip from around the alpha’s neck to cup his cheeks.

Love.

It’s all Jimin sees as he looks up a Jungkook. All he feels as Jungkook’s fingers hold his face
gently.

How can his heart bear to hold so much emotion in it? How has he not exploded under the pressure
of Jungkook’s intense eyes?

“It worked-“ he gasps. He tastes fresh salty tears on his tongue, but his lips only stretch wider.
“Jungkook it-“

“My mate,” Jungkook whispers, amazed. His eyes follow the lines of Jimin’s face slowly- he’s
more present now, but still lost in his own lust. His gaze lingers on every inch of Jimin’s face as if
he’s seeing the mage in a new light. As if he couldn’t believe his eyes that what he was seeing was
real. “My mate,” he breathes against Jimin’s lips- full of devotion and sincerity. Full of passion.

Full of love.

And Jimin can’t do anything but cry.

Jungkook was everything Jimin never thought he wanted in his life. But everything he needed.

In a world full of hatred and despair, Jimin has found his light.

Mate.

The word had never meant anything for Jimin.

But now it means everything.

Everything is a blur after that and everything changes.

There’s no more burning fire that fuels Jungkook’s feral blindness. He’s as gentle as ever but
hurried and ravenous. He doesn’t knot Jimin. They both know he can’t take it. Not only physically,
but emotionally as well. He’s too spent to get through another intense experience without passing
out.

Hours pass with Jungkook just kissing every inch of Jimin’s body- worshiping his skin until light
filters through the room again. Then hours pass with Jungkook stretching Jimin open over and over
again with his skilled fingers and tongue

If he’s not crying and whimpering as Jungkook fucks him- face down into the bed, he’s moaning
and gripping Jungkook’s hair for dear life as the alpha licks and sucks him dry.

They’re a mess of trembling and sweating limbs and Jimin’s sure the room reeks of their
lovemaking. Every inch of him aches as Jungkook pushes himself inside again. But Jimin can’t
help but take whatever the alpha wants to give.

It doesn’t matter how sore he feels when his own body craves more and more. It doesn’t matter he
can barely feel his legs anymore when Jungkook asks for Jimin to ride him again so sweetly. The
alpha watches Jimin as he rides him like Jimin himself had crafted the world for Jungkook as a gift.
Like he’s the sole reason Jungkook breathes.

And maybe Jungkook’s reverence gets to Jimin’s head because it makes him wish for nothing
more but to make the alpha feel how much Jimin loves and admires the alpha as well.

He pulls release after release from the alpha in any way he can and by the end of it he’s sure his
body is not just his anymore because there’s not an inch of him that’s not painted by Jungkook.

And he wouldn’t have it any other way.

The second Jimin’s eyes open and he’s reminded of his own body being real, the pain hits him full
force. His eyes scrunch close and his fists clench beside his head. Every inch in his body throbs
and aches and somehow, it feels good. It’s not the kind of pain that wants to make him cry that
shoots up his spine when he tries to move his legs, but the kind that makes him grunt lowly in the
back of his throat- back arching slightly.

“Jimin.”

His name is whispered so gently Jimin takes a while to bask in it before turning his head to watch
the alpha with a tiny smile on his lips. But the smile drops the second his gaze lands on
Jungkook’s body.

The alpha is sitting on the edge of the bed with his body leaning forward to look at Jimin. His jaw
is clenched so hard Jimin is sure it must hurt and his eyes… his eyes look pained- apologetic and
above all else, regretful.

Jimin panics.
He tries to sit up on his ass but the second he moves to lift his back off the bed he cries out in pain.
Jungkook is on him in a second. His big hands hover in front of Jimin as his eyes move frantically
from Jimin’s face down his naked body.

And that’s when Jimin sees it as well.

In the light of day with nothing to cover his skin, his eyes see bruises and small cuts for as far as he
can look. Pink and purple marks in the shape of Jungkook’s lips and teeth all over his inner thighs
and up his hips where they blend into tiny cuts in the shape of his claws. Blood has spilled from
them, and a tiny crust of dried blood has formed on the skin around them. There’s not an inch of
his front that’s not marked in some way by Jungkook and Jimin is sure his back is no different.
After all, he feels the bite marks on his asscheeks. Feels the scratches down his shoulder blades.

But if Jungkook watches him in complete horror and pain at what he’s done. Jimin turns bright red
at how those marks make him feel.

If he could get hard, he’s sure he would.

He lifts his eyes to look at the alpha.

“Jungkook-“

Jungkook shakes his head, hands clenching by Jimin’s waist.

“I know how this looks but-“

“But what?” Jungkook’s eyes flash red as his shoulders shake. “You like it?” He scoffs and Jimin
curls into himself, feeling silly.

He does. He really does.

“What if I do?” He asks, voice barely above a whisper. Jungkook moves to pull back, but Jimin’s
hands fly up to stop him. “Stop it,” he pleads. “Stop trying to run away.”

“I need to find Seokjin and-“

“I don’t need a healer, Jungkook.”

“Then what do you need?” Jungkook asks. He sounds almost desperate. Willing to do anything to
make this right. But there’s nothing wrong for him to fix.

Jimin lifts his head to kiss Jungkook’s cheek and a dull ache settles on his neck. The mark.

“I need you.”

Jungkook’s eyebrows furrow and his whole body shudders. There are black bags under his eyes
and the same marks that paint Jimin’s skin appear on Jungkook’s shoulders. Some more visible
than others. But still there.

“I hurt you-“

“You didn’t.” Jimin hurries to deny it. “Listen to me.” His hands move from around the alpha’s
neck to his cheeks where his fingers press roughly into the skin. “I loved every second of it. No-
don’t look at me like that. Don’t make me feel like a child that has no idea what he’s saying. I
know how I feel. I know what I felt back then as well. You made me feel so good,” his voice ends
in a murmur, cheeks aflame. “You have to believe me.”
“I-“ The alpha struggles to find his words. His eyes are a storm of red and black and not because
he’s battling for control with his alpha, but because he’s distraught. At odds with himself. Jimin
feels Jungkook’s worry and pain like it’s his own.

“I’m your mate, Jungkook,” Jimin whispers. His vision blurs around the edges and his fingers
shake on the alpha’s face. “Can’t you feel how happy I am?”

He could go on and on about how amazing spending Jungkook’s rut with him had been. Could talk
day and night about how wonderful Jungkook’s mouth had felt on him. How he had seen more
stars in the darkness of their room than in the skies while Jungkook was buried deep inside of him.

“Don’t ruin this.” He begs, a tear falling down his cheeks. “I thought we would never be able to
mate. But it worked. It worked!” He tilts his head to place a kiss on the alpha’s parted lips. “Trust
me.” He pleads into Jungkook’s mouth. Jimin’s tears gather between them and the alpha darts his
tongue out to lick them off Jimin’s lips. “Trust me when I say that I regret nothing of what
happened. And if you can’t trust my words then trust my feelings.”

He slips one hand from Jungkook’s cheek to guide the alpha’s hand to his heart. Jungkook’s
fingers shake slightly as his hand touches Jimin’s sweaty skin.

“Feel it, Alpha.” Jungkook’s eyes widen at the word, but Jimin doesn’t let his surprise deter him.
He had never used the word when he wasn’t high on pleasure and need. But today feels like a good
start. Jungkook was truly his Alpha after all. “Feel how happy you’ve made me.”

Jimin watches as Jungkook tries to regulate his breathing and let the anger and worry leave his
body. His shoulders stop shaking after a few deep exhales. The longer he breathes in slowly and
watches Jimin- rough palm still over the mage’s soft skin, the calmer he gets. Until the lines
between his eyebrows disappear completely and his body sinks into Jimin’s awaiting arms.

Jungkook’s face falls into the crook of his neck- lips finding the mark he had left there, with a
quivering my mate and Jimin melts under him. Jungkook’s weight on him had always felt
protective and anchoring. But now it feels like he’s experiencing it for the first time all over again.
Their hips slot together. Their chests move in unison against each other. And when the alpha licks
slowly over the healing mark- Jimin feels like floating.

Jungkook alternates between licking and kissing the mark and rubbing his cheeks and nose all over
Jimin’s neck and the mage lets him do it without a sound of protest. For as long as it takes for the
alpha to calm down completely, Jimin lets Jungkook scent and kiss him freely.

When the alpha finally pulls back to look down at Jimin, tears threaten to spill from his eyes and
his fingers tremble as they find cup Jimin’s face gently.

“My mate.”

He whispers the words like a sacred prayer. A solemn promise. His eyes move around Jimin’s face
slowly, admiring every inch. And when his gaze finally settles on Jimin’s eyes, the tears fall.

It’s such an unguarded and vulnerable act Jimin breaks as well.

“I love- Jungkook- Jungkook I love you!” He whispers fervently between broken gasps. The alpha
captures his mouth in an eager kiss, sucking Jimin’s confession right from his plum lips.

Nothing in the world has ever felt sweeter than Jungkook’s love as it spilled from the alpha’s lips
right onto his.
Over and over again.

“I love you.”

A broken mantra.

“I love you, Jimin.”

A desperate attempt at expressing his loyalty and devotion to the best of his abilities.

“My mate- I love you.”

A vow. A promise of a life full of love and happiness.

Jimin lets each one of them seep into his skin and find his heart. Lets each one carve a space just
for them in his soul.

There’s nothing more embarrassing than limping for days in front of wolves you haven’t even met
in your life.

It’s already been a week since Jungkook’s rut ended. But only three days since Jungkook finally let
Jimin leave their room. Jimin has never thought of Jungkook as particularly possessive, but every
bone in the alpha’s body screamed of possessiveness now.

His hand never slipped from Jimin’s hip, and he never went more than three hours without scenting
or kissing the mark on Jimin’s skin. And that would have been alright because Jimin turns into
mush when the alpha as much as breaths near the bite on his neck, but that wasn’t all. He growled.
A lot. At any wolf that as much as breathed in Jimin’s direction and more times than Jimin would
like to admit, the alpha had dropped everything- even training the pups, to help Jimin as much as
move a strand of hair from his face while feeding Moonbyul. It didn’t matter where they were or
what they were doing, Jimin was Jungkook’s priority, and he made everyone aware of it.

And today was no exception.

Jungkook’s eyebrows are narrowed in concentration as his hand gently moves around in the water.

“I should warm another bucket of water.” He finally says after a few minutes of contemplation.

A chuckle bubbles up inside Jimin, an endeared smile gracing his lips as he leans over the side of
the bathing tub to peck the alpha’s cheek. The water splashes around the walls of the wooden tub as
he moves and Jungkook’s hand slips up Jimin’s calf until it reaches his thigh.

“The water is perfect, Alpha. You know I can heat it up more if I want to.”

Jungkook cringes at his own useless offer and then sighs as his fingers tighten on Jimin’s thigh
under the water.

“Am I overbearing?” He asks, eyes averted.

His black hair falls gently over his eyes and his lips for a small pout as he no doubt overthinks his
earlier actions. It makes him look boyish. It makes him look more human than wolf.
“Sometimes,” Jimin answers truthfully. “I mean-” he starts with an amused smirk on his lips, “you
did just carry me all the way back to our room to bathe just because Moonbyul threw his meal on
my neck and shirt.”

The incident had been quite funny. Jungkook’s wide eyes were still stuck inside Jimin’s mind. But
as much as Jungkook’s protectiveness and possessiveness after mating made his heart skip several
beats throughout the day- his father’s watchful and intense eyes made him almost shy away from
Jungkook’s attention. The Head Alpha’s disapproving gaze, as Jimin was being carried away, was
stuck as well in the back of Jimin’s mind.

“Something is bothering you,” Jungkook whispers, eyes on Jimin now. It sounds almost like a
question, but it’s truly not. It was easy for him to feel now that something was wrong with Jimin.

Jimin shifts to lean back on the wall of the tub, head tilted to the side to watch the alpha. The room
was dark, but Jungkook’s strong jaw and worried eyes were illuminated enough by two candles
lighting up the space behind Jimin.

“Your father has yet to warm up to me.”

It’s the easiest way to put it. But they both know it’s more than that. The Head Alpha may not
actually harbor hate for the mage, but it’s clear he hates what Jimin has become for Jungkook.
Jimin is not just a mage for the alpha anymore. He’s Jungkook’s mate. And even though Jimin has
still a lot to learn, Jin had made it clear right after their mating that Jimin was now the most
important thing to Jungkook.

His words still linger in Jimin’s mind because they were spoken with as much conviction and raw
sincerity as any man could muster.

“I know it’s hard for you to understand. But we know, wolves know, and especially- Jungkook’s
father knows; if it ever comes down to it- to choose between you and the clan, or just anyone else,
Jungkook will always choose you. With not even a second to spare. And that would have been fine
for Head Alpha Jeon if you were fully one of us. But in his eyes, you’re not.”

“My father is not a threat,” Jungkook assures him. And even though Jimin really wants to believe
him- for the first time, he can’t. But he knows what he has to do.

Jimin did not just escape the horrors of one paternal figure to fall right into another one. The first
time it happened, he had been young and naïve. And he’s nowhere near naïve anymore.

He feels the turmoil inside Jungkook’s soul as if it were his. Even when Jungkook tries to hide it
with experienced fingers and heated kisses, it lingers beneath his skin. Even when he’s
overwhelmed by Jungkook’s body hovering over his- pushing and pulling Jimin into a dance they
both have come to know like the back of their hands, it’s still not enough to mask Jungkook’s
conflicted heart.

He would give his life for Jimin- no question asked. He would do anything and everything to see
him happy. But a part of him is still just a boy that also loves his father. Jimin sees it in Jungkook’s
eyes that his father’s coldness upsets him.

And if Jungkook doesn’t know how to make his father accept Jimin, then Jimin will have to step
in.

It takes another three weeks for Jungkook to let Jimin out of his sight for the first time since
mating. Even if at night he spends an ungodly amount of time scenting and kissing the bite on
Jimin’s skin and painting new marks over fading ones, during the day he’s calmer. He doesn’t
linger behind Jimin’s back anywhere he goes, and he slowly gets back into his own routine.

A routine that has suffered a lot of changes during the last few weeks. But for three days in a row,
it has been the same. That’s how Jimin knows that the perfect time to see the Head Alpha is during
Jungkook’s training with the new group of pups. The alpha spends almost five hours with that
group- enough for Jimin to let Moonbyul in Jin’s care, see the Head Alpha, and then return to their
room before Jungkook as much as finishes half of his training.

Head Alpha Jeon is seated in his rightful place in the middle of the table when Jimin steps into the
Great Hall. His eyes pin Jimin down with the most intense look, but that doesn’t make the mage
cower.

Not anymore.

The Alpha’s eyes snap to the crest resting on Jimin’s chest and he straightens his back. The Jeon
Clan crest- Jungkook’s first courting gift to Jimin.

The red in the alpha’s eyes darken slightly, but he doesn’t say anything. The tension in the room is
so palpable one could cut it with a knife, but Jimin doesn’t feel weighted down by it.

“I was not informed of a meeting,” the alpha grunts displeased.

“My apologies,” Jimin whispers with a slight incline of his head. “I did not ask for a formal
meeting with your guards because what I came to discuss should be kept as private as possible.”

The alpha’s eyebrow lifts slowly, as if taunting Jimin. He’s entertaining the human and he wants
Jimin to know that as well. He leans back in his chair. The wood cracks and scrapes over the floor
as he pushes a little from the table and then strong and big hands come to rest on the armrests of
the chair. His head cocks to the side slightly and Jimin takes it as a sign to speak.

“I know you have made your mind about me,” he starts, voice calm but loud enough to reach the
alpha’s ears clearly. “I know I will never be able to give you what you want from my bond with
Jungkook-“

“And what do you think that is- what I want?”

“My powers and heirs,” Jimin says easily.

The alpha’s lips curl around a crude smirk.

“Jungkook has made it clear to me that he has the perfect successor in mind.”

“And yet you refuse to accept him. You refuse to accept me. Even when Jungkook has chosen us
without regret, you refuse to accept his decision.”

The alpha’s hands curl around the edges of the armrests. He’s burning with anger, it’s clear in his
eyes, but Jimin doesn’t back down.

“But what you truly refuse- is to see how your hostility towards us affects Jungkook.” The alpha’s
eyebrows narrow dangerously. “Even if you hate it, I am his mate and I can feel and understand
him better than anyone else now. I am his family- Moonbyul is his son. But you…you are his
father. Jungkook has worked his whole life to prove himself to you and the clan. Has trained harder
than any alpha in this clan. Has put his life on the life without a single protest because he knew it
was the only way to protect his clan. He has done enough to deserve a silver of happiness and love.
He has done enough to earn your trust.”

The alpha’s eyes flicker with emotions and Jimin takes a step forward, matching the alpha’s gaze.

“Nothing you say now will undo the mating mark on my neck and Jungkook’s claim on Moonbyul
as his son and successor. But everything you do from now on will shape your relationship with
your son. Jungkook respects you as a father and leader. Don’t throw that away.”

His words are met with a deafening silence for a few moments. At first, he doesn’t mind it. He had
expected the alpha to downright turn him away, he was already pleased that he had at least got to
speak his mind. But the longer he stands in the middle of the room- at the mercy of the alpha’s
hard gaze and unreadable face, Jimin is getting nervous.

He’s pulled so thin with anxiety now that he’s overthinking every single word that has left his lips
in the last few minutes. Until the loud sound of a chair scraping over the floor makes him startle.

The Head Alpha is on his feet in a second, and in a blink of an eye- his fast legs carry him right in
front of Jimin.

Jimin’s first instinct is to step back. But deep down he knows that if he’s to show a flicker of fear
now, the alpha will never accept him.

Jimin doesn’t blink. Doesn’t breathe. And doesn’t move a single muscle as the alpha keeps his
gaze.

And then- he nods.

It’s a simple gesture. One that could mean a million things. But one of those is acceptance. And
Jimin sees it clearly in the alpha’s eyes.

Jimin had never thought a simple nod could carry so much meaning and weight. He feels like
falling to his knees to thank the alpha. But before he could embarrass himself like that, the alpha
leaves the room, and Jimin is left alone.

The room suddenly looks a tad bit brighter.

“Down boy,” Jimin whispers. The wind is harsher so far up north, but Jimin is too excited to be
here to really mind it.

The dragon hovers for a second in the same place- wide wings moving to keep them in the air.
Then- without a warning, he dashes to the right where two wolves are already waiting for them at
the top of the hill.

Jungkook’s arms tighten around Jimin’s middle and a surge of adrenaline rushes through his body
when the dragon lands on the ground. He doesn’t lower himself enough for Jimin to step down
slowly and Jimin has to once again jump into Jungkook’s waiting arms.

“I have to train him when we get back. I can’t do this forever,” Jimin whispers breathlessly into
Jungkook’s neck as the alpha lowers him until his feet touch the snow.

Jungkook chuckles lowly right into Jimin’s ear and the sound sends a shiver down his spine.
“You’ve been saying that for a month now.”

“It’s not my fault I have no time for it now. Taking care of Moonbyul, helping Jin and your brother
around, and keeping up with your needs at night is no easy feat,” he mumbles.

Jungkook barks out a laugh that echoes around them.

“My needs? Was I the one whining about being horny last night, hm?”

Jimin narrows his eyes and his hand lands harshly on the alpha’s hard chest. Jungkook only
wiggles his eyebrows and bends to place his lips on Jimin’s neck- right on the mark.

All fight leaves Jimin’s body as he relaxes into Jungkook’s arms.

“Alpha Jeon.” One of the wolves standing behind Jungkook calls out.

Jimin pulls back from the alpha just as Jungkook sighs and turns to face the wolves. After a few
curt nods and amazed whispers as the dragon flies away, they’re led deeper into the Min clan’s
territory.

Everywhere Jimin looks, nothing seems to have changed. But he has. He’s not the same man that
so many moons ago had stepped for the first time in the far north- powerless and scared. Back
then, he had been dragged here to ask for help in the upcoming war. Today, he steps through the
same heavy doors of the Head Alpha’s home with a smile on his lips and happiness in his heart.

He doesn’t know what he was expecting after showing his mark to Hoseok, but tears of joy were
definitely not it. The beta has his arms tightly wrapped around Jimin’s neck while the mage tries to
hold back his tears. Hoseok showers him with so much love it almost overwhelms him.

Jimin has started to consider Hoseok a dear friend, his mate as well, but maybe they were more
than friends.

After Hoseok pulls back from Jimin, the mage moves to turn back to Jungkook but before he can
look away from the pair in front of him Yoongi steps forward. He hadn’t expected it- and judging
by how fast Jungkook’s palm finds his back- ready to pull Jimin to him, neither had Jungkook. He
tenses up slightly, breath catching in his throat, and then Yoongi’s arms wrap around his body, and
the world spins on his axis.

“It was meant to be,” he whispers lowly, only for Jimin’s ears. “Hoseok made me promise to keep
it a secret.”

Jimin is too stunned to say anything in that moment. But it’s all he can think about as they eat and
celebrate that night.

It was meant to be.

Hoseok had seen it. After meeting Jimin or even before- he’s aching to know. What else was the
wolf hiding from him? Would he have done things differently if Hoseok had told him back then?

His eyes drift to Jungkook. The alpha is in a corner surrounded by a group of alphas Jimin can’t
really remember the names of, and Yoongi. He’s laughing and drinking freely as a visibly older
alpha talks animatedly. It’s hard to imagine that this was the same Jungkook with whom Jimin had
stepped into the Min territory for the first time. And he knows it- deep down, he knows that he
would have fought Hoseok’s vision if he had known it back then.
“Thank you,” he whispers. The room is loud and crowded, but he knows the beta can hear him as
clearly as day.

“I knew you weren’t ready to know when I met you,” Hoseok says easily. He’s leaning back in his
chair on Jimin’s right side, a cup of alcohol in his hand. “He was,” the wolf reveals with a tiny
smile, eyes on Jungkook. “But you needed more time.”

“Ready? I thought he considered me a burden back then,” Jimin chuckles, and Hoseok joins him.

“He came to see me that night- after you went to sleep,” the beta breathes out after their laughter
dies down naturally.

Jimin’s head snaps to him. “He did? Why?” A few wolves turn to look at them and Jimin shifts
slightly in his chair. But Hoseok doesn’t mind their curious eyes.

“He basically came to threaten me.”

The words come out of the beta’s lips so easily and nonchalantly Jimin almost laughs. But he’s too
shocked to actually do it.

“I’m sorry,” he hurries to say. “I swear I didn’t tell him to do that-“

“I know, Jimin,” Hoseok laughs. “He reacted out of pure fear and anger that night. Yoongi and I
both saw through him. I contemplated telling him about my vision then, but Yoongi told me it was
better to let you find each other at your own pace.”

And Jimin can’t deny it, he’s grateful Hoseok had kept his silence. He can’t know if things would
have been easier or harder if Jungkook had known about their eventual mating. But what he knows
is that he doesn’t regret how their bond has grown naturally.

They’ve had their ups and downs, but they were finally here. Mated and happy. And with
Moonbyul by their side- a family.

But maybe Moonbyul wasn’t the only family Jimin had found in the Min territory back then.

His eyes move from Jungkook to where Yoongi and Hoseok are now talking in a darker corner of
the room. The beta holds his alpha’s eyes with intent while Yoongi’s lips move fast around rushed
words and then Hoseok’s eyes light up and a laugh bubbles out of him. Yoongi shakes his head and
for the first time, Jimin sees the alpha’s soft side. It’s no wonder it comes out only when his mate
is around. He recognizes the look of pure adoration and love he sees in the Head Alpha’s eyes. It’s
easy to do so when the same eyes stare at him almost every second of his waking moments.

Warmth and contentment spread in his body like wildfire. Family. Jimin had found more than one
family member back then. And for the first time in his life, he learns what it feels like to be favored
by the gods.

He has so many people that care for him. So many people he loves and wants to see happy as well.
And above all else, he has Jungkook and Moonbyul.

That night, he lets himself live in the moment without a care in the world. He can’t remember how
many cups of alcohol he empties as he talks with any wolf that gets close enough to him. Doesn’t
remember how he ended up dancing underneath the stars with Jungkook in the dark, but he still
feels the wetness in his pants from when he had fallen into the snow. He doesn’t remember
scenting and kissing every inch of Jungkook’s body, but he sees the marks on the alpha’s chest and
hips the next morning. He doesn’t remember the nonsense his lips ushered to let out all night in his
hazy state, but Jungkook’s endeared laughter echoes in his mind well after they leave the Min
territory.

If Hoseok had managed to take Jimin completely by surprise with his reaction, Taehyung is a
different story.

The human is conflicted. Jimin feels it in how tight Taehyung’s arms hold Jimin pressed to his
taller form that the mage is happy. But he also sees it in his eyes when they land on the mark on
Jimin’s neck that he’s slightly repulsed by it.

Jimin tries not to let that get to him. He understands where the mage is coming from. He didn’t
have the time to get to know the wolves as Jimin did. Didn’t allow himself to let any of them get
close enough to him. Didn’t even blink when they won the fight and announced he will lead the
humans back to their clans, even though they were mostly ruins. But above all else, he didn’t love a
wolf.

He couldn’t see Jungkook as Jimin saw him- a protector, a friend, a lover. He still saw him as a
threat. A calm and collected predator that was ready to strike when his prey was the weakest. And
no matter how much Taehyung knows that will never happen again, or for as long as Jimin is alive,
the fear lingers.

And that’s why they don’t spend the night to celebrate as they had done in the north. The dark
finds the trio on a hill next to a very tired dragon. Jimin is worried they might not make it back
home before he takes it upon himself to rest wherever he sees fit. But they have to try. He doesn’t
want to make the few humans down the hill uncomfortable with the dragon’s and Jungkook’s
presence.

“Can I count on you to come to our mating ceremony?” Jimin asks. He can’t help the desperate
undertone of his words. He wants the mage there.

Taehyung’s eyes linger behind Jimin’s shoulders where Jungkook waits for them to finish talking.
He’s far enough to create a false sense of privacy, but both of them know the alpha can hear every
whispered word.

The mage nods curtly, eyes finally drifting to Jimin. “It will be easy to travel during the summer.”

It’s everything Jimin needed to hear. His arms wrap around Taehyung’s neck one last time and a
shaky exhale leaves his lips in the crook of the mage’s neck.

“Thank you.”

Taehyung’s arms wrap around Jimin as well. “I’m happy for you, Jimin. I mean it. You look happy
and healthy, and you deserve it.”

He deserves it.

It’s hard to accept that he does.

After the worst has passed, it’s hard to remember how much he had actually suffered to get here.
How many times he had fallen and felt like nothing could pull him back up to his knees again.
How many times he had been on the verge of giving up.

He deserves the warm feeling in his body and the way horror no longer lingers in his heart.
He deserves the Head Alpha’s acceptance.

He deserves the surge of happiness he feels when he thinks about the future.

He deserves the love he feels every time he looks at Moonbyul.

He deserves the strong arms that are always ready to catch him. The lips that only whisper the
most tender compliments or the most heated and desperate praises. The eyes that watch him with
utmost devotion.

A sudden pinch on his naked hip snaps Jimin out of his thoughts. His eyes focus to find the alpha
watching him closely from above. It’s still dark outside- as Jimin had feared, the dragon decided to
rest more before flying further and they had to stop on another hill after only two hours of flying,
but the fire on their right provides enough light for Jimin to see Jungkook’s face clearly.

“Something you want to share?” The alpha asks gently, fingers moving languidly over Jimin’s
neck. Jimin relaxes into the touch. The bliss that always numbed his boy and made his limbs feel a
hundred times heavier after an intense orgasm still lingered beneath his heated skin. His mind was
slow to fully understand Jungkook’s question.

“Hm?” He murmurs, eyebrows scrunching when Jungkook shifts his hips. The alpha’s still hard
cock rubs against his sensitive walls and a shiver runs up his spine.

Jungkook snorts before capturing Jimin’s lips in a slow kiss. Jimin has half the mind to open his
mouth to let the alpha’s tongue slip in and taste his mouth. He wonders if Jungkook can taste
himself on Jimin’s tongue like the mage can taste his own release on the alpha’s lips.

“You went somewhere else for a second there,” Jungkook whispers after pulling back. “What were
you thinking about?”

He doesn’t seem concerned, mainly because he can feel Jimin is not in the slightest bothered by
what he was thinking about.

“About how grateful I am to have you,” Jimin answers truthfully. Because that’s what it all
narrows down to. Even if Jimin deserves everything he has now, he will not take it for granted.

“You love to make fun of me for becoming soft, but look at you-“ Jungkook’s lips stretch into a
smug smile over Jimin’s, their breaths hot between them. “Telling me that when I’m already hard
again, but you’re whimpering in pain if I move an inch. You’re soft but cruel.”

Jungkook’s teeth bite into Jimin’s lower lip and the mage pulls back with a surprised laugh. But
the second he startles at the tiny silver of pain, a sharper one shoots up his spine from where they
were still connected. His eyes close and a whine gets caught in his throat as Jungkook captures his
lips again.

Jungkook’s arm slips from behind Jimin’s neck to wrap around his hip and then his bottom is lifted
slightly from the cloak. It makes Jungkook’s cock slip deeper and Jimin’s hands struggle to reach
up and wrap around the alpha’s neck.

“Can you take me again, my love?” Jungkook asks in a hushed tone over Jimin’s lips. It sounds
like a secret. Like a forbidden fruit Jimin should never wish to taste. But he already has. And it
would be a lie to say he doesn’t crave more.

He nods slowly, head falling back and to the side to expose his neck and Jungkook dives in with no
restrain.
Jimin has no idea how long Jungkook spends languidly rutting his hips and licking the mark on
Jimin’s neck. Has no idea how many times he curls into himself with a whispered ‘m close only for
the alpha to stop and kiss down his neck slowly until Jimin relaxes underneath him again. Has no
idea when the alpha suddenly changes his pace from a sensual roll of his hips to an almost feral
thrust that has Jimin jolting back and forward. It might have been after Jimin’s broken chant of
Alpha ends in a high moan as he comes untouched- his most sensitive spot stimulated beyond
belief by Jungkook’s cock.

All he knows is that his body is satiated beyond belief. Blissed out under the rising sun and
Jungkook has yet to get his fill.

“Alpha-“ Jimin mumbles, mid a complete mess. He can barely blink his eyes open, and every
inhale and exhale feels like the hardest chore.

His fingers struggle to grip Jungkook’s hair tighter, but the alpha doesn’t budge from between his
thighs. If he could lift his head to look down, Jimin knows exactly what he will find. After all, he
feels every kiss and bite Jungkook has left on his inner thighs almost bone deep. There’s not an
inch of him that the alpha hasn’t somehow claimed and Jimin wonders if this burning need will
ever fade away.

With time- perhaps. That’s only natural.

Bu for now it felt never-ending.

When the sun reaches the highest point in the sky with Jungkook still between his legs- trying to
pull another release from Jimin’s spent body, he tries not to think about how they should have been
already on their way back home hours ago.

They can be a day late.

Jungkook lifts his head and Jimin’s eyes snap down to him. His lips are puffy and red- glistening
with saliva. The alpha’s lips are pulled around a cocky smirk and as his tongue comes to hungrily
lick Jimin’s cum and his own release from around his lips- keeping eye contact with the mage,
Jimin almost begs for the alpha to take him again.

Or two.

The alpha falls on top of him, smiling as wide as his lips allow it after making Jimin come undone
with his tongue and Jimin is momentarily blinded by the sight.

Or three.

| five years later |

::Epilogue::

His legs shake slightly, and every step feels harder than the last, but he doesn’t stop.

Namjoon has been kicking his ass big time during their training merely a few minutes ago. Sweat
trails down his spine underneath his training clothes and dirt is smeared all over his knees and
behind from constantly falling down. But he’s smiling.

The second his eyes spot the familiar trail that leads into the grove separating the main part of the
clan from the river that flows through the middle of the territory, Jimin breaks into a run- heart in
his throat.

Every step felt like coming home. Every tree tattooed into his memory. He has walked or run on
this trail so many times in the past four years he could point to every rock that sat on each side of
it. And the second the light breaks through the dense foliage up above as he exits the grove, his
pace picks up.

It didn’t just feel like coming home. It was home.

Right between the edges of the grove and the river, a small cabin stood on a hillock. It was adorned
with wildflowers and pine trees in every direction. And even though it wasn’t the Head Alpha’s
house- where a new room seemed to appear each day, the small cabin was home.

The two bedrooms, one kitchen, one bathroom, and a small entryway home had been Jungkook’s
last courting gift to Jimin. The alpha had spent over a year building every inch of the cabin by
himself in secret and to this day Jimin has no idea how he had been so blind to it for so long.

All the nights the alpha had come to their room smelling of freshly cut wood with cuts and
splinters all over his hands. All the days he disappeared from early morning with no trace of
himself in the clan no matter how much Jimin looked for him. All the subtle questions about
Jimin’s favorite colors or dreams for e future home.

He should have seen it coming. But it was for the best that he hadn’t. It would have ruined
Jungkook’s surprise.

But that’s not where he’s headed. No. Behind the cabin and over the tiny bridge that crosses the
river in its narrowest place- the forest lay for as far as his eyes could see. And that’s where his feet
take him in a rush.

Where Jungkook has disappeared with Moonbyul two days ago.

Two days ago, during a small training session Jimin was having with the boy where he tried to
somehow trigger Moonbyul’s magic, something else happened. He had changed into his wolf.

The pup had cried and bent in every way to stop the pain that was for sure overwhelming him and
Jimin had almost fallen to his knees in pain himself from seeing his son so distraught. He never
wanted to see his pup in such pain again.

But luckily, Jungkook had been there. The alpha was training quietly somewhere behind them
when Moonbyul started changing and the second it started, Jungkook was by his side to guide him.
And ten agonizing minutes later, a fully white wolf was standing between them.
Jimin barely had two minutes to fully comprehend what was happening before Jungkook was
changing into his own wolf after an ushered I’ll take him away for two days, and then he was gone-
running toward the forest with an excited pup fast on his trail.

He stops abruptly close enough to see every move behind the first line of trees and then he waits.
From the moment the sun shines right above his head until it settles past the lines of trees, Jimin
stands unmoving and anticipation making his heart beat fast. And just as the sky turns brilliantly
golden, he sees it.

Jungkook’s wolf was hard to see in the darkness of the forest as his fur blended with the black that
had settled under the trees. But under the colorful sky that blessed them right before nightfall, his
powerful and massive wolf stood out. He walks slowly, strong paws moving without faltering a
single step. And when he’s close enough, Jimin sees the white blub the alpha was holding by the
scruff with his teeth. Only the white blub of fur was not so white anymore. Leaves and dirt matted
his tiny body making him look smaller than he already was.

If he weren’t so worried, Jimin would fall on his ass laughing at how guilty their son looked even
in wolf form.

The second Jungkook is close enough for Jimin to reach his hand out and rub behind his fluffy ear,
he drops the pup on the grass. He falls with a small umpf but quickly jumps on his feet and straight
to Jimin.

Jimin falls on the ground- arms open wide, and then the pup is all over him. He licks and nips
lightly at any inch of skin he can find, wagging his tail enthusiastically. Jimin laughs as lets the
pup have his way.

After a few moments, the pup calms down and curls between Jimin’s legs. Jimin’s eyes lift to find
Jungkook in his human form watching them with a soft smile on his face.

“What happened?” Jimin asks, amused. All worry gone after seeing Moonbyul so happy. “Why is
he so dirty?”

The smile drops from the alpha’s face and a groan slips from his lips.

“He decided he wanted to hunt a boar all by himself but the second he ran from me he fell face first
into a puddle from last week’s heavy rain.”

Jimin’s first instinct is to panic, but then he immediately allows himself to calm down. Moonbyul
was alright. Jungkook would have never let anything happen to him.

“Does this mean…” he trails off, heart in his throat as he waits for Jungkook to speak.

The alpha nods, and then his back straightens as a proud smile breaks on his lips.

“He will be a powerful alpha.”

Jimin’s eyes fall on the sleeping pup. An alpha. But also, a mage. His strength will be unmatched.
Not even by Jungkook himself once he will go through his coming of age.

“And maybe the most powerful Head Alpha the land will ever see.”

Jimin’s eyes lift to find Jungkook’s again. The alpha looks beyond proud and relieved. He has been
waiting for this moment for a long time. They have been waiting for this moment for a long time.
Ever since their mating ceremony when Jungkook has claimed Jimin as his, as well as named
Moonbyul his successor- the whole clan has had their eyes on the young pup. Waiting to see if
Jungkook’s son will actually become their leader one day.

No matter how many traditions Jimin and Jungkook have broken by mating and naming Moonbyul
as their son even if they weren’t related by blood, the pack was still traditional. Only an alpha will
ever rule the clan. And in two years when Jungkook will take over his father’s duties, it looks like
the whole clan will know for sure that Moonbyul will one day follow in Jungkook’s steps like
Jungkook will soon follow his father’s.

He will have to prove himself before that so the clan will accept him. Just like Jungkook has. And
even though Jimin wants to keep the pup under his protective wing for the rest of his life, he knows
he can’t.

It’s moments like these when he wonders if he had actually saved the pup or only offered him a
new life with a burden too big for him to carry.

“I feel your brain working overtime to somehow make this a bad thing,” Jungkook cuts through the
fog clouding Jimin’s mind. Rough hands cup his cheeks as Jungkook crouches in front of him and
then his face is gently guided up to meet Jungkook’s gentle eyes. “We will do our best to train and
I will make sure to prepare him for everything he will have to face in the future. You have nothing
to worry about.”

“It’s not that,” he whispers in the small space between their faces. “I trust you.” There was no
doubt in Jimin’s mind and heart that Jungkook will do everything in his power to train Moonbyul
well. “I just- what if he doesn’t want this for himself? What if he doesn’t want to hunt and learn
how to fight and-“

“Then he won’t,” Jungkook says the words so easily that Jimin’s eyes blur around the edges.

“I know I agreed to let you name him your successor, but I want him to be free to choose for
himself- in time.”

Jungkook inches closer until their foreheads touch. One of his hands slips to the mark on Jimin’s
neck and Jimin instantly falls into a bed of feathers. The alpha uses his thumb to slowly circle over
the mark- scenting Jimin.

“I promise,” he murmurs over Jimin’s lips. “You already know I would never do anything to hurt
you two. We will do our best to teach him everything we know- and if somewhere in between he
decides he doesn’t want to do it anymore, he will be free to choose his own path. I swear it to you,
Jimin.”

Jimin leans forward until his face falls in the crook of Jungkook’s neck. It feels like he’s moving in
slow motion because of Jungkook’s scenting- even after so many years, it still had the same effect
on him, but he still tries his best to concentrate on scenting the alpha back.

There’s no barrier between them. No secrets when it comes to their feelings. Jimin is stripped
naked of all his walls and fears and their love and trust are all that keep him warm and content.

“Let’s go home.”

Jungkook’s voice sounds so far away in Jimin’s mind, but his hot breath hits Jimin’s cheek and it’s
the only thing that reminds Jimin that he’s not floating somewhere up in the sky.

Home.
To the cabin Jungkook had built with his own hands for their little family.

He hums and Jungkook’s arms curl under his back and knees and then he’s lifted into the air. If he
weren’t so high from the alpha’s scenting, he would have protested in some way. But Jungkook is
more than capable of carrying Jimin and Moonbyul in his arms- he had done it more times than
Jimin can count on two hands over the years. So he only relaxes in the alpha’s arms and wraps his
hands securely around the pup sleeping on his chest.

Home.

Where Jimin feels the safest. In Jungkook’s arms.

Where Jimin feels the happiest. Wrapped around Moonbyul’s small frame as the pup pouts and
complains about the most insignificant things that seem so much bigger to the young boy.

Where Jimin feels the bravest. Over the alpha’s lap during the late hours of the night when he has
Jungkook almost pleading for his touch.

Where Jimin feels the most loved. Every night Jungkook comes home for dinner with a new
wildflower in his hand and a cheeky grin on his lips.

Jimin had never dreamt of finding a home for himself. Had never dreamt of love and protection
and happiness.

But then Jungkook decided to turn his world upside down. And now Jimin has become a dreamer.

He dreams of doing everything and anything he wishes with Jungkook.

With his mate.

“I love you,” Jimin whispers into the darkness. He has his eyes closed because even if he opens
them he will not see anything. But he feels and that is more than enough.

He feels Moonbyul’s steady heartbeat under his palm. Feels Jungkook’s heavy arm resting over
both of them- protective and secure. Feels Jungkook’s legs twitching slightly from time to time
against his- they’re so tangled under the sheets Jimin can’t even tell which leg is his sometimes.

Jungkook hums lowly to let him know he has heard Jimin. His hand lowers from the back of
Jimin’s head- making him slip further on Jungkook’s biceps where he has been resting his head.
And then his fingers fall gently on Jimin’s neck- right over the bite.

Jimin feels loved. The kind of love that could only be rivaled by the love he has for his mother.

“Jungkook-“

“Jimin,” Jungkook mumbles. His speech is slightly slurred, and his voice is heavy with sleep. “My
mate-“ he says a little louder and Jimin’s heart skips a beat. “I love you.”
 Home.

Where Jimin’s soul is for life connected to Jungkook- his mate.

Chapter End Notes

I could write another 19k about how grateful I am for all of your support and about
how happy every comment has made me feel, but it wouldn't be enough. I really hope
you know that this story would have never been complete, and this epilogue would not
be posted if you guys hadn't kept commenting and dm-ing me about how much you
love this story. I love this story to death myself, it's my baby, my most complicated
and big project, but I wouldn't have written so much for it if people wouldn't have
asked for it. So hank you.

I feel like I shouldn't say this because I don't want to give you false hope, but
something is pushing me to say it: this might not be the end. Maybe I'm milking it.
Maybe it should be the end. But I can see myself writing another small part for it in
the future. I can see myself craving to come back to this universe, so...yeah. Maybe I
will. But for now, I will try to focus on my fic for the secret santa fest and the high
lord story. I hope you can look forward to that <3

Find me on cc and twitter

 Family
Chapter Notes

See the end of the chapter for notes

| family |

::Herr Mannelig::

“Close your eyes, imagine the fire. Imagine it feeding its flames from within you with your energy.
Imagine it traveling through your hands. Imagine it flickering at the tip of your fingertips,” Jimin
whispers, gentle as ever.

Moonbyul’s eyebrows twitch in concentration, lips puckered. His hands rest on top of his crossed
knees- fingers up towards the scorching sun shining down on him. Even so early in the morning,
the early July sun was unforgiving.

Nothing happens for a few long moments. The minutes pass by and the pup finally snaps his eyes
open. Something between annoyance and fear swimming in his beautiful brown irises.

“I’m not strong enough,” he mumbles. An apology burns on the tip of his tongue, Jimin hears it
lacing every word with venom.

Jimin leans back on his hands, smiling at his pup softly.

“You’re young. You are already stronger than most pups your age.”

And Jimin wasn’t lying, he had no reason to. At eight years old, the pup was already ahead of any
other pup his age and a year older in training.

“Appa was angry with me yesterday. I’m not strong enough.”

“He wasn’t angry with you, my sweet pup.”

Moonbyul fidgets in his place, somewhat pleased by Jimin’s words but still not fully believing
him.

“Come here,” Jimin murmurs and the pup crawls until their knees touch and Jimin cups his cheeks
softly. “Your Appa loves you. Just because he lets his alpha get the better of him sometimes
doesn’t mean he’s disappointed with you.”

“He said the next time I try to hunt a boar he will make me sleep outside.”

“Sleeping outside in the summer might be fun.”

The pup fidgets again, wanting to push away and get on his feet but also to stay closer to Jimin
longer.
“You controlled fire at seven years old,” he mutters and Jimin sighs, he had been waiting for this.

“Fire controlled me when I was seven, not the other way around. It took me years to fully
understand how to use it. It will happen naturally. I promise.”

The pup nods solemnly and Jimin bends to kiss his temple.

“Now, go find uncle Namjoon. It’s time for your training with him.”

The pups eyes light up instantly, previous fears and doubts nothing but a fading memory. He’s on
his feet in a heartbeat then racing down the small hill.

Once he’s out of sight, Jimin deflates, shoulders slumping. The worry he had to suppress in order
to train the pup crawls it’s heavy weight right back into him.

He forces his body up, then one step at a time he makes his way to the healer’s cabin.

“Any changes?” Jimin whispers. Seokjin shakes his head, one hand pressing on some wild roots to
squeeze the oils out of them.

“His fever hasn’t died down even slightly and he’s still delirious. At this point…”

At this point they just had to hope for a painless death.

His eyes drift to the old alpha sleeping on the bed. His skin is flushed all over and his eyes move
hurriedly behind his closed eyelids. His hands lay at his sides, smaller now. The alpha looks
lifeless save for the colour in his cheeks. It’s terrifying.

“Jungkook saw him earlier, but he didn’t say anything. He keeps calling for Jungkook when he’s
awake, but once Jungkook comes to see him, he falls silent.

Jimin purses his lips.

“He’s probably confused or even scared. Seeing Jungkook offers enough comfort to make him
relax.”

Seokjin laughs lowly. “He’s not scared. He knows he will die- just like we all know.”

The alpha starts choking on his own spit loudly and the omega jumps to his aid. Jimin closes his
eyes and steps out of the cabin.

He doesn’t love the wolf, the Head Alpha had never been close to Jimin even after he accepted the
mage’s presence in Jungkook’s life. But he still has a heart. Seeing the alpha hurting brings him no
joy.

By the time he’s done helping around the pack, making dinner for Moonbyul and putting the pup
to sleep, Jungkook has yet to return home.
Jimin waits for him perched in the middle of their bed, fingers fidgety on his lap. Ever since his
father fell ill, Jungkook was thrusted into the hectic life of a Head Alpha. He’s the first out the door
right when the sun is about to make its way up in the sky and the last to crawl in bed next to Jimin.
On most nights, Jimin falls asleep and doesn’t even stir awake when Jungkook wraps himself
around him. That’s why they haven’t seen each other in over three days now. That’s why Jimin is
adamant about not falling asleep before the alpha returns.

No matter how heavy his eyelids get, he forces them open after each languid blink. And no matter
how much his back aches from sitting in the same position for so long, he forces himself to push
through one more minute. And then another. And another. Until-

Jimin feels Jungkook’s dark energy before the alpha opens the door to their room slowly- careful to
not awake the mage. Their eyes meet and Jungkook freezes in the doorway.

“My love,” he whispers. The endearment making Jimin’s eyes burn a little. He sounds so tired and
spent. But still better than he looks. His hair is a mess- slightly greasy at the roots. Dark patches
under his eyes. Slouched shoulders. Jimin’s heart breaks.

“Jungkook,” he breathes out. He’s fast on his feet, reaching the alpha in a heartbeat. His hands cup
the alpha’s cheeks lovingly and Jungkook surrenders himself completely to the mage’s touch. His
eyes close and his body sways forward slightly.

“ ‘missed you so much,” he mumbles.

“Come-“ Jimin guides the alpha gently to the tub he had prepared a few hours ago. He didn’t have
to check to see that the water is still perfectly warm for a relaxing bath. “Let me take care of you,”
he whispers against Jungkook’s neck and the alpha nods immediately, eyes falling shut again.

He works the alpha’s clothes off slowly, unhurried. Then takes Jungkook’s hands to guide the
alpha into the tub. Jungkook groans and sags completely into the water resting his head against the
edge of the tub and Jimin starts cleaning the alpha’s skin.

He doesn’t speak as he gently slides the soap all over Jungkook’s chest and arms. Doesn’t burden
the alpha with useless questions while he gently pours water over his hair to clean it as well. When
he’s done cleaning and rinsing the soap off Jungkook’s skin and hair, the alpha cracks his eyes
open and Jimin settles on his knees.

“Thank you.” Jimin nods, smiling shyly. Even after so many years, Jungkook’s gentleness made
him react like that. The alpha lifts one hand to brush his knuckles over his cheek, water trailing
down Jimin’s face from it. He leans into the touch, heart fluttering. “Join me?” The alpha asks
slowly.

Jimin slips into the water a few seconds later, straddling the alpha instead of leaning back into his
chest between the alpha’s legs. Like this, he can lean forward and press his heart right above
Jungkook’s.

“He won’t live to see the next season,” Jungkook breaths into his hair, hand trailing up and down
Jimin’s spine. Goosebumps rise on his skin from the wet trail.

“I know.”

“Everything will change after that. We will have to move into the main house.”

Jimin tightens his hold on the alpha’s neck, nose pressing harder into his shoulder.
“I know.”

“We can still keep this cabin. We can come here from time to time,” Jungkook whispers. Jimin
hears the longing in his voice. Feels the sadness in his energy as if it were his own.

“That would be perfect,” he presses a kiss over the alpha’s broad chest then slides a little down. He
lifts his eyes and arches his back. “Do you need me?” He asks softly, acknowledging the hardness
pushing against the meat of his butt.

Jungkook shakes his head. His lips brush over Jimin’s gently then the alpha moves him around by
the hips until he’s no longer pressed right over the hard length.

“My body can’t help but react to your touch. But I’m too tired to pleasure you tonight.”

“ I can pleasure you.”

Jungkook pulls Jimin close to him until their hearts beat against each other again.

“This is enough.”

Jimin nods then closes his eyes and lets the soft beat of Jungkook’s heart fill the space between
them.

::20:17::

“Should I let Jungkook know you’re heading out?”

Jimin shakes his head, magic buzzing with energy the closer they get.

“He knows already.”

“Of course, should have known,” Namjoon mutters from next to them. He’s weary of the dragon
ahead, but he doesn’t pull back- doesn’t let Moonbyul’s tiny hand slip from his hold. “Are you
sure?”

“Please don’t worry,” the mage says quickly with a soft smile. His own hand tightening around the
pup’s.

Jimin understands why most of them were cautious around the dragon, even now after so long. It
doesn’t sadden or anger him that they don’t really like to be reminded of the beast lingering around
their lands. But just because they choose to ignore it doesn’t mean Jimin can do the same. Not
when his magic calls for the dragon.
At first it had been weird. The longing to check up on the dragon whenever he could sense it was
close enough was almost overwhelming. He felt like a mother fretting and worrying for her son.
Now, the constant rumble at the back of his heart had settled in a calming, almost there, buzz that
only intensified when the beast was actively reaching out to Jimin. Just like it did now.

“Daddy?” Moonbyul asks, uncertain and slightly fearful as his eyes land on the dragon resting at
the foot of the hill.

Jimin bends down quickly to be at eye level with the pup. “I know he looks scary- I was afraid of
him as well in the beginning. But I promise you have nothing to fear when you’re around him.”

“I don’t want to ride it,” he whispers. His voice is low and his body had leaned forward into
Jimin’s space- as far away from Namjoon as he could get without actually letting go. He was
scared of being perceived as weak by the more powerful alpha.

“We won’t,” Jimin assures him quickly. “Not today at least. For now I just want the both of you to
get used to each other’s energy. Come.”

When they’re far enough down the hill, Jimin senses Namjoon finally turn back to the village. So
far out, only the wolves patrolling the borders could be of any danger to them. But none of them
would dare attack Jimin or Moonbyul. They were the safest in the clan, and not because of the
overwhelmingly big dragon Jimin could control.

“Here,” Jimin whispers. They still have a long way to go until they reach the foot of the hill. But
this point will make it easier for them to look at the dragon. From here, the dragon could lift its
head and point it straight at them. Which is exactly what it does once Jimin stops walking.

The dragon sniffs the grass around their feet, head moving from one side to the other slightly.
Moonbyul watches the beast with wide eyes, half of his body hidden behind Jimin. The dragon
huffs out, shaking its long neck once and Jimin laughs, almost endeared. Calmness settles over his
energy- the same one he feels taking over the dragon.

“Can you feel him?”

“Yes…”

“What do you feel?”

“Uhm… power?” The pup whispers, unsure. “Strength. I can’t read it well, Daddy. It feels like it’s
taking over my energy.”

“Do you feel any malice laced with the strength?”

The pup shifts from one foot to another. “I’m not sure.” After a few moments of silence he speaks
again, more sure of himself. “No.”

Jimin smiles down at him and the pup beams, jumping slightly on his tip toes. “You did good,” the
mage praises him. “Why do you think he doesn’t want to harm you?”

The pup’s eyebrows pinch in concentration, small teeth pushing into his bottom lip. “Because I
smell like Appa?”

“And because my energy is protecting yours. He can sense you’re very important for both of us.”

“Did Appa ever ride it without you?”

Jimin laughs and somehow he sees the dragon’s eyes glint with something akin to amusement as
well. “No, pup. He never tried.”

“Why?”

Jimin ruffles Moonbyul’s hair before responding. “Because he can’t.”

The pup’s eyes widen, he steps forward and waits until Jimin leans down so he can whisper in
Jimin’s ear.

“Is Appa sick?” He asks softly, back eyes fearful.

“Of course not!” Jimin says quickly. “Why would you think that?”

“Because Appa can do anything if he’s not injured or sick!” The pup says proudly. Jimin almost
leans in closer to kiss his chubby cheek. Despite his harsh training, his face is still puffy and Jimin
loves to annoy the pup by biting and kissing his cheeks.

“Well,” Jimin stands up, hands on his hips. “Looks like there’s something Appa can’t do, but I can.
That’s pretty cool, right?”

The boy throws his head back to look at Jimin, eyebrows narrowed in deep concentration. He looks
so cute like this.

“You’re the best, Daddy. Appa always says you’re stronger than him and gets mad at me if I don’t
give my all during our training with you.”

Jimin blinks back his surprise. “He says that?”

The pup nods in a cute but aggressive manner before stepping back. “Yes. Appa says that you will
make sure I will be the strongest alpha so I have to listen to everything you say and train a lot.”

Warmth spreads all through his body, the mark on his neck throbbing lightly as his emotions go
haywire for a moment. But he doesn’t reach out to Jungkook, he doesn’t want to disturb him during
his daily visit to his father.

“Appa is right,” he says finally. “Mostly.” Moonbyul tilts his head to the side, confused. “I’m not
the only one that will teach you how to be strong. Your Appa will do it as well, so you have to
listen to him well, alright?”

The pup nods, sweat dampening his hair from the sun shining down on them.

“How do you feel?”

“Tired.”

“Then lets go back. You can take a bath then you’re free for the rest of the day.”

“But I have to train with Appa.”

Jimin bends to hoist the boy up in his arms. The pup wraps his arms around Jimin’s neck and pulls
back a little to look at his face. “Appa has a few important meetings to attend. You won’t be
training with him today.”

“And what about the dragon?”

Jimin starts walking without looking back at the dragon. “He will fly away after we leave.”

“Will he be back soon?”

Jimin hums, taking a moment to think about it. “I don’t know.”

“But can’t you control him? Make him stay.”

Jimin laughs and lifts his head to kiss the boy’s cheeks loudly. Moonbyul leans into the touch with
a blush.

“He’s not a pet, pup. I can’t put him on a leash and make him stay. He will roam free until he feels
like seeing us again, and then he wil return.”

Moonbyul nods then turns his gaze to the dragon behind. Jimin feels his small hand lifting to wave
at the dragon and a small smile breaks on his lips.

::saman::

Jungkook falls forward, trapping Jimin under his heavy body. Soft lips press into the mark on his
skin and Jimin relaxes under the alpha, body spent.

He’s missed this so much. They haven’t had the time to be intimate like this in a while with how
much Jungkook has been working to make sure the pack will be safe during the winter and with his
father’s imminent death.

Jimin senses the sadness in the alpha. The exhaustion that seesm to never leave his bones. But he
also senses his love and longing. Jungkook misses him and Moonbyul dearly. And Jimin’s heart
hurts because he can’t do anything about it. There’s nothing he can help Jungkook with to let the
alpha have more time with his pup.

“I love you,” Jungkook whispers into his neck, cock still deeply buried in him. Jimin allmost cries
at the way the alpha’s voice cracks.

“I love you,” he whispers back while rubbing his cheek on the alpha’s chin.

Warmth settles over them, enveloping their bodies in an invisible blanket that makes them feel safe
and loved.

The alpha pulls back after another few moments of kissing and licking the marks he’s left all over
Jimin’s neck and collarbones. Jimin inhales sharply when he pulls out, a little too sore after not
having done this in so long.
“I’m sorry.”

Jimin chuckles as he turns to snuggle in the alpha’s open arms, choosing to ignore tha cum slipping
out of him.

“I’m fine.”

“I know. But I also know you will be sore for a while.”

“Good thing I don’t have a training session scheduled for tomorrow, I can laze around in the
morning.”

Jungkook smiles, eyes closed. He looks peaceful and Jimin can’t look away from him. His heart is
so full it feels like bursting.A strong hand reaches out and then his though is pulled over the alpha’s
midde, making JImin arch his spine at the nice stretch.

“Can you stay with us in the morning?” He asks softly.

Jungkook’s eyes flutter open, his hand on Jimin’s hips moving up and down slowly. His lips
pucker, accentuating the stubble on his chin for a moment.

“Give me a kiss to think about it.”

Jimin’s snort gets swallowed by Jungkook’s lips as the alpha pulls him closer until their mouths
meet in a gentle kiss.

“Couldn’t you just say yes ,” Jimin says while pulling back.

Jungkook eyes close again, exhaustion taking hold of him completely. Jimin lifts one hand up to
stroke his cheek.

“Sleep. We can talk more in the morning.”

Jungkook shakes his head before speaking again. “How’s Moonbyul?”

“He’s been sulking because he’s still not able to control his fire. But I think he’s making progress,
he’s not letting his anger take over anymore.”

Jungkook smiles, his chest puffing out proudly. Jimin’s cheeks burn as he buries his face in the
alpha’s chest. It always makes him feel rather shy when he sees the alpha be so happy with
Moonbyul’s training.

“You’re doing so well,” he whispers into Jimin’s hair. “I know it can’t be easy.”

“It hurts to see him get sad or frustrated. He’s feeling a lot of pressure and I don’t know how to
take that away from him.”

“Don’t. He’s not crumbling under it, so let him learn how to deal with it on his own.”

“Jungkook-”

“He’s strong, Jimin. He can deal with it, I promise.”

“I-” he chokes on the words he wants to say, fear making his throat constrict painfully. Jungkook
senses the change and immediately changes their position so he can hover over Jimin and look
down at him. He holds Jimin’s face tilted up by the chin so he can’t escape the alpha’s gentle
eyes.

“We’re safe,” Jungkook reassures him immediately. Just like he always does when the past catches
up to Jimin again. “I won’t let anything harm you and Moonbyul. I swear.”

“We haven’t heard anything from Mina since spring, what if the Queen is-”

“We would have known by now if she’s planing something. You know that. Mina would have
found a way to reach out to you even if they tried to stop her.” He places a kiss on Jimin’s lips
before lowering his head so their foreheads touch. “We’re safe.”

Jimin inhales slowly and deeply, trying to take a hold of his emotions. Jungkook is right. Deep
down Jimin knows he’s right. But he can’t help how sometimes irrational fears make him crumble
unde their weight.

By some miracle, Mina hadn’t been banished for helping them escape. And after Jimin had
reached out once the war ended, they’d promised to keep in touch because they both suspected that
the Queen might one day try something. It hasn’t happened so far, but that doesn’t mean it never
will.

They’re slowly rebuilding the fallen clans by sending strong alphas that can protect the humans
from rogues and also help them get back on their feet. It’s a slow process. One that will last for
years to come.

But what if they’re growing weaker by sending away strong warriors that should be protecting the
pack instead? What if the Queen will realize that with each passing month their fighting numbers
are growing smaller?

“We should call back the alphas we sent further west at the beginning of summer. We should-”

“We have enough warriors protecting us. I promise, baby. You’re safe. I wouldn’t be so calm if
you weren’t. Trust me. I would never agree to something that would put you and Moonbyul in
danger. Every alpha I sent out there is one I could do without in a war.”

“But-”

“And I have you, don’t I?” Jungkook says lowly, lips pulled in a sweet smile. “My strong mage,”
he whispers almost reverently.

Jimin blushes, suddenly remembering Moonbyul’s words about how Jungkook praises Jimin’s
strength in front of the pup.

“Nothing will harm us as long as we’re together. You know that.”

Jimin nods solemnly. He’s right.

As long as they’re together, they will always be safe.

::Atgeir::

Jimin hates to admit that even after so many years he still hasn’t learnt how to properly control his
own pup.

He’s a human, there’s nothing he can do about it. He can’t put Moonbyul in his place or help him
the way Jungkook does. He tries. But he always fails. Just like now.

The pup snarls at the other alpha in front of him, postering in front of Jimin. He’s still small, barely
bigger than an adult dog, but that doesn’t stop him from holding his ground and making sure the
other alpha doesn’t get close to Jimin.

For a split second prinde swells in his heart, but is quickly banished by fear.

The alpha in front of them is not one Jimin recognizes. Him being in his wolf form makes it even
harder. The Jeon pack is big and Jimin had barely ventured outside their small village. There’s a lot
of people he doesn’t know. A lot of people that don’t accept his place in the pack. Not even now
that Jungkook is close to becoming Head Alpha. But they would never act on their anger. It’s the
only thing that keeps Jimin from being afraid to step outside their home.

“Moonbyul, baby-”

The bigger alpha growls and Jimin quickly stops moving, eyes on the wolf. Moonbyul’s paw hits
the ground beneath him, the beautiful flowers now dirtied and flat on the grass.

“Pup,” Jimin tries again. “I’m fine. Daddy’s fine, ok? You can calm down.”

Moonbyul snarls again, his ears not even twitching to show Jimin that he’s heard him.

“Please, baby. Listen to me.”

He closes his eyes briefly to reach out with his magic but the pup’s energy is clouded by deep
hatred and he jerks back into his own body, eyes wide.

His eyes snap to the bigger alpha, anger building inside of him as well. “What is the meaning of
this?” He asks loudly. “You will do well to remember who we are and step back!”

The alpha cocks his head to the side, crimson eyes narrowing dangerously. His lips pull back into a
snarl to show his teeth and Moonbyul does the same. His fangs haven’t even grown yet, but he still
doesn’t back down.

Jimin doens’t want to hurt the alpha. He can’t imagine the trouble he would be in with the pack if
he harms one of them. But he will have no choice if the alpha lounges at Moonbyul. He won’t sit
back and watch his pup get hurt.

The alpha lowers his chest to the ground and before Jimin can react, he jumps forward. Moonbyul
does the same in the blink of an eye, a little less agile than the older alpha.

A deep growl echoes around the clearing and then Jimin’s whole body buzzes with energy as
Jungkook’s black wolf jumps right between Moonbyul and the other wolf. Jungkook postures in
front of Moonbyul, his head held high as he snarls at the brown wolf. Moonbyul tries to move from
behind Jungkook but the alpha snarls at him and the pup stops, a small whine escaping him.

Jimin doesn’t say anything. He trusts Jungkook to handle the situation. But his fingers burn with
suppressed anger.

Jungkook growls deeply in his chest and the brown wolf changes instantly. A man stands in front
of them now, no older than twenty, Jimin would guess. Jungkook changes as well and then he’s on
the alpha.

He grabs the alpha by the neck, snarling in his face as the other lowers his eyes in submission.

“Were you threatening my pup and mate, Dong-Sun?!” Jungkook growls.

Jimin steps forward but Moonbyul stops him, still in his wolf form. He’s back to protecting Jimin.

“Your pup was hunting around my cabin,” he spits out, but still doesn’t dare to lift his eyes. “He’s
not welcomed here.”

Sparks rise on Jimin’s fingertips at the words. How dare this alpha says something like that.

“He wasn’t hunting!” Jimin snaps. “We were-”

“Shut up!” The alpha screams. Jimin’s eyes widen out of pure shock.

Jungkook’s low and threatening growl reaches his ears before he sees the alpha pushing the other
wolf on the ground. His hand is firm on the other’s nape and then he lowers his head to speak over
Dong-Sun scent gland.

“I don’t want to hurt you, Dong-Sun-ah.” Jimin shivers at Jungkook’s tone. “But I will not hold
back if you raise your voice at my mate again.”

Dong-Sun tries to break free from Jungkook’s grip, but the alpha is like a rock on top of him. In
the end, Dong-Sun closes his eyes and bares his neck. Jungkook scruffs his neck once before
pulling back.

“Leave,” he growls and the alpha hurries away.

Jungkook watches him go and then turns to walk up to them. Moonbyul is still in front of Jimin,
but he steps back immediately once Jungkook is close enough, to stand next to Jimin rather than in
front of him.

Jungkook crouches down in front of the pup, eyes soft. “You did good, pup.”

Moonbyul’s ears twitch and then he’s pushing his nuzzle in Jungkook’s neck. The alpha lets the
young wolf scent him for a moment.

“Change.”

The pup listens at once. He plops down on the ground and after a few moments he jumps back up
on two legs. He goes straight to Jungkook, shoulders tense.

“I was practicing sensing animals with my magic rather than my nose,” the pup starts explaining at
once. “I got distracted by a deer and started chasing it,” he says sheepishly. “I heard Daddy
screaming at me and then I saw that wolf and ran straight to Daddy.”
Jungkook nods approvingly at that. “Why did you get distracted by the deer?” He asks after, eyes
still gentle but his tone leaves no room for the pup to lie to him.

Moonbyul looks away for a moment before remembering to look at Jungkook again. Jimin almost
pulls the pup in his arms, but he knows he has to let Jungkook handle this.

“It looked old so I wanted to…hunt it. I heard that we’re already preparing for winter so I wanted to
help!” He says quickly, eyes wide and hopeful. “I can help, Appa.”

Jungkook is silent for a moment. He lifts his hand to cup Moonbyul nape gently and the pup’s
shoulders relax immediately.

“I know you can and I know that you want to. But you’re still too young. You have still to learn
how to control your instincts and today is only proof of that. You got distracted once, who says you
wouldn’t get distracted twice? And what if that happens right when you’re out hunting and for a
split second you lose sight of your prey and get seriously injured?”

Moonbyul lowers his eyes, a pout forming on his lips.

“But I want to help.”

Jungkook nods before standing up. “We will start hunting together so you can learn.”

The pup’s eyes light up. He lifts his arms and Jungkook quickly bends to pick him up. Jimin
choses that moment to step a little closer to them and both of them snap their eyes to him.

Jimin lifts his hand up to cup Moonbyul’s face before placing a kiss on his forehead. “Thank you
for protecting me.” The pup’s cheeks redden instantly and he looks away.

Jungkook chuckles but doesn’t say anything.

Jimin knows how much those words mean for the pup, that’s why he says them. Jimin could have
easily protected them both without breaking a sweat and Moonbyul knows that as well. But instinct
guided him to protect Jimin at all costs and he had been determined to prove that he is strong
enough to do it. It wrams Jimin’s heart.

His eyes meet Jungkook and the soft moment is broken when he sees the suppressed anger in them.
They will have to talk about what just happened. But not now. Not around Moonbyul.

::If I Had a Heart to Give::

Jungkook’s father dies right at the end of summer on the hottest day of the season.

The pack mourns for two weeks before a feast is prepared for the new Head Alpha.
The sky shines in hues of soft pinks and yellows as the pack celebrates with fresh meat the hunting
squad had prepared for the feast. The village is bustling with life. With laughter and happiness and
Jimin feeds off of every energy around him.

He’s happy the pack is so excited to see Jungkook become Head Alpha. Pride settles in his chest as
he watches Jungkook from afar.

His mate.

He stands in the middle of a circle made up of pups as they sing and dance around him and paint
his upper body with blood from a bear Jungkook himself had hunted for this very reason.

The alpha stands tall, eyes fixed on Jimin and Moonbyul. The pup is eagerly waiting the moment
he has to walk and stand by Jungkook’s side as his heir.

From the corner of his eyes he sees Hoseok and Yoongi talking with Namjoon. They’ve travelled
to celebrate with them and Jimin is happy to see them again, he’s missed them.

After the pups stop singing, they part to make way for Moonbyul and Jimin nudges the pup
forward with a gentle hand on his back.

“Go,” he says softly.

Moonbyul fidgest a little, eyes moving rapidly between Jungkook, Jimin and the big crowd around
them.

“Don’t be nervous. You deserve to stand by his side.”

The pup looks up at him, teeth biting into his lower lip to keep his emotions in check. Jimin lowers
himself to be at eye level with him.

“You will be a great Head Alpha one day. You’ve proven yourself time and time again to Appa and
I. Now its time to prove yourself to them as well. Don’t be embarrassed. Don’t shy away from the
title you’ve earned.”

The pup nods solemnly, back straightening and then he steps forward. Steps sure and steady.

Jimin watches with tears gathering in his eyes as Jungkook lifts his hand to paint Moonbyul’s upper
body with the same runes the pups had put on him before guiding Moonbyul to stay by his side.

Silence falls over them as the whole pack watches their current and future leader.

Jimin expects Jungkook to say something or to simply tell them they can go back to celebrating.
But the alpha lifts his hand and Jimin’s heart stops beating.

His eyes are piercing yet gentle as they look at Jimin. His request as clear as day.

Jimin’s knees tremble slightly, but he keeps his back straight and eyes only on Jungkook as he
walks to them.

The pack watches carefully as he continues walking, whispers reaching his ears. But they are just
surprised, not malicious. Once he’s in front of the alpha, Jungkook bends down to kiss the mark on
his neck and silence falls all around them once again. Jimin blushes deeply but doesn’t say a word.

When he pulls back, Jimin lifts his eyes to look at his mate, their bond fluttering bright and
powerful between them.
Jungkook’s first action as Head Alpha is to solidify Jimin’s position in the pack once again.

“What now?” Jimin whispers, half embarrassed and half endeared.

Jungkook smirks down at him, head tilted to the side. Looking very much like the warrior Jimin
had fallen in love with so many years ago.

“Now I try to keep myself back from stealing you away.”

Jimin’s eyes widen and he quickly looks downt at Moonbyul. The pup is watching the other pups
still standing around them, oblivious to Jungkook’s words.

“I hate you,” Jimin whisper-yells.

“I hate you too,” Jungkook says, eyes twinkling with love.

::Midgard::

“Are you nervous?” Jungkook whispers into his ear, the wind making it a little harder for Jimin to
understand him.

Jimin gulps, tongue heavy in his mouth.

“I haven’t seen him in two years, so yes.”

“Hmm. I’m sure he’s fine. He would have reached out otherwise.”

Jimin leans back into Jungkook’s chest with a sigh, eyes closing for a moment. Winter has come
and the snow has already settled. Jungkook’s chest is warm against his back. The alpha runs so hot
Jimin thinks that if he couldn’t use his magic to warm himself Jungkook would keep him warm just
by holding him in his arms.

The alpha pulls Jimin closer to him to wrap the mage up in his heavy fur. He knows Jimin doesn’t
need it, but his alpha must be going crazy with how little clothes Jimin is wearing.

“Are you sure you’re not cold?” He asks, lips pressed firmly on Jimin’s mating mark. Jimin almost
makes fun of him for caving into his alpha’s instincts, but he doesn’t. He tilts his head to give
Jungkook more access to his neck instead and the alpha hums in approval.

“I’m not, Alpha.”

Jungkook grunts, a low embarrassed sound that makes Jimin chuckle.

“My alpha is killing me.”

“I’m sorry.”

Jungkook bites his neck playfully before licking the skin to make the small twinge of pain
disappear.

“You love it when I act like this, admit it.”

Jimin snuggles closer to the alpha and Jungkook’s arms get tighter around him.

“Yes, I do.”

After so many years Jimin is always quick to admit his feelings for the alpha, even if he feels a
little bit shy. He does love when Jungkook acts like this. He knows Jungkook can’t really control
himself. His alpha is driven by pure instincts and his love for Jimin and how could Jimin ever get
mad at that?

He finds it beautiful that the alpha loves him so much that Jungkook can’t hold himself back when
the alpha pushes him to make sure Jimin is safe and sound.

“You smell so sweet. Are you trying to make me beg for you to let me have you again?”

Jimin blushes at Jungkook’s teasing tone, fingers grabbing at the alpha’s arms to steady himself as
the dragon plunges down a little out of nowhere before flying in a straight line again.

“Like you would beg,” Jimin scoffs.

“For you,” the alpha whispers lowly in his ear. “Always.”

Jimin swats his thigh and pulls himself back up. Needing the space. He’s too sore to take the alpha
again and they also can’t stop for another night. They’re already two days late because of
Jungkook’s scorching touches and lewd words that never failed to make Jimin crumble.

But he’s not angry at the alpha for it. He knows how much Jungkook has been working in the last
months and how many nights they’ve spent more apart than closely holding each other. He’s
missed the alpha as well. He can’t count on two hands the nights he’d wake up softy crying for his
mate because he couldn’t sense Jungkook’s energy closely.

Everything that happened still hangs heavy on his heart and mind and no matter how many times
he sees with his own eyes that they are safe, the fear never leaves his soul fully.

Jimin’s spent half of his life training and fighting, he can’t just forget all about it. But he’s getting
better. The last few months have been tougher due to Jungkook’s absence, but he’s slowly getting
back to feeling lighter on his feet the more time he spends with Jungkook.

They’re both better when they are together. And even happier around Moonbyul.

Humans always react badly when they see Jimin landing with the dragon around their small clans
and he can’t fault them for it. They’re scared of the unknown, Jimin really can’t be mad about it.

They watch with big eyes as Jungkook jumps down first and then lifts his hands to wait for Jimin
and then their eyes get even bigger when the dragon turns to look at Jimin before flying up into the
sky again.
Once he’s gone, Jimin senses the fear slowly leaving their boodies.

A tall figure steps from the middle of the small crowd. His hair is longer now, much longer. But
he’s still as lanky as ever. Jimin knows how hard he’s working to rebuild everything they’ve lost in
the war.

“Taehyung,” Jimin breathes, feet already taking him to the tall mage.

They crash into each other, eyes closed and arms tightly wrapped around the other. They don’t
speak. Don’t even breathe as they let their energies flutter together.

“I’ve missed you.”

“I’m sure he’s better company than me,” Taehyung murmurs after pulling back, eyes on Jungkook.
The alpha is right behind Jimin now, one arm secured around his waist. Jimin bites back the
protest threatening to spill past his lips. They’re not in any danger, Jungkook does’t need to posture
in front of Taehyung.

Before they can say another word, ten wolves rush to stand in line in front of Jungkook. They bow
their heads, necks slightly tilted in submission. Jungkooks steps back from him to stand in front of
the ten alphas.

“Head Alpha,” one of them says. It’s just two words, but they’re spoken so loudly and surely, full
of admiration. Jimin internally swoons at the display of submission for his mate.

Jungkook nods at them and the alphas lift their heads to look at him.

“I hope you’re all healthy.” It’s the first thing Jungkook says and the alpha’s smile and nod,
relaxing their stance.

“The mage is hard to work with, but we are doing our best to comply to his requests.”

“I’m sorry, what?!” Taehyung snaps, eyebrows narrowed.

The alpha that said that straightens his back, eyes flying between Taehyung and Jimin as if he’s
only now remembering they’re here as well. “I- uh-”

“Thank you for working so hard,” Jungkook says, sparing the young alpha he embarrassment of
trying to apologie without actually apologising. “I will be sending another group to help around
here after we leave. The winter is already too harsh for you to handle it alone.”

“Thank you, Alpha.”

They walk further into the forest after that with the alphas guarding Jungkook’s back and sides.
There’s no need for it. Everyone knows that if need be, the alpha can protect himself. But he is
their Head Alpha now and they don't shy away from showing their devotion to him. It makes Jimin
wink up at the alpha, a joke burning the tip of his tongue but Jungkook pinches his side and pulls
his upper lip up in a silent snarl, eyes twinkling with amusement and Jimin looks away, cheeks
aflame.

Once they step into the small village, Taehyung pulls him aside and Jimin lets himself be dragged
away, eyes averted. But Jungkook’s eyes burn on his back until the second they are out of sight.

“Your hair is shorter,” the mage says while hastily throwing some logs on the fire.
They’re in the main cabin, the one bigger families use until every cabin is built. But nobody is
around now, they’re all wandering around doing their chores.

“Oh,” Jimin lifts a finger to his hair. It only reaches his nape now, the long waves long gone.
“Yeah. It started annoying me during training.”

“It looks good on you. Have you heard from Mina?”

Straight to the point. Jimin looks at the flames, his eyes hard.

“Not since spring.”

“That can’t be good.”

Jimin shrugs, trying to look unperturbed.

“Jimin, what if-“

“She would have reached out if something was going on,” Jimin says curtly, trying to hold on to
Jungkook’s words like a lifeline.

He feels as anxious as Taehyung, but they can’t lose their minds over something they can’t
control.

They have to trust Mina just as they’ve done over the past years.

Jimin can’t let anything distract him from his family and the work they’re trying to do around the
land.

The humans are slowly getting back on their feet again. Slowly learning how to live without
constantly fearing for their lives and Jimin is also still learning how to enjoy the love he’s been
blessed with without feeling like it will be taken away from him in the blink of an eye.

“We’re fine.” It’s a reminder to himself more than a promise to the other mage.

Their visit to Taehyung’s clan is short due to Jungkook’s role in the pack. A Head Alpha can’t
wander about for far too long. His place is in the pack. And no matter how much Jimin wants to
stay a little bit longer by Taehyung’s side to allow their bond to grow stronger, his place is next to
Jungkook.

They leave at dawn three days later, right before the sun can shine on the fields covered by snow.
And if on the way to Taehyung they took the liberty to stop as many times as they wished, they
hold back now.

Jimin senses the alpha is quite anxious about being so far away from the pack for too long so he
requests to stop and rest only for one night before continuing their way back home.
::momentary::

Jungkook is usually the one that’s always hard on Moonbyul. He has to be. His mate knows best
how to teach the young pup control and so Jimin never tries to intervene anymore.

But sometimes, when the nights are long and cold, Jungkook shows his softer side to his pup.

They’re cuddling in front of the fire in Moonbyul’s room after a tiring day of training and meetings
and even hunting, and Jimin swears he can see the love Jungkook holds for them radiating off of
the alpha in gentle waves.

Moonbyul shifts between them, his white fur brushing against Jimin’s front. Jungkook’s smile
grows and his arms tighten around Jimin’s waist to pull both him and the pup closer. Moonbyul
nuzzles deeper into Jungkook’s chest at that, a low pleased rumble slipping from his lips.

“Remember when he used to sleep only in his wolf form after you taught him how to change at
will?”

Jungkook snorts, making Moonbyul’s ear twitch in attention.

“Remember how possessive he used to get of you in his wolf form? Look at him now, not even
giving me a look for being so close.”

Jimin’s eyes soften as he looks at the pup between them, fingers threading through his delicate fur.

“Do you think he didn’t realize back then that I wasn’t an omega?” Jimin whispers, tongue heavy.

He’s always wondered if Moonbyul will miss having an omega’s presence in his life while
growing up. Always wondered if the love he has to give the pup will be enough to transcend his
wolf’s needs.

Jimin had never been able to scent the pup like he saw omegas doing every day around the pack.
Had never been able to tug the pup in a nest that would smell strongly of him to comfort him after
a hard day.

Jungkook’s lips brush his cheek and his eyes lift to the alpha. There’s only trust and love
swimming in his mate’s eyes and Jimin has to look away to not get too overwhelmed by it.

“He was always aware of it,” Jungkook says firmly. “His overprotectiveness was and is still driven
by his love for you, not by raw instincts.”

Jimin sighs before cuddling closer to the pup, seeking more of his warmth.

“I know…”

“Then why are you letting it sadden you?”

Jimin shrugs, not really having an answer.

“You’re perfect, Jimin.” Jungkook moves until he’s whispering over Jimin’s lips, his big body
covering both him and the pup. “You’re the best mate and father. You’ve given your all to learn
how to be good to Moonbyul and the pack and I’m so grateful. I love you.”

Jimin closes his eyes, cheeks aflame.

“Shut up,” he whines. He always gets like this when Jungkook gets so honest and vocal. Jimin can
feel Jungkook’s love for him and their pup every single day through their bond, but to hear the
alpha speak it out into the world so freely and strongly still makes him shy.

Jungkook kisses him softly before moving up his cheek then down again, placing sweet kisses all
over his face.

“I love you and Moonbyul more than anything else in this world. If something were to happen to
you two…” his voice breaks and Jimin moves so their foreheads rest against one another.

“We’re safe.”

“You are,” Jungkook says thickly. It sounds like a promise but also like a reminder that they are
indeed safe and sound.

Moonbyul shifts between them before the tears threatening to spill from Jimin’s eyes actually
become too heavy and both of their attention shift to the pup.

Jungkook pulls back so the pup can move easily. He stands up, hovering over them for a moment.
He’s still small enough even in his wolf form to sleep with them sometimes.

His eyes move from Jimin to Jungkook before finally settling on Jimin. He holds his breath as he
watches the pup plop half of his body on Jimin’s chest, nose buried in his neck.

Jimin exhales shakily, arms moving to wrap around the pup. He turns a little to look at Jungkook
only to have his breath stolen by the look in the alpha’s eyes.

The whiteness of his big eyes is red, fat tears no doubt clouding his vision. He hovers over them,
his body between the door behind him and Jimin.

There’s only love in his eyes and heart and Jimin sees and feels all of it like it's his own. And it
might as well be because he can’t even feel where the alpha’s energy begins and his ends.

When one tear starts trailing down his cheek, the alpha dares to move closer until he’s curled
against Jimin, one arm wrapped over the pup and Jimin.

They don’t talk anymore. There are no words that could ever be stronger than what they are feeling
now.

Jimin closes his eyes and lets himself fall asleep feeling loved and safe.
::A Howling Wilderness::

On the first day of spring when the sun shines the brightest and the birds finally sing loudly in the
forest, Jimin snaps wide awake, heart hammering in his chest.

He scrambles off the bed in a haste. Jungkook shoots up as well, alarmed by Jimin's sudden
movements. He’s in front of Jimin, looking straight at the door as if someone might step in at any
moment to attack them. But they’re not in danger.

“Alpha,” Jimin whispers, forcing himself to calm down so his energy can will Jungkook to relax as
well.

The alpha’s shoulder tense even more before his muscles finally relax and he turns to look down at
Jimin. His face is puffy, hair a mess on the top of his head.

“What is it?” He asks, alarmed but restrained.

“Mina will reach the border by midday.”

Jungkook's eyes widen slightly, fear replacing the sleepy fog from them.

“Are we in danger? Did she say-“

“No. No we’re not,” Jimin says quickly, one hand stroking Jungkook’s cheek. “She’s here for her
yearly visit.”

“She’s one year late.”

Jimin chuckles, energy buzzing in him to move. To go and wait for the other mage.

Jungkook sense it and steps back from him after kissing him sweetly on the lips.

“I will take care of Moonbyul. Go.”

“Are you sure?” Jimin doesn’t want to burden the alpha with more work on top of everything else
he has to do.

“Of course,” Jungkook says easily. And then Jimin doesn’t think twice before getting dressed and
running out of the house.

He’s fidgeting, the melting snow making him slip and almost fall more times than he’s willing to
admit.

The forest is quiet so far away from any village, but Jimin senses the few alphas quitely protecting
him from behind the trees.

A part of him wants to make them leave, they would listen to him. But he knows Jungkook needs
to feel like he’s doing something for Jimin. Like he’s protecting him even when he’s so far away.
His rut is bound to come any day now and even though Jungkook has become a champion at
keeping himself in check in his pre-rut, some instincts are still harder to suppress and Jimin doesn’t
mind it. It’s not like Jungkook is keeping him from walking out of their room.

The wind shifts and for a moment Jimin holds his breath. His energy flickers and then there it is-
something tugging at it. Something gingerly making its presence known so as to not startle him.

When she steps through the tall trees into the small clearing, Jimin runs forward. Mina meets him
halfway with the same force and they collide before almost falling on the ground.

“Did you miss me that much?” Her laughter echoes all around them, soft and airy.

Jimin hums, suddenly a little shy.

They haven’t ever had the time to really get to know each other and create a strong bond. But Jimin
has felt strongly connected to her since the day she helped him save Jungkook and escape Althea.

She had fought with him to save his mate. Jimin will never forget it.

“Why are you here? Why didn’t you reach out for a whole year? What happened?” Jimin blurs out
while pulling back.

She sighs dramatically. “Talk later. Now I just want to sleep.”

Jimin nods quickly before looking around quickly. “Can you keep walking? The village is a few
hours away.”

Her eyes narrow. “Yeah. I’m fine.”

But she’s not really fine. Her energy is radiant and strong, but her body is heavy, her clothes a
mess. And-

“You’re alone. What about J-“

“We broke up last year. Long story.”

Jimin doesn’t push her more.

“There’s a few alphas around from the village. Should I call one to carry you?”

Her eyes light up and she quickly turns every way as she could see them.

“I knew I was sensing some strong energies around you but I couldn’t really understand what they
were. Now I remember that’s what Jungkook’s energy used to feel as well.”

Jimin nods and takes her hands in his. “So?”

“Call one of them. I have splinters all over my feet.”

Jimin steps back and looks around for a bit. He doesn’t actually know how to call for the alphas he
can sense around because he doesn’t know who’s there. He turns in the direction he can sense the
closest energy coming from and looks straight at it. A moment later, a tall alpha steps from behind
the tree.

His black hair falls around his shoulders and pelt. The tattoos under his eye and on his neck
contrasting with all the white around them. Jimin recognises those tattoos. He recognises the alpha.
“Seojun.”

The alpha nods and stops a few feet away, hands behind his back, feet wide apart. It’s like he’s
waiting for a command. It makes Jimin blush because Mina seems to notice it as well and whistles
lowly under her breath.

“I see you’ve done good for yourself,” she murmurs and Jimin turns his head slightly to hide the
mark on his neck in embarrassment.

“How can I help you, Jimin-ssi?”

His tone is polite. Slightly softer than the one he uses around Jungkook. He’s taken back to that
day so many years ago when he’d crossed the border to the Jeon pack for the very first time. Back
then the alpha had been rude and on guard around him. Now he’s respectful and still on guard, but
for different reasons.

“This is Mina,” he says finally. “I’m sure Jungkook has told you about her before.” The alpha nods
in acknowledgement without looking at her. That seems to anger Mina because she steps in front of
Jimin, hand outstretched to the big alpha.

“Hello,” she says in a sweet voice. The alpha looks at her hand for a split second before shifting to
look at Jimin over her head.

Jimin smiles and gestures for the alpha to take her hand. He does so slowly. When he moves to pull
away, the mage holds him fast.

“Are you mated?” She asks suddenly and Jimin almost chokes on his spit.

“Mina-“

“No.”

The alpha’s response cuts him off. Jimin’s eyes widen. He hadn’t expected the alpha to answer.

“Then would you please carry me to the village? I’m very tired and sleepy.”

She’s so…polite and sweet. Jimin just stands behind her, not knowing how to react.

The alpha eyes her carefully. For a few long moments none of them move and then the alpha bends
to wrap one strong arm under Mina’s knees and the other around her small back before lifting her
up.

She wraps her hands around his neck, eyes focused on the alpha’s tattoos and eyes. He looks away
from her, jaw set tight. Their eyes meet and Jimin quickly starts walking ahead to let the alpha
guard his back.

Seojun carries Mina all the way to a room Jungkook had prepared for her. She falls asleep as soon
as her head hits the pillow, waking up the next day at noon.

They’re in the main hall together eating when she finally slips through the big doors, Seojun right
behind her. Jimin had asked the alpha to be the one guarding her during her stay here because it
seemed like she was comfortable with his proximity.
Moonbyul snaps to attention, no doubt sensing her magic and Jimin turns to speak softly in his ear.

“Remember when I told you about a friend that helped me and Appa a lot?”

“Yes,” the pup whispers. Meal now forgotten. Jungkook had stood up, already talking to Mina a
few feet away.

“Her name is Mina and she’s a very strong mage. Me and Appa trust her so you don’t have to be on
guard around her.”

“Will she be here for long?”

“We don’t know yet. She was too tired yesterday to speak much.”

The pup nods and then he’s back to his meal. Jimin stands up to walk to Jungkook and Mina. Her
eyes are on Moonbyul.

“He’s all grown.”

“He’s still small.”

“In a human’s eyes, yes. But he’s probably already learning how to hunt, right?” She asks
Jungkook. The alpha nods, his chest puffing out a little. Jimin holds back his laugh. “Then he’s not
that small anymore.”

“Are you hungry?” Jimin asks, wanting to change the subject. He gets emotional whenever he’s
thinking of how fast his pup is growing up.

She jumps a little on her feet in excitement. It makes her look like the girl Jimin remembers even
though she’s obviously grown into herself. She’s a little taller now and her face is sharper.

They take their seats at the table and Seojun leaves after Jungkook tells him he can rest until
they’re done eating.

Silence settles over the table. Jimin notices Jungkook gradually leaning closer and closer to Jimin
until their chairs are glued together and the alpha’s big hand reaches out to rest on his thigh. Jimin
turns to smile at the alpha, trying to reassure him silently that he’s alright and safe.

Jungkook’s eyes are slightly hooded, but clear enough to not make Jimin wonder if they need to go
have a moment alone. The apha has truly gotten better at controlling his pre-rut.

After a few minutes Moonbyul finishes his meal and Jimin tells him he’s free for the rest of the
day. The pup runs out of the room after brushing his cheek on Jungkook’s neck briefly.

“I want to move here.”

Jimin chokes a piece of meat. Jungkook pats his back immediately, nosing along his jaw to calm
him down. Once he’s calm, Jungkook turns to face Mina.

“Did something happen in Althea?”

Shadows dance on her face as she suddenly looks angry. Her eyes haunted by painful memories.
Jimin’s back straightens.

“The Queen convinced Minho and Yuna to block my magic. That’s why I couldn’t communicate
with you for a whole year.”
Jimin gasps, hands turning to ice. She lived without her magic for a whole year? Dread fills his
body. He’d gone without his magic only for a few days and it’s still one of the worst things he ever
felt. But to not feel it for a whole year… he shudders.

“Because of us…” Jimin whispers, tears welling in his eyes.

“I don’t regret a single thing I did,” she says fiercely. “She would have used you to wage a bigger
war on our land. We can’t keep doing that. We can’t keep destroying each other.”

“Did- did they do something else?” He asks, fear making his voice tremble.

She laughs dryly, leaning back on the chair. “You know taking my magic away was more than
enough.”

Jimin nods curtly and shuts his mouth. There’s truly nothing to say to make her forget that pain.
That emptiness that was so great it felt bone shattering.

“I never forgot what you did for us,” Jungkook says slowly. Mina looks to him, hands crossed over
her chest as if to protect herself against anything the alpha might throw at her. “You are free to start
a new life here. This pack will be your home if that’s what you wish.”

Jimin clutches Jungkook’s hand under the table, silently thanking him for being so gentle and
understanding.

Mina watches Jungkook for a while. She’s unsure, keeping her guard up to protect herself and
Jimin understands her reaction. He would do the same. He just hopes that she can see that
Jungkook is not putting on a mask for her. The alpha will continue to be nice to her as long as she
doesn’t try to put the pack in danger. Something they both know she wouldn’t do. She has a gentle
heart. She didn’t deserve what happened to her for a whole year.

Her eyes close before she slowly lowers her head at Jungkook. “Thank you.”

Jungkook nods and she lifts her head, this time looking at Jimin.

“They don’t have the numbers to attack,” she says quickly. “They never will. Maybe they will try.
Maybe we will hear rumours, but we can’t let ourselves believe them. I know what I saw and heard
while I was still there. Their army will never be strong enough to take out alpha warriors. And we
also have you and the dragon. We will be safe.”

“I believe you.”

“Good.”

“Is there something you wish to do? Or would you like to take some time to accommodate before
we talk about that.”

She looks at Jungkook again, body a little more relaxed.

“I want to be active for a while. I need to get used to using my magic again. Are you still sending
out groups to fight off feral alphas?”

“Yes. We haven’t during the winter, but a new group will leave in two weeks to the north.”

“I want to go.”

“Mina, are you sure?”

“I need to do this I- I’m weak. Not to the point that I can’t be of help out there, but enough to make
me feel sick with myself. I’ve trained all my life, but they managed to weaken me with one move. I
need to regain my strength. Fighting out there will help me.”

“If that’s what you want then I will allow it.”

“Thank you.”

The days pass quickly after that. Jimin spends every morning in Jungkook’s arms, being
thoroughly scented before meeting with Mina to show her as much of the pack before she has to
leave.

When the day comes, Jimin’s surprised to find Seojun standing behind Mina at the gate, two bags
over one shoulder.

“He requested I let him join the group,” Jungkook mutters as they walk closer to the small group of
alphas.

Six alphas and a human mage on their way to the North to kill feral wolves. Jimin thinks it’s only
right that that human is Mina and not anyone else. She’s strong enough to stand up to any alpha.

“Why?”

“Do you really have to ask?” The alpha chuckles and realization sinks in.

“Don’t tell me-“

“He’s feeling what I felt but doesn’t really know what it means and I didn’t tell him. They need to
find their way to each other on their own if they're meant to.”

“You’re so romantic,” Jimin whispers, cheeks aflame.

“I guess I can’t help it. You’ve ruined me.”

“You’re so dramati-“

“Alpha.”

Jimin is cut off by the greeting. He shuts his mouth and shifts to face the group. Mina stands in the
middle of them, arms crossed over her chest. She’s dressed in the clothes Jimin had given to her,
but he doesn’t recognise the fur draped on her shoulders. She doesn’t even need it.

She catches him staring at the fur and her cheeks suddenly flare up.

Oh .

Jimin looks behind her at the tall alpha. His eyes are on Jungkook, listening to every word of
advice the Head Alpha has for them, but his body is slightly angled towards Mina in a protective
manner without seeming too obvious.

Maybe if it were someone else, Jimin would be a little scared for the mage. But he knows Seojun.
Over the years Jungkook had trusted the alpha a lot to guard both him and their pup and his mate
would have never done that if Seojun wasn’t a good alpha. An alpha that deserves to be granted
such trust.

He would treat Mina well, even if he might not know exactly how at first. He will learn.

They leave right after Jungkook is done talking, ordering them all to return safely. Mina reaches
out to Jimin with her magic and he meets her halfway. He senses her excitement. No sign of fear.
It’s all he needs to watch her leave without feeling any worry.

::nyepi::

Sometimes he swears he will never wake up to see another day during Jungkook’s ruts and
sometimes he feels like he’s not getting enough of it.

This one is the latter.

They’ve been locked up in their old cabin for three days now, going at it like rabbits. Ever since
they stumbled inside after Jungkook’s rut hit during one of his meetings and he had to quite
literally sweep Jimin away from his training with Namjoon, the alpha’s been manhandling Jimin
into every position.

Jungkook fucked him bent over the kitchen table after Jimin had tried to get the alpha to eat
something on the first day. And then on the wall in the hallway. Bent over the edge of the bed
before being pushed into the mattress, legs spread wide. On his side with one leg draped over the
alpha. On his back while Jungkook licked him clean and fucked another orgasm out of Jimin with
his tongue.

But it’s still not enough even for him. Not enough because the alpha has yet to knot him.

Jungkook doesn’t knot him during every rut. Sometimes he doesn’t feel the need to if his ruts are
too close one after another. But the alpha’s last rut has been more than six months ago, Jimin can
sense that he needs to knot him.

And Jimin will let him.

The first time Jungkook had knotted Jimin had been outside of his rut. They both knew that the
alpha needed to be in his right mind to make sure that Jimin’s first time taking his knot will go
smoothly. It had taken a lot of stretching. A lot of oils and a lot of patience from Jungkook. But the
night had ended with Jungkook deeply buried inside Jimin, pumping him full with cum while
Jimin’s walls were stretched obscenely around his fat knot.

Jimin will never be able to put into words how good it feels to take Jungkook’s knot. How
fulfilling it is to see the alpha so utterly lost in pleasure above him.

He feels like that now. Feels like the most beautiful man in the world. Like the most loved mate
that has ever walked this land. Because Jungkook looks down at him with so much hunger and
devotion swimming in his red eyes that it takes Jimin’s breath away.

Jungkook always looks at him tenderly, with love and care. But during his rut, the alpha acts on
instincts. He’s less restrained. Less gentle. He’s so purely driven by his feelings for Jimin that he
can barely control himself.

Sometimes he’s so urgent in the way he wants to fuck Jimin that he switches positions four times
in one minute.

Jimin would be riding Jungkook, marveling at how the alpha looks at him, admiring him. And
then he’s forced face down, ass up and just as he’s getting used to that position he’s back to
watching the alpha move above him with barely restrained strength.

He loves every moment of it. There’s nothing he would change.

Jungkook’s hand slips from his hip and an angry growl bounces off the walls before that strong
hand he loves so much is back on his skin, harsher this time.

The alpha is barely vocal at this point. Until now he managed to murmur soft praises from time to
time or hurried questions to make sure Jimin is alright. But now he’s just grunting over the mating
mark on Jimin’s neck, cock moving in and out of him with abandon.

He’s so sore and has come so many times he can’t even get hard anymore, but the pleasure is still
there. Feeling Jungkook like this is still the best thing. His toes curl and his fingers dig in the
alpha’s back, spine arching.

Jungkook growls and pushes himself deeper and then he starts growing bigger.

It’s overwhelming. Jimin cries and whines. He tries to hide the sounds by biting on the alpha’s
shoulder, but nothing can keep him quiet when he’s stretched so fully. When he’s claimed so
thoroughly by his alpha.

It’s why they always spend Jungkook’s rut as far away from everyone.

When they used to live in their cabin they had to travel for almost half a day to go far away in the
forest where Jungkook had another tiny cabin built for them with only one room and a small
kitchen. But now that they live in the main house, they can go back to their first cabin during the
alpha’s ruts. They both feel the safest there. It’s their first home. The place both of them hold
closely to their heart.

“Mate,” Jungkook grunts out and Jimin shifts to show more of his neck to the alpha. A low sound
of approval sends shiver down his spine.

Jungkook presses himself harder into him, pinning Jimin down with all his weight before stilling
above him. His knot is fully formed and stuck inside Jimin. And then he comes. He shudders and
growls and snaps his hips wantonly to chase his release. He comes so much Jimin feels his lower
belly grow tender. He already had so much of the alpha inside.

It makes him dizzy. Makes him cry harder. Makes him cling to the alpha and instinctively want to
be cuddled and kissed gently.

Jungkook places his hand on his belly, fingers pressing into the tender mound. His red eyes move
slowly to watch Jimin and he forgets how to breathe.

The room falls quiet, he can no longer hear his own heartbeat. There’s only Jungkook. So big and
strong above him. His Jungkook. His mate looking so closely at him with desire and love and raw
need in his big eyes.

“Mine,” the alpha growls and everything returns to him full force.

He’s heaving, fingers hurrying to hold the alpha closer. It’s not that nice after the euphoria leaves
his body. He’s aching all over and the pressure in his belly and inside him as the alpha’s knot has
yet to loosen, is strong enough to make him tremble and cry a little bit harder.

Jungkook rubs his cheek all over Jimin’s face and neck, trying to comfort him. He rains gentle
kisses over any inch of skin he finds without having to move so as to not hurt Jimin.

And it helps. It always does.

He calms down gradually until the both of them breathe against each other steadily.

When the alpha finally slips out, his nostrils flare and his mouth is on Jimin again.

“ Alpha ,” Jimin croaks out, beyond sore and sensitive and Jungkook slows down, but doesn’t pull
away.

He’s gentle enough that Jimin lets him be and just lays there, eyes closed and limbs feeling like
stone as the alpha feasts on him.

He doesn’t remember falling asleep. But he remembers waking up a few hours later with
Jungkook’s mouth on him again and then everything turns to black again.

He always gets too exhausted to remember much after Jungkook knots him. That’s why Jungkook
never fucks him again after knotting him. He licks and sucks Jimin, but doesn’t make him take his
cock again.

Jimin had tried to tell the alpha that he can fuck him when he’s like this, that he wouldn’t mind.
But Jungkook had immediately disagreed, saying he wouldn’t draw any pleasure from Jimin if he
couldn’t hear his sounds or look into his eyes.

Two days later, Jimin finally wakes up feeling conscious enough to blush while gingerly touching
each mark on his body with the alpha’s strong arms wrapped securely around his waist.

They still can’t leave the cabin because Jungkook is really sensitive after knotting Jimin and the
slight bulge still visible on his lower belly doesn’t help calming the alpha down.

His alpha must be screaming at him to protect his mate and unborn pup. Jimin just giggles and
basks in the alpha’s attention, loving the way Jungkook pampers him.

He’s more energetic than Jimin so he’s the one that cooks and makes sure Jimin eats before he
heats water for them so they can bathe.

Once he cleans Jimin and the bulge disappears as he gently coaxes every drop of cum from within
Jimin, his alpha relaxes and his eyes finally turn black.

That’s when Jungkook finally speaks again, his voice gruff.

“I love you.”
Jimin closes his eyes as the alpha kisses his forehead, fingers drawing circles over the alpha’s
heart.

“I love you.”

::saman::

Summers are Jimin’s favorite. Ever since the war ended, he got to finally enjoy the warm weather
to his heart’s content. Spurred on by Jungkook’s silent and encouraging actions.

At first he would be shy about lounging in the sun, half naked behind their cabin while Moonbyul
was taking a nap. But one day Jungkook had come home with a small bottle of cream, murmuring
something about how Jimin should apply it so he doesn’t get sun burn and then lazing in the sun
becomes a daily routine. On rare occasions, Jungkook plops down beside him, a wide grin
spreading on his lips.

He used to wonder if he can truly just fly out to the sea whenever he feels like it after making sure
Moonbyul is taken care of. Back then the pup was too young for Jimin to take with him and
Jungkook was alway busy shadowing his father. To show Jimin that he can do as he pleases, the
alpha had simply built a ladder for Jimin to use when he flies alone. They never got around to
teaching the dragon how to lower himself more on the ground so Jimin can get off him easily.

It was big gestures but also small ones that got Jimin to feel more comfortable, and as the years
passed, Jimin learned how to fully enjoy himself without feeling guilty.

One thing he loves to do it walk down the trail from their first cabin and deep into the forest until
he finds that small nook of paradise he’s found a few years back.

Tucked between large bushes and big trees, a small waterfall resides with a pool in front of it that’s
too small for more than three people to fit in it. It’s why Jimin has been stingy about showing it to
anyone for years. It’s why nobody but him and Jungkook know about it to this day.

He gets rid of his clothes hurriedly, buzzing with excitement as the strong rays of sun break on the
surface of the water in million tiny shiny pearls.

The water is lukewarm without him having to heat it up and he quickly jumps into it, feeling a little
too rebellious as he thinks back at the way he’d slipped away from Mina while training to come
here. Her mate will keep her company, Jimin doesn’t have to feel too guilty about it.

He reaches the middle in two strokes of his arms through the water and then he shifts to lay on his
back, eyes closing to enjoy the moment.

The waterfall is small, not really creating that much noise around him. It’s why he hears the steps
approaching slowly so easily. But he doesn’t stirr or jerk away. He’s too familiar with the energy
reaching out to him to be scared.

When the steps stop at the edge of the water, Jimin cracks his eyes open while swimming in the
shade to look up at Jungkook.

He’s completely naked, head cocked to the side. A few small and fresh cuts taint his chest and abs
and a sliver of pride fills Jimin’s chest.

“He’s starting to put up a good fight.”

Jungkook’s answering grin is telling enough. He’s proud as well. Not at all angry, or wounded that
their pup is actually managing to hurt him- even if slightly, during their training while still so
young. It shows that Jungkook is doing a good job at teaching him how to fight. It shows that he
will grow up to be strong. A reliable and strong alpha that Jungkook will step down from his
position as Head Alpha for.

“I heard Mina cursing you out,” Jungkook says as an explanation for why he’s here.

“You missed me. Don’t try to lie.”

The alpha’s eyes glint, gaze moving over Jimin’s naked torso as Jimin moves to stand in the water.
The hunger in them is so obvious Jimin almost crawls to the alpha.

“Come in.”

“Eager?” Jungkook hums, his proud smirk replaced by a much darker one.

“Yes,” Jimin breathes out, not at all shy to admit it. They haven’t been together for far too long
now, both of them always too tired after long days to do anything but cuddle each other to sleep.

Jungkook steps into the water, his hard cock making Jimin’s mouth water. When Jungkook is close
enough, his eyes move slowly up the alpha’s body. Over the dark trail that leads to that part of him
that Jimin almost aches to feel stretching him open. Up his strong abs and big chest. Over his wide
shoulders that make Jimin dizzy. He feels so small like this. Jungkook towers over him- he always
does, his frame so much bigger and broader than his. But when they’re both bare, the difference
feels that much greater.

He’s soft and plump in all the places Jungkook is hard like a rock. He reaches out to touch the
warrior’s body. His alpha’s body.

“Tell me you’re prepared to take me,” Jungkook grunts against his neck, hands kneading the flesh
of Jimin’s ass.

Jimin hums, not really able to open his mouth and respond. He’s too horny. Too focused on one
thing only to care much about anything else.

His hands wrap around the alpha’s neck and he hauls himself up on his own. Jungkook moves back
a little until the hot air of the late afternoon hits Jimin’s ass.

It should mortify him- being naked like this in the open. But the alpha would hear anyone
approaching for miles. He would never let anyone see Jimin like this.

He knows he’s a vision to behold- head thrown back with the sun shining down on his face. Teeth
sinking into his bottom lip. Back arched to make the alpha just take him.
And that’s exactly what Jungkook does. He’s too riled up to take it slow. They both are. When the
bulbous tip of his cock breaches Jimin’s rim, he inhales shakily and hides his face in the alpha’s
chest.

He doesn’t need to adjust as the alpha lowers him until he’s fully stretched and s o full. Doesn’t
have to tell Jungkook to hold back.

Jungkook moves Jimin up and down his cock with two firm hands holding his tiny waist. It makes
him almost delirious. Jungkook moves him and holds him up like he’s as light as a feather.

“ A-alpha -“

The plea lacing the word echoes around them before being swallowed by Jungkook’s heated and
hurried lips. And then he’s being thrusted up and down faster. Harder.

Jimin is loud. Unabashedly. He wants the alpha to know how much he desires him. How much he
loves being with his alpha like this.

Jungkook is a little more animal than man in that moment. It’s in the way he doesn’t talk at all
once he’s inside Jimin. In the way his lips can’t settle on if he wants to kiss Jimin senseless or bite
and kiss all over his neck. In the way the base of his cock grows bigger and bigger, making Jimin
cry in pleasure.

But the alpha is still himself. He’s not in his rut and Jimin is not fucked out enough to take his knot
so he doesn’t try to force it inside.

Jimin’s release washes over him without a warning when Jungkook moves one hand to press over
his lower back, forcing Jimin closer to his strong body.

And soon after, as Jimin muffles his cries in the alpha’s neck and shakes with the force of his
orgasm, the alpha pushes him down one last time before keeping him still to come deeply inside of
him.

When they return to the training ground, Mina rolls her eyes and gestures for Jimin to come
forward to train again.

She doesn’t go easy on Jimin, and every time he whimpers and grunts from how sore his behind
feels, his cheeks burn brighter.

The only thing that keeps him from running to his room to sleep the pain away is the way he feels
Jungkook’s eyes burning the back of his neck as the alpha watches their training session.
When he was younger, Jimin had often hoped that their love would last forever. That no matter
what happens in this life, they will always find each other into the next until the end of time.

He’s always felt it to be true in his soul. Down to his core. His very life source was linked to
Jungkook and Jungkook was just as completely linked to him by his other half.

It wasn’t something any of them had ever been able to explain. But they always felt it.

“You’re getting old,” Jungkook calls out from ahead.

“I am old,” Jimin grumbles, huffing.

The alpha barks out a laugh, a sound so youthful Jimin’s heart clenches for a second. A strong
hand- one he could draw from memory at any give moment, takes hold of his arm before he’s
gently guided up the slope.

“I hate how you still can do this without breaking a sweat.”

Jungkook smiles down at him, chest puffing. It looks silly now than it did when he was younger,
but Jimin still smiles, endeared.

“We don’t have to go all the way up,” Jungkook assures him, his energy slightly troubled. He’s
worried. But he doesn’t need to be. Jimin might not be twenty years old anymore, but he’s not quite
bed ridden yet. He can walk up a hill. He can do it.

“Just…help me and walk slowly.”

Jungkook kisses the side of his head and gently guides Jimin forward with an arm wrapped around
his middle, the other holding his hand.

When they reach the top of the hill, Jimin swears his legs might give up. He plops down on the
grass, knees aching. Jungkook is in front of him in a second, massaging his ankles.

“I told you it wasn’t a good idea.”

“I wanted to watch the sunrise with you.”

“We could have watched it from down there as well.”

“It’s more beautiful and quiet up here.”

Jungkook shakes his head, not arguing any more. After a few moments Jimin tugs him close and
he settles next to the mage, pulling Jimin against his side.

JImin closes his eyes, enjoying the moment. The alpha’s heartbeat is steady, his energy calm. He’s
warm and content. Just as he always is when he’s with his mate.

“Tell me about Moonbyul,” he whispers. “Is he doing well?”

“You can go and visit him and ask him yourself,” the alpha says.

“Would you have wanted your father to barge into our cabin after our mating? I don’t want to
annoy him.”

“You wouldn’t,” Jungkook says quickly. “You know you wouldn’t.”

“Just tell me how he’s doing.”

A smile breaks on Jungkook’s lips, his small beard scratching Jimin’s cheek as the alpha bends to
peck him. He’s taken to growing his beard out more these days and although Jimin hates the
texture of it, the alpha looks handsome with it.

“He’s amazing,” Jungkook says finally, voice full of pride. “We trained him well, my love.”

Jimin closes his eyes, picturing their pup learning how to control his fire and alpha for so many
years under their guidance.

Now, Moonbyul is a respected and trusted Head Alpha. One that Jungkook had stepped down for
without a second thought to enjoy being by Jimin’s side more.

They weren’t growing any younger and every moment felt more special.

“Promise you will find me again,” Jimin whispers, breath hitching.

Jungkook’s arms tighten around him, his energy growing stronger as he senses Jimin’s turmoil.

“Only if you promise me the same.”

Jimin would laugh if his throat wasn’t aching so much while trying to keep his tears back.

“I know it in my heart, Jungkook. I know that we are meant to find each other again. I love you too
much for this to be the only chance I get to have you next to me.”

“I don’t know what’s out there,” Jungkook murmurs against his head, arms like iron around Jimin.
“I don’t know where I will go. I don’t know how far away you will be. But I will find you again. I
swear it to you. I will.”

Jimin bites his lip to hold back the sob that threatens to burst out of him. He nuzzles closer to the
alpha until all he can feel is the strong arms keeping him safe and the warmth under his cheeks.

Jungkook’s heart beats as frantically as his. His energy a mirror image of Jimin’s.

There would be nothing crueler in this world than to never feel this safe and loved again.

“I love you,” he whispers as the sun rises and they welcome yet another day together. “I will
always love you.”

Jungkook bends to place a feather-like kiss on the mark on his neck. He’s done it so many times
before, but it never fails to make Jimin burst from withing with unspoken feelings.

“I love you more than anything in this world. I will always love you. So wait for me. No matter
where you are- wait for me,” his voice breaks at the end and the wall inside Jimin shutters.

He cries into Jungkook’s chest until he’s left breathless. But he’s happy. As happy as he has been
for so many years as they lived in peace.

There’s nothing to be sad about when all he feels is love. Nothing to be sad about when he knows
he’s lived a life full of happiness by Jungkook’s side.

There’s nothing to be sad about when he knows that they will find each other again.
Across every moon and sun. Across time itself. They will find each other again. And they will love
each other just as fiercely and wholly.

Across the centuries, wolves have always whispered in fear the name of the Mad Wolf and of it’s
clan that never got to thrive in peace. They waged war after war on the land, blinded by greed and
power. But they were always defeated. Always backed against another corner where they had to
lick their wounds in silence and suffer until they were strong enough to rise back up.

It was a curse they couldn’t break free of. A curse that would taint their blood for generations.

Until it didn’t. Until one single Alpha strong enough to dream gambled his son’s own life away at
a chance for his pack to finally live in peace and prosperity.

The small boy stares up at him, his tiny nose scrunched in suppressed fear. The man’s heart
clenches. But there’s nothing he can do about it now.

“Appa-”

“Keep the egg close to you at all times. It will hatch by the time summer comes.”

The boy stumbles forward, his flowery scent withering to the point the alpha has to stop breathing
to keep the small omega’s fear and sadness away.

“I don’t want to go!” He wails, small face filled with fat tears.

“You will be treated well, my son. I promise-”

“But-”

“Our people need this,” the man cuts him off. “You are doing this for them. Not for me or you. But
for them. They’ve suffered enough.”

The boy shakes his head, tiny hands clutching the black and heavy egg. “I don’t want to leave,
Appa. I don’t want to be alone!”

The alpha stares at his seven year old pup before lifting his gaze to the two Jeon alphas waiting a
few feet ahead. They look annoyed by the pup’s wails and the alpha has to hold himself back from
embracing his son one last time.

“This is your duty, Jimin,” he says coldy. The boy stops crying, taken aback by his father’s sharp
tone. “You will give them everything they want. You will use that dragon to their heart’s content
and you will never try to defy them. It’s what you have to do to keep us safe. What you have to do
to give us a chance to finally be happy. Do you understand, son?”

The pup trembles with unshed tears. His eyes drift back to the closed gates behind the tall alpha.
His tiny shoulder rise and fall slower and slower as he calms himself down gradually.

“Will I be allowed to come back one day?” He asks softly, a stray tear falling down his chubby
cheek.

The alpha bends to wipe it away.

“If you’re good- if you listen to them, you will.”

The pup nods solemnly. He turns to watch the alphas behind before turning to his father again. The
alpha brushes his knuckles on the pup’s scent gland for one last time and then he pushes him back.

The pup stumbles back but quickly regains his footing and starts walking to the two alphas waiting
for him.

His father watches his only son leave with a heavy heart, but hope wells in his chest. This could be
the beginning of a better life. He has to believe so. He has to believe that he didn’t give his son to
the strongest clan in the land for nothing.

The pup turns around one last time before one of the Jeon alphas tug him forward into the dark
forest.

“Jimin-ah,” the tall alpha says, his eyes lowering to the boy that stands beside the Head Alpha with
his head held high. “This is my son, Jeon Jungkook. He will be looking after you from now on.”
Chapter End Notes

*whispers nervously* Hi?

I honestly didn’t plan for this to happen. I woke up one day, opened my phone and all
of a sudden I had 3k of this one-shot written and then I literally couldn’t stop.

Now let me address the elephant in the room, THE ENDING. SCREAM AT ME ALL
YOU WANT BUT YOU KNOW WHAT? YES. I DO HAVE A SEQUEL
PLANNED. Will I actually write it? Knowing me, probably. Will it happen next week
or anything soon? No, most likely not so I apologise for that. I will take my time to
write all of it before I start posting it to make sure I do it justice because these babies
deserve the best, so please be patient. I will continue to write other stories so dhsksbs
you won’t have the time to miss me because I’ll constantly be in your inbox with
another chapter or story posted.

All jokes aside, I’m so happy I came back to them. I cried while writing this and I
cried while thinking about where I could take them next and I’m just very I love
them so much

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