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Chapter Text

A long, long time ago, there was a young immortal god named Dionysus. He was a beautiful man with long hair and draped in the softest silk. So to say he was popular among his fellow gods and goddesses would be an understatement. Where he goes, Satyrs and his loyal female devotees, the  Marinades, followed. 

One fateful night while strolling through his vineyards, he was entranced by a goddess who gave him no attention; Selene, the goddess of the moon. She glowed bright in her independence; shining like a jewel. She was sure to taste as bitter and sweet as the wine he drinks every day in his goblet. And he wanted her. 

However, her eyes were always casted down to Earth, laid upon a mortal man. 

Dionysus watched her and she watched her human. 

Throughout the years he tried to gain her favor. He gifted her the highest qualities of wines and grapes. He threw grand scale parties in her honor. Offered gold, silver, silks, and servants. He even went as far as offering himself completely to her. For he was hers to use. 

Yet again, even after all the years he tried, her heart still belonged to her mortal. 

There was nothing he could offer her, and he was devastated. Leaving Dionysus with nothing but his hurt pride, she left the heavens entirely in pursuit of her love. 

He simmered as he watched. His temperment worsened the longer she stayed on Earth. Every giggle, every smile, every bit of happiness she had with her human, just made the god seethe with jealousy. Lead by drunken hate and envy, he swore he would get his revenge. 

Because if he was to be unhappy, then so would she.  

On the night when Selene gave birth to her child and returned to the heavens, Dionysus came up with a vicious plan. It wasn’t possible to cause any harm to Selene, for she was too wise for his tricks. Plus, she had the protection of her brother Helios, and her sister Eos. So he decided to go after her mortal. 

He too would start his own lineage on Earth and use his descendants to destroy hers. 

As much destruction as his direct descendants brought in the beginning, there came a period of silence. His lineage were moving farther and farther away from him and his influences. His hate had stopped spreading and he was all but done with his revenge. 

Before giving up entirely, he plotted one last scheme. He visited Earth and spilled a single drop of his wine from his goblet into the mouth of his last heir. Unknown of the poisoned wine in her body, his heir gave birth to a baby boy. 

Dionysus wasn’t done yet. 

Chapter Text

In three month's time I've come to understand a few things about being a full fledged omega wolf. 

First of all, the ridiculous amount of time I want to spend with Jungkook, as compared to the time I actually spend with him, is too drastic. And not in a good way. I’ve hardly had any time with him at all.

I’m way too busy, and that's my new normal. Nearly every day is filled with some type of training, or job, or responsibility I've gained since becoming a wolf. I’m learning something new all the time. Even on my days off I seem to be kept busy with some task, or I'm too tired that I stay in bed and sleep. It's been nonstop since my awakening and I wasn't prepared.

Honestly, I think this whole wolf thing is a lot harder than I expected. I never thought I'd be this busy.

And on top of all that, I still have Goddess Selene’s warning constantly in the back of my mind:

If we aren't careful, history will repeat itself. Dangerous and painful history. When everything was falling apart I didn't have the power inside of me to stay and take care of my family. I wasn't able to be there for them when others brought along destruction. But you can. You can be there for my family.

As something as vague as that, what’s a young wolf like myself supposed to do? I tried the whole constant vigilance thing, but I wore myself out so fast. I slept through not one, but two of our dates. I felt so bad. That convinced me I wasn’t going about it the right way. So naturally I tried not caring as much and told myself not to worry. But in the end it just made me more stressed.

Thankfully, I have a night off and so does Jungkook. So there’s no way I’m going to miss this opportunity. Because I think it’s time I confess exactly what Goddess Selene showed me in my vision and hopefully get his help. This has become too hard for me to handle alone. But I also don’t want to freak him out. I’d hate to think that he’d be bothered or scared by it, although I wouldn't blame him if he was.

Regardless, I’m exhilarated I get to see him. 

Just fifteen minutes early to our meet up spot on the north side of the mountain, and he’s already here. My heart is fluttering in my chest and I feel tingly. Especially when he looks up and meets my eyes. He smiles so wide that I’m convinced I’m the only person lucky enough to see him as such. He’s breathtaking. 

His hair is longer than ever, as it rests curly around his cheek bones. And his eyes reflect stars as he speaks. “You’re early.”

“I should be saying that to you,” I respond with a slight giggle in my voice. 

The moment we’re close enough, he reaches around with both of his hands and pulls me in close. One hand drags its way up and holds the back of my neck. I reach around his waist and naturally return the hug. The heat that surrounds us is full of want, connection, and peace. 

“Missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too,” he whispers in my ear, just before giving it a sweet kiss. 

He pulls away slightly, and carefully looks deep into my eyes. Right away he can tell there’s something on my mind. “What’s wrong?”

I ducked my head and hugged him some more, wanting to have just a little bit more time with him before I tell him everything. “Just… I’m happy to see you.”

He can’t help but smile and hug me again. “I’m happy too. I swear they’re keeping us busy on purpose.”

“Ah!” My face lights up as I pull away, “You’ve thought so too?!”

“I wouldn’t put it past them,” he answers while scratching the back of his neck. 

I cross my arms over my chest and pout a little, “Where’s the trust, huh? What are they expecting to happen?” I keep mumbling and complaining, “It’s not like we can’t control ourselves. Tsk.”

But the moment I say it, I catch Jungkook staring at me and openly checking me out. I’m instantly red. It’s embarrassing, but also really flattering. 

“I’m not so sure… sometimes…” he trailed off and let the sentence hang in the air, still staring.

With just his eyes alone, I’m sucked in. I put my hands on his chest and leaned in close as he started bending over. Our eyes shut at the same time as we shared a kiss. At first, it’s gentle and sweet. It’s full of love and familiarity. But the longer we kiss- the longer we stay glued to each other, the more passionate he gets. Bold. His hands squeeze my hips and my waist, just itching to go lower and grab my butt and my thighs. Instead, he concentrates on making me melt with just his tongue. One lick to my lips and I opened my mouth to deepen the kiss. Which leads to muffled and drowned out little moans. 

“Y/N…” 

I pulled away for air, only because he finally let my lips go, moving to my jawline and down my neck. Every kiss and nibble is making my head dizzy. And sparks a certain feeling through my omega blood. Like an itch I can't scratch. I'm not sure what it is I'm feeling, but it's a lot like a beast trying to get out.

It’s overwhelming, his love and mine. But I don’t want it any other way.

“Jungkook…w-wait...”

 “......” I can feel him hesitate; lips just below my ear. “....don’t want to.”

A smile spreads on my lips, “There’s something important I need to tell you.” I feel him give me one last nibble before I pull away, but I decided to keep him close by intertwining my hands with his. “If we keep doing this… I’ll never tell you.”

He chuckles and tries to joke, “Maybe I don't need to know.”

My smile slowly goes away the longer I have to think about what I’m about to tell him. And he can see my worry and hesitation. So he gently tugs me along and sits at the base of a big old tree. He easily pulls me down and had me sit on the ground in between his legs. Very playfully he wraps not just his arms, but also his legs around my body. It’s his way of cheering me up and silently telling me that it’s going to be ok. 

I snuggle in against him, and rest my head back on his shoulder, “I um… I’ve been doing my best since my awakening.”

“I’ve seen it. You’re doing great,” he compliments me so easily.

“Thanks,” I chuckle a little. “But um, you may have noticed that I was acting a little weird on more than one occasion.” 

“Not just a little weird,” he laughed. “I literally saw you throw out your hands at one point- like you were going to karate chop someone- and it was just the wind.”

“Hey! Don’t laugh,” I complain and purposely thump my head back against his shoulder to quiet him down. “I’ve only been trying to protect you.”

“Protect me?” He can’t help but laugh again, “I think I can protect myself. Just look at me.” He flexes his arms and squeezes them tight around my body to prove his point. “I think I’ll be fine.”

“Goddess Selene doesn’t think you’ll be fine.”

His arms loosen and he goes quiet. I take the opportunity to turn in between his legs and face him. I see the concern in his eyes, and it hurts me. 

“I’m sorry, I thought I could do this on my own, but I can’t. With work and training and everything else, I'm just at my limit."

“What's going on?”

I reach up to cup his cheek, then slowly comb part of his bangs back. I watch as his long fluffy hair just falls back in place. My heart is racing. “Goddess Selene… your ancestor…” I take a deep breath and let it out slowly. “She told me she wasn’t able to be there for her family; to protect them. She made it sound like people came to hurt them, but I’m not entirely sure.” I finally looked down and started picking at my nails; I’m still a little nervous. “I think… I think what she was trying to tell me is that something bad will happen to you, and I’m supposed to be there to protect you. So um, I’ve been trying to stay as vigilant as I can be, but… I’m not strong enough.”

He’s quiet, but he looks calm. Even as I comb my fingers through his hair and let my hands rest on his chest, he stays quiet. 

“Jungkook?”

“....I love you.”

I’m completely caught off guard; eyes wide like an owl. “What…”

His eyes are shining nothing but love. “I didn’t know you were trying to do all this on your own. But now that you’ve told me, I realize how lucky I am.” His smile makes me melt into a pile of goo. “So I just had to say it. I love you, Y/N.” 

“I love you too Jungkook.” I feel so elated and full of joy; I’m blushing so hard. “I’m glad I decided to tell you.”

“I’m glad too.” He leans his head back against the tree and gently guides my head to rest on his chest. I followed his lead and once again cuddled against him. “From now on, we’ll do this together.”

“But what do you think she’s fearful of?”

“I don’t know… either way, we have each other. And we have our families. There isn’t anything we can’t handle,” he says with confidence. 

“You’re not scared?”

“Maybe a little,” he confesses with a child-like innocence. “But you’ll protect me right?”

I can hear the slight teasing in his voice, but I decide to just go with it. “That’s right!” I sit up once again and do my best to mimic him earlier. I flex my arms as best I can, “Just look at these guys. Watch out!”

Of course he starts laughing hysterically, but I don’t mind. I really like his laugh. I could listen to it all day. 

“Hey,” he lowers his voice to a calm tone, “Just promise me something, ok?”

“Mm,” I smile and stare into his eyes, “What?”

“That no matter what, you’ll never put yourself in harm's way for my sake.”

My forehead creases and I shake my head no, “I can’t promise you that.”

“Y/N…”

“No. That’s not how this is going to work,” I frown and push him away a little. “You just said we would do this together. But if I make a promise like that, then it’s no longer ‘us,’ but you. So no, I’m not going to promise you that.” I cross my arms across my chest and squint my eyes seriously.

He cracks a smile and sighs, completely at my mercy, “You’ll make a great leader one day babe.”

My squinting comes to a quick stop, and is replaced with mushy eyes. I love it when he calls me by pet names. “We’ll be leaders together.”

Without anything else to say, he leans in to close the gap between us with a sweet kiss. Peck. Peck. Peck. And then a smooch to my forehead. Each kiss sends butterflies loose in my tummy. 

“Together.”

---

One of my new favorite things to do since gaining more responsibility, is to work with Hoseok. Or Hobi, as he prefers it. 

Hobi is so sweet and energetic, I love spending time with him. He’s become a great friend and mentor. I look up to him. He’s taught me a lot about being an omega, dealing with the changes, as well as helped me with my confidence. 

He runs the very popular boutique Hope World in the Market that imports clothes from a few human cities. Not that they sell more than his own custom pieces. But either way, he’s shown me the value of material, threads, and craftsmanship. He’s a real artist with fabric and fashion. And he inspires me. 

I work diligently under the sewing machine and listen as he gossips.

“I swear that Jennie is going to be the death of me. She was late again yesterday, and I just know she’s sneaking around with that punk Kai,” he huffs and swung his leg over the other as he sits on top of the shop’s counter. “They should just tell everyone that they’re together already. It's not like we don't know.”

“Maybe they’re just not ready to share it. At least they look happy,” I give my input, still focused on the sewing machine.

He cups his own cheek and looked on fondly, “Oh sweet Y/N, have I ever told you how much I adore you?”

“Every time we work together actually,” I smile wide. “Ah! Finished!” I lift up the dress and marvel at my progress. "Just have to do the pattern on the sleeves and then I'm done!" I bounce around in the chair happily, "I can't wait to give this to Mama." 

"You're doing great Y/N! Seriously, you should consider being my apprentice full time." He smiles coyly, "I can take you to the human cities you know." 

I smile shyly, "There's still a lot I want to do, but I'll definitely think about it."

"The apprenticeship or seeing the humans," he asks, lowering his fabulous thick white framed sunglasses. 

I laugh, "The apprenticeship. I don't really care to see the humans and the cities." 

He shrugs, "I don't blame you. It's just concrete and bad food. But at least their fashion is really impeccable." 

"Good business for you then Hobi," I smile.

He hops down from the counter and walks over so he can cup my cheek, staring down with tender eyes, "You're a blessing." 

I blush so hard. "Hobi stop~ but thank you." 

"That Jungkook of ours is one lucky wolf." He spins on his heel and lifts up his sunglasses to rest up top his bright red head. "You're sure you're going to wait for pups? They're going to be the cutest!" 

I'm not sure if it's possible to be any redder. "No, no, no, no! Not yet! No way!" I cover my face with my hands and squeal, "We haven't even gotten to second base yet."

"Wait, what are they again?" He taps his finger on his chin, "First base is kissing? Holding hands? Second base is-" 

I groan from embarrassment. Thinking about being intimate with Jungkook makes my brain want to explode. "We've only kissed so far…" 

"That's it?!" His voice is so loud I'm sure people outside the shop can hear him. "It's been three months!" 

I groan some more, "I know…" 

He chuckles happily, "There's nothing wrong with it Y/N. But if you want to talk about it, I'm here." 

"I guess I just don't know what to do…" 

"What do you mean?" 

"I told him from the beginning that I wanted to take things slow. And we've definitely taken it slow… just…" I feel really shy, but I trust Hoseok. "I'm worried about the process of it all…" 

He tilts his head and puckers out his lips in confusion, "The process? What do you mean? Like how sex works?"

I hide my face in my hands again, "I know how it works Hobi!"

He giggles at my embarrassment, "Then what?"

"What if I lose control? What if he loses control?" I frown as I keep talking. "It's so intense- the feelings I have for him. Like every time we kiss and it starts getting heavy, I feel something switch on. It's like a tiger behind a cage, and the cage is slowly getting weaker and weaker. I don't know what to name it, but..." I sigh; full of worry. "It kind of scares me…"

"The bonds between wolves is definitely no joke. It's good that you're aware of it. Actually, you're one of the lucky ones, seeing as you've already found your soulmate so early in life." He carries so much tenderness in his eyes as he speaks, "But listen, I guarantee you those intense feelings- as uncontrollable as you think they are, they aren't. Losing control, or having it, your instincts won't let you down. If you think you're not ready yet, then you're not ready. If you are, then it must mean it's right. Just let it happen naturally and you'll see there's nothing to be scared of."

"Thanks Hobi," I reach out and grab his hand with a smile.

"And I know for a fact Jungkook will understand." He squeezes my hand in return, smiling as he does. "So really Y/N, you have nothing to worry about. Take it at your own pace." 

Just then, the bell above the door dings as someone walks in. Hobi has to turn around to see who it is. But I on the other hand only need to use my nose; the scent of the beach hits me instantly and my heart begins to race.

'Jungkook .'

Hobi starts laughing, "And look who it is~ What perfect timing! We were just talking about you."

"Good things, or bad things," he asks playfully with a chuckle in his voice.

Jungkook takes a curious glance at me, but I just shrug with a smirk before cleaning up. There's no way I'm telling him what we were just talking about. Thankfully Hobi starts chatting off his ear and distracts him as I finish up cleaning my small station and putting everything back where it should be. 

"Thanks for waiting." I walk out from the back and go to the front of the store where they're chatting. 

Jungkook smiles wide, "Hey babe. Ready to go?"

He holds out his hand for me, so I walk over and lace mine with his. "Ready," I smile.

"You two are just the cutest couple," Hobi sighs enviously. "Well! Y'all have a goodnight. And let me know if you ever need to talk some more, ok Y/N?"

I blush as he ushers us out, "Ok, Hobi. Thank you." 

He waves cheerfully from the door, "I'll see you next week! Good work today!" 

"Thank you! Bye bye," I wave back. 

"Oh and Jungkook?" We both look back, curious as to what he could say to him. Hobi's eyes look serious, but he clearly has a smirk on his lips. "Stay patient with her! You got this!"

My eyes go wide as Hobi snickers his way back into Hope World. Jungkook is laughing at the shock on my face. He's so confused, "What does that mean?"

"Nothing," I answer, and quickly tug him by his hand. "He's just being crazy." 

"Hmm~ is that so? It's just nothing~?" 

He sidesteps and slides his way directly behind me. He wraps his arms around my waist, walks in sync with me, while also putting his chin on my shoulder. Needless to say, walking is super difficult, but I can't help but feel really loved when he acts like this. I feel loved and special. 

"Yes, yes, yes," I giggle as I stumble about with koala Jungkook attached to me. "It's nothing baby." 

I'm still not used to calling him babe or baby, so my face flushes up almost instantaneously. He clearly isn’t used to hearing it either, because he suddenly stopped moving. And because he's stopped moving, I've stopped. 

"Jungkook?"

He quickly grabs my hand and pulls me off to the side from the main footpath. The trees and bushes are thick down on the southeast side of the mountain. So he doesn't have to pull me far before no one can see us. The seclusion makes me nervous, but I also feel really enthralled. It's dark out, and it's quiet. It almost feels like we're sneaking around. 

"What are you doing?" 

His back is facing me, but what’s strange is the way he has his hands up by his ears. ‘Or is it his temples?’ I walk around to get a look at his face and see something unexpected. He’s smiling really wide and he’s blushing. Cheeks red. And eyes shining stars. 

“I’m going crazy here,” he said in total embarrassment, but undeniably happy. He dropped his arms and couldn’t stop smiling. “I’m definitely at your mercy.”

My eyes widened from the sudden confession. Now I’m getting embarrassed. “W-What?”

“Yup,” he chuckled and closed the small gap between us with a hug. “I’m all yours and I’m not going anywhere.”

I feel like I’m about to burst at the seams with love and affection. He makes me feel like I’m in a dream. Like I’m a princess in some fantastical fairy tale, ready to be whisked away to a ball. And live happily ever after. 

“Why did you just- that's so sudden. I mean, I’m glad. You’re the sweetest guy I've ever- well, you're the only guy I've been with, but-”

Before I could continue rambling he pushed his lips into mine with a laugh. “You’re rambling, baby.” He chuckled as he kissed me again.

Our lips peeled apart, and I feel so tingly. “...why did you suddenly…” I’m so flustered I can’t even correctly ask my question.

With another kiss, he answered, “Sometimes there are moments when I feel like I’m a balloon and I’m going to pop.” 

I giggled.

“It’s true,” he smiled. Kiss . “You’ll say something, or maybe do a certain action or whatever, and I just…”

“Yes,” I ask as more of a whisper than I meant it to be. But he has this effect on me. 

“I just want to kiss you...” Kiss . “And mark you…” His voice dropped and he slowly nibbled and kissed his way down my neck. “And never let you go.”

I felt his lips lingering below my ear and on my neck. The spot, as told to me by Shin-hye, he’ll bite in the future when we’re ready to consummate our bond. It’s driving me absolutely insane and sending my body into shock. I’m red from his love. 

“....mark me….”

“But-”

I reach around, move the rest of my hair out of the way, and tilt my head more to make it easier for him. “Not bite,” I say shyly, “Just… kiss me there.”

It kinda feels like I can hear his rapidly beating heart. But I can’t tell for sure if it’s his, or mine. 

With no delay, he closed his eyes as he pressed his lips to my neck. I closed my eyes as well, already lost to the sensations. Soft lips sucking at my skin. The salty sweet beach scent that’s so uniquely his covers me the longer he lingers.

However, the sound of a whistle snaps us out of our hazy bubble. 

He pulled away slowly and blushed. “Wow.”

“How does it look,” I ask with my eyes still closed. Still too lost to my omega feelings flushing adrenaline through my body. 

He reaches up and touches his mark with his fingertips, "Can I be honest?" 

"Always," I say dreamily, finally opening my eyes to meet his.

"It's sexy," he grins. 

I lightly bite my bottom lip as I stare up into his gorgeous eyes, “Jungkook?”

“Yes babe,” he purposely whispered in a husky tone.

With a reach, I place my hands on the back of his neck and play with his hair, “I’m all yours too.”

He mimics my smile with one of his own. And takes extreme pleasure in passionately kissing me once again and claiming my lips all for himself. 

But there goes the whistle again. 

“I have to go.”

He pressed his forehead to mine and groaned, “I know.”

I put on a pout, and shared his lack of enthusiasm, “Stupid lessons.”

He chuckled before giving me one last peck on the lips and finally pulled away so we could start walking again. 

“Man… you’re so bad. Making me get all crazy,” he teased.

I giggled, “Shut up. You do the same to me.”

He grinned, “Really?”

I nod, a little bit shy. “That's um… That’s actually what I was talking to Hobi about." 

“You were,” he asked, not expecting to hear that.

“Yeah.” I face forward and see the training field just up ahead. “I told him I’m worried about losing control when you’re around.”

“Well, the feeling is mutual,” he joked, chuckling at himself. “I mean, look at what happened. I totally gave you this obvious hickey. Your brother is going to kill me.”

“Hm…” I tilt my head up and pretend like I’m thinking about it, “Yeah, maybe. If so, then it was nice knowing you.” I turn and hold my hand out for him to shake, completely trying to hold my poker face, and failing.

He suddenly picks me up, wrapping his arms around my middle and lifting me straight up into the air, "Trying to make fun of me?"

I'm laughing so much I can barely speak. "No way! I wouldn't!" But there's no believing my obvious lie. 

He's laughing with me as he spins around once before putting me back on my feet. "Brat." 

I smack him playfully on the chest, gasping dramatically, "Did you just call me a brat?"

"Maybe…" he looks to the side and tries to play innocently. 

"You-" 

I'm about to laugh and smack him some more, but the whistle going off and a loud scream catches our attention.

"HEY!" 

We snap our heads up and realize its Woobin. He looks pissed off, and more so than usual. His lips are pulled up into a scowl and his forehead is scrunched up. I'm actually really intimidated by him. And have been since I first came to this mountain. Nothing has changed since becoming a full fledged wolf. If anything, my omega heart trembles more easily now than it ever did before. 

"You really think you can be late!?" Woobin walks over to us with extreme annoyance in his eyes. "You're at the bottom of this class girl , so quit slacking." He didn't even take the time to use my name, and it actually really hurts. 

His angry aura is palpable, and I feel so ashamed. Small. "I-I'm sorry. I won't be late again." I can't even look up at him. 

But it's Jungkook who suddenly grabs my attention. He looks and sounds just as angry as Woobin. 

"What the hell is your problem?"

"Jungkook, stop. I should have been on time," I try and intervene, but it's no use. 

"Ohhh, big man gonna stand up for his tardy ass girlfriend?" 

Jungkook steps closer to his brother, naturally stepping in front of me and blocking Woobin from my line of sight. "You don't have to be an asshole all the time, you know that right?" 

Woobin scoffs loudly with a forced smile, "I'm an asshole? That's what you think?" He clicks his tongue and stands directly in front of his younger brother. 

But Jungkook isn't standing down either. "Yeah. I do. And I think if you talk down to Y/N one more time," Jungkook glares at his brother, "Only Dad is going to be able to rip me off of you."

" Dad , huh…" Woobin's hair falls into his dark and angry eyes as he glares at Jungkook. "Last I checked… he wasn't your dad." 

All of Jungkook's attitude and anger suddenly vanishes. His whole body just shrinks, as if all of his energy was swept out from under his feet. He doesn't look like the strong and confident wolf I've come to know him as. Right now, he just looks like a pup holding in his tears. I can just feel his pain.

And I can't stand it. 

I rush forward and force my way in between them. I push Woobin as hard as I can manage and glare angrily at him. I may not be intimidating to look at, and I come nowhere close to their strength and power, but defending my Jungkook makes me strong. 

"You're the worst person anyone could ever ask for in a brother! How could you say that?!" 

Woobin doesn't say anything in return, but his eyes speak volume; he's filled with so much hate and anger.

"Just… just stay the hell away from him." With nothing else to say, I turned around and grabbed Jungkook's hand, "Come on babe, let's go." 

Jungkook is quiet, his eyes are cast down, and he looks heartbroken. He doesn't say anything, and simply allows me to pull him along. 

"Fuck the both of you..." 

I glance back and see Woobin storming off in the opposite direction. He suddenly starts running and yells angrily. Seconds later I see his clothes get torn to shreds and a big black wolf appears. 

The last thing we hear before we leave the training grounds are the distant howls from his brother running into the dark and lonely woods.

Chapter Text

I wasn't always like this. 

I used to smile. I used to be happy. But somewhere along the way it turned into disappointment. And then it turned into frustration. And then anger.

I've been angry for so damn long… I honestly don't remember what life was like before.

---

The mountain was quiet. It had very little hope and joy. I didn’t understand a whole lot, but what was clear was that our pack had suffered a huge loss. There was a lot of death and a lot of fucking burials. And yet somehow, all I remember from back then was getting a younger brother. 

Jungkook was five when Mom and Dad brought him into our family. They told me and Joon that from then on we were to take care of him and look out for him like we do with each other. It was a little confusing at the time, but I just shut up and listened. Jungkook became my brother, so I told myself I'd always protect him. Simple as that.

And as far as I could tell, he could seriously use the protection. The little kid would cry at the stupidest things. Bug land on his head? Tears. Bump his knee? Tears. Bad dream? Tears. You name it and he'd cry. 

Mom said it was the result of going through something traumatic at such a young age, but I didn’t really care. Honestly I just wanted him to stop fucking crying. I was a kid myself after all. I just wanted some peace and quiet.

"Jungkook, c'mere." Being a young teen at the time, I already thought of myself as an adult. At least in front of my new baby brother I acted like I was. "I want to show you something." 

Jungkook came running from the house, but he wasn't really watching where he was going. So of course he fell flat on his face and started wailing. I remember being annoyed, but I already had the patience and practice of being an older brother because of Joon.

I ran to him and helped him up; brushed him off and wiped his face. "Hey, shh, it's okay. You're fine. Look." I hurried and wiped off the dirt and grass from his tiny little stick legs."See? All clean. No need to cry." 

He was sniffling as he squeezed my hand, and gave me the saddest puppy dog eyes, "Big boys don't cry right?" 

"Do you see me crying?"

He shook his head no. 

"That's right. Because I'm a big boy. Do you want to be a big boy too?" 

He nodded his head yes. 

"Then come with me," I tugged on his hand and lead him to the edge of the woods behind our house. 

At the base of two big trees, I built a fort from large tree branches and my bed sheet. There wasn't a whole lot to it, but I remember being really proud of it. And from Jungkook's excited expression, he seemed impressed too.

"You made this?"

"That's right." 

"Can I go in?"

I turned around and squatted so I could be on the same eye level as him. "Before we go in we need to talk, ok?"

He nodded his head slowly, tears threatening to spill out. 

"You're not in trouble, ok? I promise." I rubbed the top of his head as he gave me a small smile. "What I want to tell you are the rules of the fort." 

"Rules?"

"That's right. Every fort has rules. So we have to obey them if we want to play inside. Understand?"

He nodded his head again and looked at me with his big expectant eyes. I had such a soft spot for him in my heart.

"Lucky for us there's only one rule." 

"Only one?"

"Yep. Only one. Can you take a guess at what it is?"

He shook his head no.

"Only big boys can play inside. That's the only rule." 

"But…" I can see his little brain working hard to get the words out of his mouth. "I'm not a big boy…. I cry. I-"

Before his tears were unleashed I talked quickly, "You can become a big boy Jungkook, it's easy. Whenever you feel like crying, just take a deep breath-" I took a deep breath in, "And hold it for as long as you can." I held it for just a few seconds then blew out the air,  "Then you let it all out, and you're done. You won't feel like crying anymore."

He mimicked me and held his breath with his cheeks puffed out. It was actually really cute. So I kept taking big breaths with him until he could hold his breath for at least five seconds. 

"There you go kid. You're getting it." 

He smiled happily and started jumping up and down. "I'm a big kid like you now?"

"That's right." 

"Then can we go play in the fort now?"

He made me smile. "Sure. Let's play." 

After our talk, two things happened. He took my words to heart and tried his best to keep himself from crying at everything. It was great progress, and our parents were impressed. They told me how proud they were that I was taking such good care of him. 

So when Jungkook started following me around like a fuckin' baby duck, they praised me for being a good older brother. They would say I was a good role model for him, and that I was reliable and showed responsibility. I have to admit, but it made me really fucking happy hearing all the praise.

So as the years went on, I became confident in being Jungkook's role model. He looked up to me. And said things like, 'I want to be strong like you ,' or 'You're the coolest person on this mountain.' Everything I did was idolized by him, and there was nothing I could do wrong. 

Looking back, maybe that was the fucking beginning of everything… my downfall.

I presented as an alpha not long after and became top dog. It felt so damn good being up at the top and being idolized. Jungkook's innocent and envious eyes were, I think, responsible for my ego. Being up on a pedestal felt fucking amazing, so I never minded him being around all the time. In a lot of ways, he became my shadow, and I wanted it that way. 

But the day he presented as a wolf changed everything. 

"He what…?" I stared with wide eyes; shocked.

Mom was smiling, glowing really, as she sat next to Jungkook on the couch. She looked so fucking proud. "Jungkook is destined, and has always been destined to rule over this mountain. Mother Selene's blood flows through his veins." 

"A true heir." Dad had never looked so happy in his life. Not even for me. His actual son.

Jungkook hadn't raised his head in a while. He seemed distant and shy. Quiet. So as I stared at him I didn't expect to see his eyes. But he must have felt my gaze, because he looked up and held my stare. 

I opened my mouth to say something, but what was actually running through my mind weren't things I could say.

'Lies…' 'How can this be true?' 'This is unfair…'

As shocked and as upset as I was, I still had my stupid pride. So I broke our eye contact and looked away without saying anything.

I think I must have really hurt him then.

"That's…  that's amazing." Joon spoke up and grabbed Jungkook's attention. "Wow…" 

"I know it's a lot of information, but your father and I are here for you boys if you have questions." She looked at Jungkook first, then to Joon, and then me. "Talk to us, ok?" 

But I couldn't. 

I stood up from the kitchen table with some aggression, although I didn't mean to. I just remember the sound of the chair scraping against the floor being really loud in my ears. And I remember the ringing in my head as I ran out of the house and into the woods that night.

Maybe I should have stayed. Maybe I should have just spoken up. But it was too late. The damage was already done. Because since that day, Jungkook and I haven't been the same. 

He got a lot closer to Mom and Joon. And stopped following me around. 

I told myself it didn't matter. I didn't need Jungkook around to feel powerful. But as the days turned into weeks turned into months, I realized I just felt weak. I felt small; smaller and smaller compared to the growth I saw in him. The growth I had seen even before his awakening, it was impressive. And it threatened my inflated ego. 

Somewhere along the way I convinced myself, because my parents took over the pack, I was meant to do the same. I wanted to be like my Dad. I wanted to make him proud and run the pack. Fuck… I really wanted to be the son they thought I was. Responsible. Honorable. And caring. 

But everything had changed, and there was nothing I could do. 

Jungkook was always meant to be a leader, and I the follower.

I should have known better. I was never meant to be as strong and powerful as him. It's in his blood. And he's meant to be on top. I should have known that I was only meant to be a nobody; a jealous and weak nobody. That truth has slowly distanced us. And the distance has only made my anger and self hatred worse. 

My parents tried talking to me. Even Joon tried. But the more they kept asking how I was, the more annoyed I got. It's not their fault. I'm not really annoyed with them. I'm just annoyed with myself.

I'm angry with myself.

And honestly, I don't want to fucking deal with any of this anymore.

But from what I've learned since Jungkook's unexpected news, is that life isn't fair. 

The night finally came when Jungkook’s destined girl showed up. At first I thought he was making it up. Because it had only been two years since his awakening, and I sure as hell didn't think two years was a long enough wait for her to show up. It just had to be a mistake. I wanted it to be a mistake. But I wasnt that lucky.

At least her older sister was hot. Maybe things could turn around. Maybe I could charm my way into a good distraction. Maybe the distraction could turn into something like happiness- if I even remember what that was like. 

But again, fuck it, I'm not that lucky. I’m just not equipped to be anything other than an asshole, and Shin-hye sees right through me. She hates me. She hates me like everyone else in the pack hates me. 

But no one hates me more than myself. 

Flash forward, I'm just steaming where I stand as I wait for Jungkook's girl to show up for her lessons. Every blow of the whistle just made my headache worse.  At least the rest of the group was already there and transformed into wolves for the night. But the fact it was her that was late just pissed me the hell off. 

Then fucking low and behold I see them laughing and flirting and happy. So not only did I have to wait on her, but I had to wait because of Jungkook. I had to watch as they happily strolled onto the field and acted like no one else mattered.

Like I didn't matter.

Before I really knew what I was doing, I was yelling at them. I was just so fucking annoyed and pissed and hurting, so I yelled. I got in Jungkook's face, and for the first time in my life, saw him as just another alpha dog standing up for his bitch. So before I could stop myself, I was saying the worst shit I could ever think to say to my baby brother. 

'Last I checked… he wasn't your dad.'

How could I even think to say that shit? I guess I wasn't really thinking. I was just so angry and hurt, I wanted him to feel the same. So I said what I said and I couldn't take it back. I hadn't seen that troubled and weeping look in Jungkook’s eyes since he was that crying little kid mom and dad brought into our family all those years ago. And I'm the one responsible for it. Full circle.

What Y/N said was right. I am the worst. 

Maybe I've always had it wrong. I'm not the strongest. I'm not a leader. I barely listen and follow commands. And I'm just a pariah in the pack that keeps everyone away with my attitude and anger. Maybe this is my destiny. 

The truth is, Jungkook is the one that's supposed to shine, and I'm the one that's the shadow. 

Fuck it all.

Chapter Text

It’s been three days and no one has heard from Woobin.

And frankly, no one has really heard from Jungkook. Not even me.

I've done everything I can think of to be there for Jungkook, but it's been so hard. He's closed himself off from me and the world; reserved to his room. And I don't know what else to do. 

I knock lightly on the front door of my pack leaders home; beautifully crafted with red painted wood and wolves carved within it. My heart races the closer I hear footsteps on the other side. 

The door opens with a solemn and serious Namjoon. I'm almost too meek to speak up, but I stand confident. "Good evening. Are your parents home?"

His brow twitched, "My parents? Not Jungkook again?" 

"That's right. Your parents." I glance inside but quickly focus on him again, "That is if they're available. I'm sorry if I'm interrupting anything." 

"No it's, um… yeah, come inside." He seems more scattered brained than usual, but I don't hold it against him. 

In fact, the air and the mood inside of their home seems a little off. It’s upsetting to sense it, but I try and not add to it as he leads me to the living room, then leaves to go get his parents. 

I can sense Jungkook close by. I can smell his scent in the air of his home, and it makes me frown. Normally his natural musk is a gentle sweet scent, but when he’s upset I’ve noticed it goes more bitter.

"Y/N." 

I look up to Ji-woo's soft tone, and automatically stand and bow my head. Normally she's full of smiles and rushes over to give me a hug, but today that's not the case. And it breaks my heart. I do the only thing that seems natural, and rush to give her a big hug. I think she could use one. 

I feel her shoulders lax and her hands come up to my back. "Sweet girl…" she talked into my ear before giving my cheek a kiss, "Thank you for the hug. I needed it." 

I pull away and let her lead me back to the couch to sit down. I gently hold her hands and look into her sad and tired eyes. "How are you? How's Jungkook?"

"You must be at your limits huh?" She holds tenderness in her eyes.

"I just…" I look away, because I feel like I could start crying if I keep looking into her eyes. "I wish he'd let me help him… but that's why I'm here. I wanted to talk to you." I grit my teeth for a moment as I steel my nerves. I hope I'm not overstepping. "If it's alright with you… can you tell me about their relationship? Jungkook and Woobin, I mean. I um, I want to understand more so that hopefully I can find a way to help him." I frown, "Because everything else I've tried has failed…" 

She cups my cheeks and smiles sweetly, "I love you sweet girl. Do you know that?"

I blush instantly and shake my head no in embarrassment. But it only gets her to laugh. 

"You love Jungkook very much, I can see that. He's lucky he has you." The smile I'm used to seeing comes back, and I'm relieved to see it. "As his Mom… it makes me happy."

"Thank you," I continue to blush.

"Well… my sons and their relationship…" She took a deep breath and slowly let it out. "It used to be full of laughter. They were inseparable at one point, honestly. But…" She trailed off as memories flooded her mind and took away her comforting smile. I could see sadness and yearning fill up her eyes. "...like night and day, they changed and drifted apart…" 

Before she continued talking, Byung-hun entered the living room. "I blame myself." 

We look up, and Ji-woo's expression shifts into a frown. "My Love…" 

Byung-hun, like his mate, normally carries a smile and enthusiastic energy. Instead he's reserved and looks extremely stressed. Tired. As he takes his seat in the recliner by the couch, he grunts and moans as his muscles and bones relax. 

"I should have been more attentive to Woobin. It should never have come to this." 

"It's my fault too Honey," Ji-woo reached out and grabbed her mate's worn down hand. "We should have been better parents." 

"No, that's not fair." 

Jungkook enters the room with Namjoon behind him. It's only been a few days since I last saw him, but somehow my heart still races like it did the first time. There's no denying I already love him so much. 

"Jungkook…" 

His eyes lock onto mine, and slowly his face relaxes into a small smile. "Hey." 

His mom gets up from the couch to make room for him as he walked over. But before he could sit down, I jumped up and gave him a hug. "Hey yourself," I frowned into his chest, my arms squeezing him just a little tighter. 

He hugged me back, and could smell the worry in my scent. "I'm sorry I've been locked up in my room babe. I shouldn't have turned you away. I just… I had a lot to think about."

"I can't even begin to imagine what you're feeling." 

"I should apologize as well Y/N." My pack leader spoke up, "I'm sorry you had to witness what Woobin did. I should have done this earlier, but as his father, I apologize on his behalf." 

"No, Sir, that's…" All I can do is shake my head and try and alleviate the somber mood. "It's ok. Really." 

"It's not ok. He should have never said what he said, and he shouldn't have run away." He gripped Ji-woo's hand and frowned, making his face wrinkle up. "All I can hope for is that he comes back to us on his own." 

"Dad… Are you really going to be strict with time?"

"I don’t know son. It’s a pack tradition," he sighed, looking at Namjoon. 

“What will you do?”

Jungkook and I sit on the couch, but I sit forward, my attention on Byung-hun and Namjoon. "What does that mean," I ask, their conversation completely lost on me.  

"It means desertion." 

I turn my head slowly towards Jungkook as I let the word sink in. "Desertion…" 

"If after three nights a wolf has not returned to our mountain- without having given me some kind of prior notice of their leave of course- we allow up to a week for their return before they're kicked out of the pack, and presumed dead." 

Were all looking at our leader. His words hang in the air, and it sends shivers down my spine. 

"I'll bring him back." Jungkook has never been more serious in his life until this moment. "I'm the reason why he left." 

"Then-"

Namjoon cut in and talked over me, "I'm coming too." 

"Hyung, no, you-" 

"I wasn't asking Kook." Namjoon crossed his arms over his chest as he sat on the armrest of the loveseat across from Jungkook and I. 

Normally Namjoon carries such a gentle nature to him. But right now I'm reminded he's just as much an alpha as Woobin and Jungkook. 

"Who do you think has become the mediator between you two? Huh?" He scoffed with a smile, "He's my brother too. So we'll bring him back together." 

Jungkook gave up quickly, and accepted his brother's help. "Yeah Hyung, ok. Then we should pack a few things and then head out. The sooner we leave the sooner we can bring him home."

"You two remember to pack light." Ji-woo sighed, and for the first time looked her age, as the worry wrinkled her eyes. 

"Let me head to the shed, I'll get you sacks for the journey," Byung-hun said as he got up from his recliner, but not before giving his mate a tender kiss on her hand. 

Jungkook and Namjoon got together and started talking before they left the room completely. All the while Ji-woo and I were left in the living room in silence. It felt like a wave of talk and decisions were made, and it just passed me by.

"Y/N-"  Just as she started talking, I stood up, startling her. "Honey are you ok?" 

"No, I'm not." I looked into her eyes and bowed my head politely. "But thank you for your time tonight." 

"Wait sweetie, but-" 

Before she could finish I was already opening the door and heading out. The night air isn't as cool as I'd like it to be yet, but it's cool enough on my hot body that it calmed me down a little. But I still feel so… so upset. And sad. So as I get to the bottom of the stairs I wipe my face of my frustrated tears. 

"Y/N wait!"

I turn around and look up to see my boyfriend at the top of the stairs. Somehow he manages to jump down three or four steps at a time. It makes my stomach drop watching him do it. 

"Remembered I existed?" I grumpily turned my body away from him and continued to make my way down the mountain to get to my home. 

"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to ignore you," he talked as I kept walking down the stairs. 

"...." 

He pleaded, "Y/N please, talk to me." 

Just as we both got to the bottom of yet more stairs he reached out to grab my arm, but I pulled away and spun around on my heel to face him. My feelings were no longer contained, and I was angry. 

"Talk to you?! I've been trying this whole time to talk to you! Three days straight, remember? And now that I'm walking away you finally ask me to stay and talk?" 

"I know... I'm a shitty boyfriend. I'm just-"

"’ Shitty boyfriend ?’ S-Stop. You're not, just…" I don't finish, I’m too upset and frustrated. My brows are pinched together, and I sigh. "I know this is super difficult for you, and you need space, but I have feelings too. It doesn't feel good to be turned away three days in a row and then forgotten about.” I frown and look at the ground, “I’m serious about us. So if this relationship is going to work, then I think we need to express how we’re feeling. The good and the bad.”

“I know…”

“Do you,” I ask with a firm voice, finally looking back into his eyes.

“.....”

“Because as it is, you're either going to let me help you, or you're not. I’m either your future mate, or I’m not.” I blush at my own comment, but I remain steady and serious in front of him. “So… if your answer is ‘not,’ then maybe Selene was wrong about us." 

"....."

My own harsh comment makes me feel overwhelmed and emotional. Because the thought of not being together with him shakes me to my core. I can't contain my tears anymore. I wipe my eyes and talk at the same time.

"I know you're hurting a lot right now. And I know I can't take away your pain, but let me try and help. That's why I'm here, Jungkook, ok? I can't stand seeing you suffer alone," I sniff loudly and wipe my nose. "I'm supposed to protect you, remember? So don't push me away…" 

I gasp as my body suddenly gets tugged forward into a tight embrace. "Jung-"

His crying quiets me.

"I'm sorry," he wept into my shoulder. "I'm so sorry." He adjusted his arms and held me closer, naturally forcing me to wrap my arms around his back. "I'm so angry. And pissed. And hurt. And- I just couldn’t process everything and it got bad and- God, I want to hate him so much...” He continued to cry into my shoulder, “But I can't! I can’t hate him… I just... miss him." 

For the first time, he was vulnerable and cried in front of me without any reservations. While I feel terrible that he’s going through something so difficult, I’m relieved he’s facing it head on. And trusts me enough to be his raw self.

"I’ve missed him for a long time…” His tears have stopped, but he still holds me for support. “But the truth is, I never confronted him about it. I was just content enough to have the distance rather than deal with our problems. So I’m just as responsible for all this as he is.”

“Jungkook…”

“No matter how angry he is, and no matter how much of a coward I’ve been, he’s still my brother and I still love him." Jungkook took a shaky breath in, "He may not come back for me, but I'm still going to try and bring him back for our parents. So please… Y/N… help me bring him home." 

I smiled into his chest and rubbed his back, "I thought you'd never ask." 

I got him to chuckle a little, which already felt like a huge step in the right direction. 

"...you don't really think Selene made a mistake with us, do you?" He pulled away with a pout and a messy face. 

I wiped his face with my hands then cupped his cheeks, "No I don't. I’m sorry I said that in the first place." 

"Mm… You promise?"

I smiled back, "I promise." 

"I love you Y/N." 

"I love you too Jungkook." I wiped his face again and then mine, “Do you feel better?”

“A little, yeah,” he smiled.

“Good. Then, if I'm going with you, I should probably pack too. Not to mention I still have to explain everything to my family.”

"It shouldn't take me long to finish up, so I'll meet you at your house, ok? I'll help explain it to your family."

He was still holding me close, his hands on my lower back. His eyes were shining as he stared. And I stared back. Before we knew it, we were both leaning closer to kiss. One soft peck. And then two. Slow and with purpose. Another simple yet timeless moment that stopped my world. 

A few days were too long to go without kissing him. 

"Ok," he reluctantly pulled away, "I'll see you in a bit." 

Kissing him slow like that made me dizzy. So I just nodded my head; words have escaped me. He chuckled and kissed me one last time before he took a running start and blasted up the stairs. Leaving me yet again with an itch that has yet to get scratched.

Inhale. Exhale.

"So what am I going to do about my family…?" 

But really, it's Jimin I'm worried about. As I make my way home, I can't help but think of every scenario that could happen. I run through each response inside my head to try and prepare, but all that does is get me nervous. Because the last thing I want is for the conversation to turn into an argument. If I can help it, I want to leave with his and my family's support. 

As I arrive at my house, I take a moment outside to take a few deep breaths and control my racing heart. 

Our two story house has been completed for a while now, but I only just recently got used to this huge place. But despite the foreign walls and roof, the smell of my family is a reminder that home is where they are. And from the smell of it, they’re all in their own respective rooms. 

I take the stairs up to the second floor and head to my room. There isn’t much besides a bed, a wardrobe, and a desk. But the few things I have fill up the space. 

“Pack light… ok… this should be easy.” 

I opened my wardrobe and grabbed the brown sack at the bottom. I’m proud to say my small set of clothes has now tripled since I first arrived- in no thanks to Ms. Ji-woo and Hoseok. So as I start considering what to bring, Shin-hye knocks on my opened door. 

“Knock. Knock.” She sees me putting clothes in the bag and tilts her head in confusion. “Planning on going somewhere?”

I look up at her near the door and frown, “There’s something I need to tell you.”

“With that tone, it sounds like it’s something all of us need to hear. Am I right?”

I nod my head, “Yes.”

“Alright, I’ll get Ji and Mom. We’ll wait for you in the living room downstairs,” she softly smiles at me, hesitating at the door before leaving a moment later. 

I huff out a breath and turn around to see my Dolly on my bed, looking old and beat up. I pick her up and bring her to my face to get a sniff of Papa’s fur. It’s been a long time since his scent has disappeared, but it’s a habit at this point to bring her to my nose. It's a habit to hold her when I’m faced with something big. But this time, I think it’s best she stays. So as I put her back against my pillow, I tie up my sack with a couple sets of clothes and a spare set of shoes, then leave my room to head downstairs. 

I see Mama in the kitchen making tea while Shin-hye and Jimin are talking in hushed voices in the living room. 

He looks up immediately and stands, “What’s going on Y/N?”

I go to the kitchen first, kiss Mama’s cheek, then look inside our small pantry. “I know this is really sudden, but there’s something important I need to do.” I grabbed a loaf of bread and a few oranges and apples. As I wrapped them up and slipped them into my sack, I finally walked into the living room. “Let me explain, ok?”

As I sit down, Jimin does the same. Mama enters the living room and passes out tea to all of us. I take a warm sip and start explaining from the beginning. To the moment me and Jungkook arrived at the training fields, to the three days I spent trying to get Jungkook to open up, and then to the fight we had just earlier. I explained the week desertion rule and insisted that the right thing to do is to go with Jungkook. 

Thankfully, just as I finished up my explanation, Jungkook arrived with a knock on the door. ‘Yes! Backup.’

“Hello Jungkook. Come in,” Mama greeted and let him enter. 

“Hello ma’am. Thank you.” He entered and felt the intense atmosphere. He walked over and I grabbed his hand as he stayed standing beside me. “So have you explained everything,” he asked me.

“She did,” my brother answered, and prompted Jungkook to look at him. He stood up and slid his hands in the pockets of his jeans, “And I’m going with you.”

“No, I couldn’t ask you to do that.”

"Yeah brother. We’ll be ok.”

He wasn’t convinced at all. “You’re trying to say you have enough training and experience to track Woobin down and bring him back?” He was looking right at me, and talking to me specifically. 

“Well I-”

“You’re saying in the three months since you’ve awakened, you feel confident enough to tag along on something as serious as this Y/N?”

“I…”

My brother sighed as he took a couple steps forward towards Jungkook. “As strong as your feelings are for one another, I can’t let her leave unless I go too. She is still my responsibility, and I don’t think she’s ready to leave home like this.”

“Jimin hyung-” “Brother-”

He held his hand up and we both closed our mouths. “I’m aware of how important it is that you bring your brother back. But you need to think seriously about this. Will it be enough, just you, your brother, and Y/N? Because I think having another set of experienced eyes and ears with you will increase the chances of finding your brother. And when we do find him, you’ll have extra muscle to help bring him back.”

“My brother isn’t some crazy or violent guy. He’ll come back willingly.” Jungkook defended his older brother.

“And did you ever think he’d run away like this? Do you know why he isn't back already?”

Jungkook gulped, quiet. There was nothing he could say.

“We can’t truly know someone, even our siblings.” He spared a glance at me with a small smile. He looked at Jungkook again, “So I think you should consider your options here. I’d make a great asset to you.” Jimin wasn’t trying to be mean or instigate a fight, I could tell. He genuinely seems concerned for Jungkook and his brother, and is willing to help.

Jungkook stayed quiet as he thought about everything said, and thought about the trip ahead of us. After a moment, he let go of my hand in place of holding it out towards my brother. “I’ll accept your help. Thanks for doing this Jimin hyung.”

Jimin took Jungkook’s hand in his and gave him a firm shake. “Then let me get a few things and we can head out. That is-” he turned and looked at Mama with an apologetic look on his face, “I’m sorry Mom, I didn’t mean to do all the talking.”

She had a proud, but also sad look in her eyes. “No son, it’s alright. I just realized once again of how much you’ve grown up until now. I'm proud.” She looked at the three of us and gave us a small smile, “Just please watch each other’s backs. And don’t forget you have a home and a family here waiting for you.” She looked at Jungkook, “When do you think you’ll be back?”

“Normally we only allow up to a week for these things- not like it’s really ever happened before, but my Dad said he’d leave it up to my discretion. So I’m sorry, I’m not really sure what to expect. It’ll come down to how quickly we can track my brother down.”

“I understand.” She stood up and walked over and gave Jungkook a hug, “Just please watch over her.”

“I will,” he hugged her back. “I promise.”

She pulled away and rubbed his arm, “I know you will.”

“Then,” Jungkook looked at me and Jimin, “I’ll let you two finish up. I’ll go ahead and wait with my brother at the south entrance. Sound good?”

"We'll meet you there," Jimin responded. 

Jungkook nodded to my brother then took my hand in his so he could give it a quick kiss. "I'll see you in a bit."

"Yeah," I blushed. 

Once he was gone Shin-hye let out a loud exasperated breath, "Whew! That was kinda intense." 

Mama lightly smacked Shin-hye's shoulder as she passed by to take a seat on the couch. "You're too much Shin-hye."

"Or not enough," she winked.

Jimin ignored their back and forth and talked directly to me. "I know you might be mad at me right now, but I want you to realize that-" 

"I understand brother. I still don't have enough experience to be of any real help, so-" I sigh with a smile, "I'm glad you're coming." 

He fondly rubbed the top of my head before giving me a hug, holding me in his arms. "I know you're an adult now, but I'm always going to worry about you." 

"I know brother," I hugged him back. "Thanks for the help." 

"And it doesn't matter how much you smell like him or have those hickeys… until you're bonded together, you're still my baby sister and you're still under my protection." 

I push him away immediately, "How-?! Why did you say that?!" I'm so embarrassed. 

"You were having such a good older brother moment there Ji. Then you say that. Tsk tsk," Shin-hye mocks.

He just shrugs it off and gets pushed by Mama, "You go pack. Shoo!"

He does as he's told with a smile on his face, leaving us to say our goodbyes. Mama gives me a big hug and kisses me all over my face. "You brave girl, I'm so proud of you. Please, please be safe, and listen to your brother." 

"I will Mama."

She hugs me some more and rubs my back, "Learn all you can, ok? Remember you're stronger as a team, so stick close to the boys. And don’t forget to breathe through the transformations. Don’t force it. Also-"

"Mom, you're smothering her. She knows all that." Shin-hye saves me as Mama finally moves away so that the two of us can hug. She kisses my forehead and pinches my cheek, "Little one is finally spreading her wings huh? I'm proud of you." 

I frown, "I wish I was leaving on different circumstances though.”

"I know kiddo, me too. But I'm proud of you nonetheless. You'll be a great help to Jungkook and his brother." 

"I hope so." 

"I know so," she smiles. 

Jimin comes out from his room, “Alright. Are you ready?”

It’s so strange. This moment. Not in a million years did I imagine this scenario happening. I’m about to take my first real trip away from home. And all because my boyfriend’s brother ran away due to pent up anger and resentment based solely on the fact that my boyfriend is the rightful heir to the mountain and the leadership of our pack. 

Deep breath. Inhale. Exhale. 

“Y/N?”

I blink and get out of the daze I was just in. “Sorry, I just kinda… spaced out.”

His expression softened as he approached me. He put down his rucksack and held my hands. “What is the most important factor to a strong and successful wolfpack?”

“Their bond. Trust. That no matter what happens, we will be there for each other.” I answer with zero hesitation and with a clear voice.

He was so proud he couldn’t stop smiling. “You'll be fine, kid. Just breathe and go with the flow. We’re a team. We’ll find Woobin and we’ll bring him back.”

I feel calmer now. I didn’t even realize I had gotten nervous. “Right,” I smile. “Thanks.”

“Then, are you ready,” he looked into my eyes to confirm.

“I’m ready,” I reflect his confidence and determination.

“Alright. Let’s go!”

He grabs my rucksack along with his own and heads to the door. Mama and Shin-hye escort me behind him and each give me one last hug. 

“Oh, can you do me a favor Mama?”

“Yes baby?”

I scratch the back of my neck sheepishly, “I was kind of rude to Ms. Ji-woo earlier when I was leaving her house, so if you could please tell her I’m deeply sorry for how I acted, I’d appreciate it.”

“You were rude to Ji-woo?! Gutsy,” Shin-hye teased with a big smile.

I gasp to say something, but Mama is quick to shush my sister. “Shin-hye stop it,” she spanked her butt.

“Mom~!” Shin-hye chuckled, “Did you just spank me?”

She ignored her oldest, “Don’t worry baby, I’ll talk to Ji-woo, alright? You just focus on the trek ahead of you.”

“Yes Mama, I understand.”

“Ok, now go,” she held herself back from another hug; knowing she might never let me leave. “Jungkook and his brother are waiting.”

I jogged a few paces to catch up to Jimin and make sure to turn back and wave, “I love you Mama! I love you Shin-hye!”

“Love you too Kiddo! I miss you already!”

“Bye baby! I love you too,” Mama waves back. “Take care of her Son!”

“Of course I will Mom! Love you both!”

"Love you Ji!"

We disappear around the corner and make our way to the south entrance of the mountain. Each step I take suddenly feels heavier and heavier. My heart hasn’t stopped racing since I took a step outside of my house. But when my brother suddenly grabs my hand and smiles my way, I swallow down my fear and squeeze his hand back. 

Just past the same barrier of buildings that welcomed us the first night we arrived, we pass them tonight for a different purpose. I see Namjoon and Jungkook talking just outside the perimeter. They both turn as Jimin and I get closer. 

“Thanks for joining us,” Namjoon holds his hand out. “I appreciate it Jimin.”

“Not at all,” he shakes his hand. “I just hope it goes well enough.”

“Me too,” he gave a sympathetic smile. 

As they talked, Jungkook came up to me and held my hands before kissing the top of my head. “Don’t tell anyone, but I’m kinda nervous,” he halfway jokes; smirking childishly.

“Don’t worry, I am too,” I scrunch up my nose.

He leans down and kisses me. A light taste of vanilla balm chapstick clings to my lips. But before I could really appreciate the kiss, he pulled away. He looked at me fondly as he lightly grazed his thumb over my cheek. 

He took a deep breath (while I tried to catch mine), then turned to face the dark forest. The glow from the mountain ends just several yards out, and leaves the rest of the world to the imagination. Jimin comes to stand by my side while Namjoon goes to Jungkook's side. The four of us stand together in silence as the weight of the moment settles in. 

We’re leaving home and we don’t know when we’ll come back. We don’t know where we’ll end up. And we don’t know the manner in which we’ll return. There’s still so many questions left to answer, and so much to explore.

I’m super nervous, but I’m comforted in knowing that I have Namjoon, Jimin, and Jungkook by my side. And I know with all of my heart that together we’ll find Woobin. I just pray that when we do, he’ll want to come back home with us.

“Let’s get it.” 

With a step forward, Jungkook led the way and we began our journey.

Chapter Text

Before the four of us transformed into our wolf bodies, we had decided that Jungkook would lead as point man while the rest of us would follow. Namjoon and I ran behind Jungkook, he on the right and I on the left. Jimin volunteered to take the most difficult position in the back.

By this point I've gotten used to being in my wolf form, but my endurance isn't as good as them. I’m definitely the weakest link in our four man pack, but the boys have been encouraging since we left four days ago. 

'I smell asphalt concrete and gasoline about a couple miles south east from here. We can stop for the night and check the area out.'  

'From the smell of it, the place seems deserted.' Namjoon took a big breath in, 'Actually, just one human.'  

Brother spoke up inside of my head, 'That's what I smell too. Must be an old gas station.'  

All of us come to a stop and gather together, but I'm the only one a little confused. 'If there's only one human, shouldn't it be ok to just go ahead and look? We outnumber them.'  

Jungkook was in the process of approaching me, but Jimin reached me first. He rubbed his face against mine, then stood at my side. 'Humans have weapons Y/N. Guns… and dangerous guns at that. So we have to be smarter than them.'  

Namjoon plops his butt down and let's his tongue hang out. 'I forget you came from a small remote village. I guess you never came in contact with humans before.' 

I lower my head a little, embarrassed; my ears flattening. 'I guess I really don't know much…' 

'You only knew what you needed to know. But don't worry cutie, now that you're a wolf you'll learn all this. I'll teach you.' My brother licked my face and sat down next to me, 'Ok?'

'Ok,' I said simply with no argument.

'There's nothing wrong with having had a sheltered childhood babe.' Jungkook purposely licked my snout and sat down in front of me, making himself a spot. 

'Sheltered is one way of putting it,' Jimin spoke up, moving to the side from his obvious discomfort of being so close to Jungkook. 

'So… what's the plan then?'

Jungkook took the opportunity to move in closer to me, now that Jimin gave us space. 'Hyung and I will scout ahead. You two should hunt some dinner.' He pressed his head into mine and took a moment to breathe in and out. 'I'll come back to you in an hour or so, ok?' 

When we're in our wolf forms, all communication is shared between pack members within a certain radius. We hear each other whether we like it or not. But it doesn't seem to bother Jungkook at all. However, I can't help but glance past him to Jimin and Namjoon. I know I shouldn't be embarrassed, but I haven't gotten used to it yet. 

' ...y-yeah, ok. Please be safe, bab- Jungkook.'

I hear his chuckle in my head and it warms me up all over. 'See you soon.' 

'Soon.'

He licks my nose once more and this time I return it before he leaves. 

Jimin comes over and nudges my head with his, 'We should get hunting.'

I kept my eyes on the spot in the distance where I last saw Jungkook and his brother disappear. 'You're right.' I finally look away.

'You doing ok baby? ' 

'Well enough.'

He nipped at my ear playfully, 'You're doing great you know.'

'You think? I feel like I'm not contributing at all.' 

'Hey. Look at me.'  

I drag my golden eyes to meet his, 'Brother? ' 

He looks powerful. His black fur reflects the moonlight through the tops of the trees. His yellow eyes shine confidence. And he stands strong in front of me.

'Over and over, Mom would always tell me the same thing.' 

'And what's that?'

'Be patient with yourself.' He pushed his face into mine and nudged me to start following him. 'You're doing great as is Y/N. You're keeping up with us. You're asking questions and learning. And every day your hunting is getting better and better. So really, be patient with yourself.'

I'm a little shy. 'Oh.. thanks.' But it feels great to be praised by my brother. I can't help but skip and jump a bit in jittery joy; my paw prints covering his as I follow behind him. 

'Now enough of that. Let's go hunting. I'm starving.' He licked his mouth and stared into the woods ahead of us. 

I stand at his side and focus. 'Right.' 

By the time we caught, skinned and started roasting dinner, Jungkook and Namjoon finally came back. I hurried up from the forest ground so I could wrap my arms around Jungkook's neck. His fur feels a little matted, but it's still comforting against my face.

"Took you long enough," I try and not sound too needy, but I don't know how convincing I really sound. 

He huffed through his nose and gave me big puppy dog eyes. I can't hear him now that I'm in my human form, but I get the feeling he's saying something like, 'I told you I'd come back to you.' 

I smile wide, just happy he's with me again; safe. "Go change. My brother and I caught a deer and some rabbits." 

I went back to Jimin as Jungkook left to transform into his human form. As he did, Namjoon approached while slipping on his glasses. 

"We got a lead on Woobin." 

My brother and I are shocked at the news. 

"What lead?"

Namjoon sat down on the ground across from us and leaned back on his hands. "We staked out the gas station for a while to see what kind of traffic goes in and out of the place. It's relatively slow, so we decided to get a little closer and picked up my brother's scent from inside. 

"Which means after we eat I want to go back there and go inside." Jungkook came over and sat in between me and his brother, although a little closer to me. "Maybe the person inside will know something."

"Can I go?" The boys look at me, but I nonchalantly get up and pull down the four rabbits from above our makeshift campfire so as not to see their reactions.

"Y/N…"

"Why can't I," I refute my brother. "I think I can help." I look at Jungkook, "I want to help." 

Jimin looks at Jungkook and the two of them hold a silent conversation between their eyes. With a nod Jimin gets up so he can help me with the deer. "If that's what you want… then fine. Just be careful." 

"We will," I smile and lightly kiss Jimin on the cheek. I whisper so only he can hear, "Thank you." I know he could have put up a bigger fight. 

He returned my kiss with one to my cheek, "Love you." 

"Love you too," I smile. 

After dinner, Jungkook and I find ourselves walking off the food as we make our way to the gas station. And hopefully closer to some answers. But I'm trying not to get my hopes too high. 

I squeeze Jungkook's hand in mine and look up at the moon; crescent and hiding a bit behind some clouds. "If we don't get any information about Woobin like we want, what are we going to do?"

"Keep heading south I suppose. His trail was in this direction, but…" 

He doesn't say anything, so it forces me to try and get a look at his face. From his profile he looks stressed, but I can tell he's trying to maintain it. "Jungkook?"

"The trail has gone cold. So I could really do with some good news at the gas station." 

I frown, "I see…" 

He lets out a deep breath and smiles, forcing himself to cheer up. "But do you want to know something I do know?"

"And what's that?"

He squeezed my hand back, "I'm glad we're getting this time together." He growled playfully at the back of his throat, "I'm getting tired of fighting your brother for your attention." 

"Yeah… sorry," I say with a sympathetic smile. 

I know what he's talking about. Jimin has been pretty stuck to me since we've left. I know it's just him being a big brother, and I don't believe he's doing it to interfere with Jungkook, but I can't help but feel a little annoyed as well. 

Which prompts me to pull on Jungkook's hand and make him stop. "Can I be selfish and ask something from you? Seeing as we're alone now..."

"Sure," he chuckled with a smirk. 

"Can I get a kiss?" 

"I thought you'd never ask," his smirk is insatiable. 

I smiled wide as he leaned down and pressed his lips to mine. The smile lingered through the kiss, but the second I felt his tongue on my lips it shifted the mood. The playful tone turned almost desperate. He grabbed my hips and slowly pushed me back until I was pressed up against a tree. 

My heart is beating wildly inside my chest as the heat in my body rises. His heat is directly tied to mine, and I feel like I'm starting to sweat. He's just suddenly so passionate that I'm struggling to keep up. 

His teeth nibbles on my bottom lip and his tongue swirls around with my tongue. Our breath is mixing as one as we stay glued together. I'm at his mercy and he doesn't seem to be in a forgiving mood. 

As he moves his lips away from mine he drags them down the side of my neck. His teeth scrape against my skin until he gets to his favorite spot. Without warning he started marking me, startling me and making me jump. 

"O-Ow! Jungkook?" 

He grunted into my neck and tried catching his breath, remaining quiet. 

"Baby?" I tried craning my head to try and get a look at his face, but he kept me in place. "Please say something." 

He hears the concern. "I'm… sorry. I just…" He sighed. 

I move my arms so I can wrap them around his neck and hug him. "It's ok. Take your time." 

His hands left my hips and he suddenly picked me up with his arms looped underneath my legs. I gasp from shock, but ultimately lock my legs around his waist and hold on. Although, I don't have to really worry about it because he clearly has no problems holding me up and carrying my weight.

Still pressed against the tree, I lay my head back and lightly scratch his scalp, "Talk to me." 

"...I'm scared I won't find him Y/N. And I'm super stressed out about all of it." He finally lifted his head from my neck, allowing me to see his flushed face. "I just got carried away. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt you." 

I shake my head and stare through half lidded eyes, "You could never hurt me Jungkook." 

"Not true. I've already hurt you plenty," he frowned deeply. 

I scraped his hair back to reveal his forehead and gave him a kiss. "That's in the past now." I peppered kisses down his long nose and onto his cheek. "But if you still feel troubled by it, then..." I kissed my way to his lips, "Just make it up to me." 

I felt him smirk against the kiss before he hastily went back to devouring my lips and tongue. Only this time, now with my legs wrapped around his waist and our bodies pressed tightly together, I feel something I didn't feel before. I feel… him. And it’s so good. 

Like a trigger, my omega senses are suddenly out of whack.

With a mind of its own, my body tingles all over as my legs grip tighter and I roll my hips against him. Anything to feel him against me. He moaned into the kiss and grunts as he pulled away to catch his breath. 

"Baby… wait…" 

It really looks like he's struggling right now. His eyes are closed, forehead is pinched together, and it seems like he's trying to calm himself down. 

I'm already sweating; a drop falls from my hairline, down my neck, and in between my breasts. I feel so good right now. I just want him to touch me more. That uncontrollable omega need feels like it's scratching its way up to the surface. And I almost feel ready to let it free.

"...I don't want to…" 

He scoffed with a smirk, looking extra handsome. "You're something else." 

I really don't know what is going on with my body, but my omega instincts seem like they are begging for something. I suck my bottom lip into my mouth and grab his shirt tightly. "You've been a bad influence." And just to prove my point, I thrust my hips again and felt the pleasure that was bulging inside of his pants. "Oh God…" I moaned.

"Shit…" He dropped his head on my neck and inhaled sharply through his teeth. "You're making this… really difficult." He gulped slowly while trying to clear out the lustful haze. "But thankfully… you've been a better influence on me than I've been a bad influence on you." 

"......"

He finally put me back down on my feet and decided to just simply hug me. "As much as I want to- and I really want to," he couldn't help but smile, "I don't want our first time to be in the middle of nowhere in the woods while my headspace isn’t where it should be."

"Jungkook…" 

He kissed my cheek, finally calmed down. "When we finally make love, I want to be able to give you all of my attention. Not like this. You deserve better." 

Even though my omega heart is disappointed and full of want, I'm not mad he stopped. My heart has swelled twice its size in the amount of love I feel for him. I'm the luckiest girl on Earth. "I think I've been a really good influence on you." 

We laughed together. And it feels really nice. It’s a simple happiness that we haven’t had in a long time; a break from the tragedy we are currently in. 

But when the silence hits, so does reality. "We should get going," he says with his serious tone again.

He grabs my hand as we start walking again, and I make sure to lock our fingers together. "Alright." 

Not much later his hand squeezes mine and he stops. In front of us is the back of the gas station. There's a broken down vehicle behind the building, as well as old tires, car parts, and random bits of trash. 

He starts leading us around to the front, but stops as we come face to face with a stretch of worn down road. It's dark out, so the only light source is coming from inside the gas station and the broken sign that keeps flickering off and on. 

"This place gives me the creeps." 

"Woobin hyung was here, so we have to go inside." 

"I know." 

He takes a big step forward and walks in front of me, making sure to keep our hands locked. The closer we approach the more my eyes scan everything it can. 

There's two clean, but frankly old looking gas pumps underneath the gas station awning. Which happens to look like it's going to collapse with the slightest gust of wind. The large windows in front are cleaner than I expected, but beyond that one can tell nothing else has been cleaned in years. 

As we get closer to the door Jungkook is on full alert and focused. "Stick close to me, and stay calm. I'll do the talking." 

"Ok," I nod and swallow down the anxious lump in my throat. 

The bell above the door dings as Jungkook leads the way inside. To our left is the main counter decorated in snacks and sweets. Behind the counter there's usually a worker, but no one is here. The place looks deserted. 

So I naturally look around inside, and from the corner of my eye I notice two large cold doors with drinks behind them. Not to mention I can see various foods, random tools, and other unknown knick knacks in the store. My heart is lighting up from all the curiosity. 

I keep my hold on Jungkook's hand as I can't resist the urge to look closer. I pull him down the first aisle and look at everything with big wide eyes. Sure, some of the food looks old and the trinkets are broken, but it's still really fascinating. 

"I've never seen you so amazed before," Jungkook smiles as he allows me to tug him along. 

"I've never been to a place like this before," I respond as we get to the cooler doors. I open one up and instantly shiver from the breeze behind it. "Wow! There's a whole room back there. Can you see? It's so cold!"

"Yeah I see it." 

I almost forgot why we were here. But I'm reminded instantly as I close the cooler door. My heart rattles inside my chest the second I smell a stranger's scent.

A tired looking middle aged man came out from the door behind the counter. "Can I help yous?"

Jungkook reluctantly let go of my hand in place of approaching the man a couple of steps. "We're looking for someone who passed through here. So maybe you saw him." 

He looked at us in silence, then turned his head to look outside. "How's it you two got here?" 

"Excuse me?"

The man turned his head back to Jungkook as he pointed with his thumb towards the gas pumps. "There's no car out there." 

"....." Jungkook didn't even think of that. 

The man raised his eyebrow in suspicion, while also pushing gum in his mouth to start chewing, "Well? Don't tell me y'alls walked. There ain’t nothing around for miles."

"Sort of." 

Both men looked at me, but only Jungkook looked more alarmed.

"Our car stopped working so we had to start walking. But luckily we found your shop Sir." 

Jungkook looked relieved, and went with my story, "Yeah, that's right." 

"Hm, well, if you's say so." He cleaned out his ear with his pinky then flicked the earwax away, "So you were asking abouts some guy?" 

"Yes," Jungkook confirmed and walked closer. "He's tall, black hair… probably had an attitude."

"Yeah yeah that sounds about right. Attitude 'n all. I seen a man like that." 

Jungkook started to have hope. "You saw him? You saw my brother?" 

"Brother huh? Don't look alike." He tossed more gum in his mouth and started smacking loudly. "Don't act alike either. That's good cuz you seem like a nice kid." 

"Y-Yeah…" Jungkook smiled courteously.

"Well he headed thataway. East." He pointed with his thumb again but this time behind him. "Said he was looking for the sea." 

"Thank you so much Sir!" Jungkook excitedly turned back to me, "Did you hear that?"

"That's great!"

He thanked the strange man again and hurried to grab my hand and leave the gas station. We were both excited and eager as we left. 

Inside the shop the strange man stopped chewing his gum and stared out the windows. He walked to the back through the door behind the counter. The small space was only big enough for a desk and cot. But what he needed wasn't his cot, or the day old half eaten sandwich on the floor, or the liquor on his desk. What he needed was his landline telephone. 

His casual and lazy demeanor stiffened as the phone rang and he waited. He took out his gum and stuck to the surface of the desk the moment someone picked up and answered his call.

"You were right, someone came lookin so I sent 'em your way. Two of them. Boy and girl. Boy said the guy was his brother. That's right… yeah, so have your guys keep an eye out. Yeah… right. Sure. It's the least I can do." 

The line went dead and he hung up his phone. He stared at the pills on his desk and the liquor next to it. Without any hesitation he popped a pill in his mouth and downed it with whiskey. 

The high returned and the man passed out on his worn down cot.

We were none the wiser. 

Chapter Text

I’ve never seen the ocean before.

I’ve never heard waves, nor felt sand beneath my bare feet.

But the scent of the shore, the sea, and the sun is something I already know. 

As I look to my right, I see my ocean. His eyes are closed and he’s breathing in and out slowly. Controlled. I reach out for Jungkook’s hand and gently grab his fingers. The touch however seems to startle him out of the momentary meditation.

“Babe? You ok?”

"No, yeah, just-" He takes a moment to gather his thoughts. “I think I know why Woobin hyung wanted to come see the ocean.” He stares at the horizon and gets lost in the setting sun. “I don’t know if this will make sense, but… it’s like there’s a peace and calm in the chaos. The waves are so loud… but it’s nice.”

I smile fondly as I close the distance and hug him from the side, “It makes sense.”

The corner of his lips raise up just slightly as he hugs me back, turning so that we can hug properly. “Good, I’m glad.” As he peers over my head he can see our brothers returning from down the beach. “......they're back.”

“Finally! Is-”

“Woobin hyung isn’t with them,” he says with a sigh. He pulls away from our hug and clenches his hands tight, “We’ll just have to go north from here, and maybe…”

He goes quiet, so I grab his hands and peel them open so I can squeeze in some warmth, “We’ll find him Jungkook.”

He finally looks into my eyes again, “Yeah, I know. Thanks Y/N.”

Just as he leans down to kiss the top of my head, our brothers approach. 

“No luck Kook. We went as far south on the beach as we could, but nothing. No trace,” Namjoon said with some defeat in his tone of voice. “At least that leaves us North. He's got to be there.”

“Hopefully…” Jimin sighs. 

“Damnit,” Jungkook said with frustration. 

He backed away with his hands on his hips and stared at the ground. After a moment, he clicked his tongue in irritation and walked to the shore line to get some space and calm down.

It took us two days to get to the ocean from the gas station, and half a day for our brothers to search along the south end of the beach. And yet we still have no answers as to where his brother Woobin is. As much of the possibility that Woobin’s up north, there’s an equal chance he isn’t. We really don’t know. 

I’m worried if we don’t find Woobin soon, this will really damage Jungkook. Because as of two days ago, he hasn’t even had the energy to fake a smile anymore. He’s tired, stressed, and worried. 

So what’s something I can do for him right now?

I look at Jimin and Namjoon and we all share a worried look. But with a big deep breath and a reassuring smile, I nod my head to them. “You two rest, ok? Me and Jungkook are going to take a walk.”

Namjoon smiles softly, grateful I’m taking care of his stressed out baby brother. “Sure. We’ll be here.”

Jimin leaned in and cupped my cheek, “Be safe, ok? Don’t go too far.”

I rolled my eyes with a big smile, “I know brother. You’ll still be able to see us, I promise.” 

“Alright then,” my brother smiles. “Go be there for him.”

“I will,” I say with determination; a kiss to his cheek first before I hurry to Jungkook’s side. 

My boyfriend and mate-to-be is frozen where he stands. He holds his breath for a few seconds and then lets it out through his mouth. I watch quietly by his side as he repeats this process a few times. After a long moment, he opens his eyes and finally acknowledges me at his side. 

I smile and lace my hand with his, “Would you like to escort me on a walk?”

“Always,” he returned my smile with barely one of his own, only because I seem to have that power over him. 

I squeeze his hand and start leading us up the beach along the shore line. The wet sand slips in between my toes, but the cool ocean water washes it away. It’s a funny enough process that keeps happening over and over as I continue to walk with Jungkook. It’s thrilling to feel these new sensations, but I can’t fully enjoy it because of the heavy thoughts on Jungkook’s mind. Thus, heavy thoughts on my mind.

“Jungkook?”

“Hm?”

“Why do you hold your breath like you do?” I tilt my head curiously, “I’ve seen you do it. Are you meditating?”

Jungkook faces forward as we walk; feeling ocean wind on his face. It helps breathe calm into his body. “No not really, it’s just a trick Woobin hyung taught me.”

“Oh, he did?”

“Yeah… I just hold my breath and let it out slowly as I focus my mind, and eventually I calm down.” He looked at the wet sand, watching it sink beneath his feet. “I used to cry all the time, but once I learned that trick from him, I got better. I started maturing and following his lead.” He looked up and held his head high, “If it wasn’t for him, I’d probably still be that wimpy weak little kid who cries at everything. So, I feel like I owe him a lot.” 

I feel the sincerity and love for his brother. It’s how I feel about mine, so I understand him completely. Which is why this is so heartbreaking. 

“When you see him again, you should tell him all of this. Tell him how much you’ve missed him. And tell him how proud you are to be his brother.”

“Would he even listen?” Jungkook can’t help but have the slightest of doubts. 

“Make him listen.” I stopped him and turned his body to face me. I held his hand and poked his chest with the other. “These are important things you need to say. And if you two are ever going to get past this, then you both need to start speaking from here-” I stopped poking him and placed my hand over his heart. 

He puts his hand over mine, and curls his finger tips underneath. “You’re right.”

“Of course I am,” I say jokingly. “Now c’mon, sit.”

“Huh?”

I push him around until he’s sitting crossed legged and facing the ocean. I get on my knees behind him, then start massaging his shoulders. I work my knuckles into his muscles and knead out the knots. After doing this for Mama for so many years, I have some pride in my hands. So I know how to manipulate his tired muscles into submission. 

And like a song to my ears, he moans. All of his stress is immediately being flushed out of his body. It’s a reminder that he needs to take better care of his body when he’s stressed. Either way, he can’t help but grunt and moan as I work over his neck, shoulders, and back.  

“Oh my god… what are you doing to me? ….amazing.” And then he was back to moaning, completely and utterly in heaven.

I blush a deep, deep red, “Is it really that good?”

“Better than good babe. It’s the best. Ahh- ...you’re the best.”

I giggle at him. “You’re welcome.”

He raised his lip just slightly for a smirk. “Thank-”

Danger.

Jungkook suddenly stopped mid sentence as his senses alerted him to a stranger nearby. Both of us stood on our feet in a split second. On instinct he naturally stepped in front of me and kept me behind his back; protected. 

Normally we wouldn’t have such a defensive reaction to someone, but my wolf heart can feel it. And so can Jungkook. This stranger is like us. He’s a wolf. Which means he could potentially be dangerous. 

“Hello lovebirds. You two were looking quite cozy.”

My first instinct is to look for my brother and Namjoon. But when I turn around I see them down the beach, surrounded by wolves. My heart drops as I shakily turn back around and look at the stranger getting closer to us. 

“Who are you?” Jungkook took a quick glance behind him, only to see the wolves surrounding our brothers.  He openly glared into the stranger’s eyes. “And what do you want?”

His voice is low and deep, vibrating in his chest. I’ve never heard Jungkook sound so threatening before. It sends chills down my body. But that could also be my nerves getting the best of me. I can’t tell. 

The stranger who stands before us is an asian man, the same height as my brother. A bit more bulkier though, like he regularly works out. Which he probably does seeing as he's sporting joggers and a sweatshirt. His tight skin fade and spiky hairstyle makes him look mean however. He looks mean and assertive; a cocky look in his eye and a smirk on his lips. 

“You can call me Brian.” His super deep voice catches me off guard, not having registered his voice earlier. “And what I want… is you.”

I instantly grab Jungkook’s arm and don’t let go, “No.”

Brian peeks around Jungkook so he can get a look at me, but Jungkook doesn’t let him step in the way. “Do I know you? Why do you want me?”

With a big sigh, Brian slouched his shoulders and threw his head back, “Why do you ask so many damn questions!?” 

He slowly started laughing at the situation, but he wasn’t in a happy mood. His smile morphed into an irritated scoff as he put his fingers in his mouth and whistled. One by one, wolves began to appear on the beach behind him. Brian stood confidently as his packmates surrounded us. Big. Fierce. And with cruelty in their eyes I've never seen before. 

“If I tell you we have your brother, will you shut the fuck up and come with me? Or do I need my brothers to help you decide?” His jaw clenched and a vein popped up on his neck. “I’m not going to deal with another question.”

Jungkook and I understand that being apart from our brothers literally cuts our chances of getting out of this unharmed down to zero. We’re simply outnumbered. And obviously we wouldn’t win that fight. Besides, if what Brian says is true, we can’t risk our lives just yet. We need to find out the truth.

“Yes, we'll go with you” Jungkook replied as efficiently as he could, coming to the same conclusions as me.

“Great,” Brian said with fake enthusiasm. “Then c’mon let’s go. Move it.”

Jungkook grabbed my hand and held on tight as we walked back down the beach towards our brothers and towards more of Brian’s packmates. As soon as we got close enough, the four of us stood close together. 

Jungkook talked quickly in a hushed tone, only meant for our pack. “Are y’all ok?”

“We’re fine Kook. You?”

“Fine." Jungkook's brow creases, "He claims to have Woobin hyung."

“What,” Namjoon asks, afraid he heard correctly. 

“I’m parked up top, so follow me.”

We all look at Jungkook first before we move. As he looks at each of us, he silently confirms our trust in him and our resolve to find Woobin no matter the cost. With his nod we started following Brian. 

But he held me back to let our brothers go first. 

"Y/N…" he holds my hand tighter, "Can you promise me something?"

I look up and see his side profile; his long hair is tucked behind his ear, eyes are forward, and his jaw is clenched tight. My heart aches as I walk by his side. I just wish I could see his eyes properly.

"I don't know what's going to happen from here… so please… Promise me that we'll be together forever. No matter what."

Hearing my wish, he stopped us at the top of the stairs that connected the beach with the dirt road up top. His eyes shine, confirming my love of the stars in his eyes. 

"I promise. Together forever."

We aren't allowed the time to hug, kiss, or even smile before the wolves are growling at us to keep moving. Off to the side there’s a large off roading jeep parked. Brian and our brothers are already there and waiting on us. So we hurried to catch up, and climb inside the no door vehicle.

As Brian starts up the car I hear the soft rumble of a storm hit my ears. I look out over the ocean and see black clouds in the distance. Flashes of lightning glows, and the dutiful thunder follows. The scent of rain mixes in dangerously with the salty sweet aroma of the ocean. It consumes me as Brian takes off and we head north along the coastline. 

Twenty minutes later we found ourselves in a downpour as the storm finally caught up to us. The four of us are struggling in the rain, while I notice Brian is not. He’s smiling as he pulls the jeep into a large cul-de-sac. He looks to be in his element as he turns off his car, gets out, and holds his hands out to the rain. He’s just as unpredictable as the weather. 

With shaking bodies, we get out of the jeep and are herded by men towards the largest house I've ever seen. In the middle, it stands at its tallest three stories high. Attached on the right is a long piece of house standing two stories high. And on the left, perpendicular to the rest, is a five car garage with a floor above it. In total, the mansion stretches out ten windows long. It's huge and luxurious, but has no warmth. To me it simply looks like an 'L' shaped box with windows. Somehow… It's very daunting. 

Maybe it’s just the lightning making it scarier than it actually is.

Thankfully, there is a very, very large awning attached to the front of the mansion where we can take cover from the heavy storm. As we stay huddled together, I try and get as much warmth as I can. Jimin and Namjoon have me sandwiched in between them, while Jungkook still keeps me behind his tall body. As I look behind us, I'm startled to see so many men crowding around us. Brian and his packmates have us trapped.

Coming from the grand front doors, a loud voice echoed in the rain. 

"And what do we have here?!" 

I can't help myself, I take a peek around my boyfriend and hold my breath. 

A man steps forward wearing a silky black robe tied loosely at his waist, allowing his bare chest to be exposed. He doesn't seem particularly scary; fair skin, messy long dark hair, with a five o'clock shadow. He's attractive in a lucrative scruffy kind of way. His eyes, however, have a certain dangerous glint to them that makes me shiver. My omega senses are screaming at me right now and telling me he isn't what he seems.

Despite how this guy looks, he's dangerous. 

He stops several feet away from us and takes a big hit off his blunt. The scent of his smoke makes my nose twitch. 

"Brian."

Brian walked up, grabbed his hand, and gave him a quick one arm hug. "Boss." 

Brian's boss gave him a hard pat on the back before he pulled away from the hug and took another long drag of bud. "You did it. You brought me exactly what I wanted."

"Yes sir." 

"I'm proud. Here-" he pulled out a tiny clear plastic baggy from the pocket of his robe and held it in between his fingers; four small pills inside.

Brian took the bag quickly and slipped it in his pocket. "Thank you." 

"Reward for obedience," the robed man said aloud. "Respect for loyalty." He began circling our group, smoking as he did. "My name is Joji. And I'm the leader of these dogs." 

"Dogs…" The word sits badly on my tongue. 

Joji looks at me with a devilish smirk as he hears my disapproval. "This is my home. My territory. One hundred acres of blood, sweat, and tears. It's seen a fair share of dogs come and go, but I'll be honest… I've never greeted so many guests at once before." He wiggled his shoulders and fingers weirdly. "My body is literally itching with excitement. We’re going to have so much fun."

I have a really bad feeling. 

Joji stands a few feet in front of Jungkook, a couple inches shorter than my boyfriend, but in no way less intimidating. He moves the blunt away from his lips and blows the smoke up in the air. 

"What's your name?"

"Jungkook." 

Joji smiled. "And what brings you and your company-" he glances in my direction and gives me a wink, "-all the way to my neck of the woods?"

"We're-"

Joji suddenly held his hand up in Jungkook's face, "Stop! Hold on." He held his blunt in between his fingers and whistled. "Taemin." 

A tall Asian man hurried from the door and silently lit Joji's blunt with a lighter. From what I could see he looked beautiful and timid. His aura is the complete opposite to his leader standing impatiently next to him. 

Jungkook is just steaming under the surface as he waits for Joji. Namjoon is sweating from all his nerves next to me. And my brother is frozen where he stands. I look to check on him and notice his pupils dilated, and his cheeks flush. 

He's staring at Taemin.

And Taemin is staring back with just as much red to his cheeks as Jimin's. But with a large wave of his hand, Joji shoos him away and starts to smoke again. Taemin is hesitant to move, but despite his body he scurried back to stand in the doorway to wait on his leader. 

"Ok, what were you saying?" 

Jungkook can't tell if this is all an act, or if Joji really is a douchebag. But either way it's taking all of his concentration to remain calm and in control. He can just feel his alpha wolf begging to shut Joji up with a quick bite to the neck. If only.

"Where's my brother?"

All of us tense up and stare Joji down. Yet he remains relaxed. "Oh he's here. He's staying as my guest." 

Jungkook is caught off guard by Joji's calm and nonchalant attitude. Perhaps it's the weed influencing him. "Let me see him." Jungkook takes a step forward, his impatience starting to seep in between the cracks. 

Brian stepped forward as well, but was quickly dismissed by his leader. Joji is having too much fun. 

" Let you ?" He craned his head and pretended to think about it. "You know what? This is making me thirsty." He whistled again and called for Taemin. "Baby get me a scotch on the rocks. The good one."

Jungkook has had enough. A threatening growl slipped out as he took another step towards Joji. But this time, as Brian stepped in Jungkook’s way, he was joined by another wolf. This guy was dressed very nicely; a polo tucked into black slacks. He looked very clean with a shaved face and styled hair. While he carried himself with more poise and elegance, he looked just as strong and mean as Brian. 

The two of them stand in front of their leader Joji and are ready to attack. While the rest of the men have encircled us from all sides.

“That’s enough boys. Brian. Jackson.”

The two men stepped aside, and his pack lowered their heads and backed away. Joji smiled, still unbothered by the intense and heavy atmosphere. 

“I’m not in the business of letting people tell me what to do. In fact-” He started raising his voice, “I’m the one giving out the orders!” He stepped into Jungkook’s space and threatened him. “And for the sake of your brother’s life... I suggest you calm the fuck down.”

Jungkook was breathing so hard through his nostrils, that his chest moved up and down intensely as he focused on calming down. Focused on controlling his fierce wolf, in the hopes of preserving his brother’s safety. 

Taemin, with a glass in hand, submissively walked forward and held out the drink. “Your scotch on the rocks… Sir...”

Joji stayed in Jungkook’s face, just a beat longer than he should so he could grin. He’s having so much fun that he takes the drink from Taemin and shoots it in one go. He exhales with flare, dramatically sighing, and clearly satisfied. High. On his way to drunk as well.

“So if you’re done making a scene-” He suddenly switched his attention from Jungkook to Taemin, “-Go make me another. Double, ok?” He bit on his bottom lip and smacked Taemin’s ass hard as he passed, then finally looked at Jungkook again. “Come join me as my guests of honor. Your brother is waiting after all.”

With a smirk in place, he turned around and then raised his hand in the air, giving a silent command with his index finger. As soon as he lowered his arm and tossed his finished blunt, his people jumped us. Namjoon was able to get a couple of punches in before he was tackled to the ground. Jimin tried to fight them as well but a couple of hard punches to his stomach and chest knocked the air out of his lungs, dropping him to his knees. The swift kick to his head is what made him fall over entirely; unconscious. 

"Brother!" I tried to pull away so I could get to him, but it was futile.

Two of the biggest guys held onto Jungkook and kept him locked in their arms as he thrashed around. “Let us go Joji! You don’t know who you’re dealing with!”

Joji abruptly stopped walking into his home in favor of turning around, clenching his fist, and landing a solid punch into Jungkook's stomach. His goons held onto him as Joji unleashed hit after brutal hit; more in Jungkook's stomach, his sides, and his face. The last punch came with a hard right hook into Jungkook’s jaw. The impact made Jungkook bite the inside of his lip and it flooded his mouth with blood. It splattered on the ground at Joji’s feet, causing him to cluck his tongue.

He looked at the blood and then bent down to place his palm in it. “It’s funny how a little bit of red liquid can separate us as individuals.” He stood up again and stared at his blood covered hand. “Some are born strong, and some are born weak. Some are meant to rule, and others... enslaved .” 

He dragged his eyes then to Jungkook, who still had fire burning in his pupils despite his body slumped over in the arms of Joji's men. It irks the leader how even now Jungkook still has a fighting spirit. So with a hard clasp, Joji grabs Jungkook’s face with his blood covered hand. 

“I know exactly who I’m dealing with, and I’m not the least bit scared... Jeon Jungkook; the heir of Goddess Selene.”

Jungkook’s eyes go wide as Joji smirks and then headbutts him so hard that Jungkook passes out. 

“Jungkook!” I cry helplessly as I see Jungkook motionless in the arms of Joji’s men. 

The vicious leader cracked his neck and grinned. Lightning flashed and thunder clapped loudly a heartbeat later. The storm is all around us, and yet I’m more terrified of the man who stands before me. 

“Get them out of my sight.” His men started dragging us away, but before I could take two steps he spoke up again, “Leave her.”

I’m left alone as the men leave and take my family with them. Not inside of Joji’s home, but to an unknown location behind the mansion. All of them are unconscious, and dragged on the wet cement. It breaks my heart to see them being taken away like that. I wish I was going with them. Because as I stand under the gaze of the vile and cruel man, I feel naked with fear. 

I feel… alone. 

' The moon will always shine down upon you, even on the darkest of nights’

Like a crystal clear bell, I hear Goddess Selene's warm toned, lovely voice in my head. She is with me, I know this. I feel comforted in knowing she's by my side in the face of my enemy. 

Taemin arrives then with Joji's second glass of scotch. He grabs it and immediately takes a sip as he approaches me. He licks his lips and grabs my chin harshly.

"You were just touched. I've seen it before. You're special." 

He leaned down and tilted his head, his lips and breath just barely touching my own. But before he could touch all the way I opened my mouth wide and bit down as hard as I could on his hand. My teeth broke the skin between his thumb and index finger. I could taste his blood in my mouth as he ripped his hand away. But the second the back of his fist collided with my face, I fell hard to the ground. 

My head is pulsing; throbbing in pain. But I don’t register it as he suddenly lifts me up by my hair, pulling so tightly that I scream in agony; reaching up to try and free myself. But as he forced me on my feet, he suddenly grabbed me by the throat.

"You little cunt,” he hissed. “You'll learn that you are nothing compared to me." 

His robe slipped off his shoulder as he started squeezing his hand and lifting me up. My eyes snapped wide open as I hurried and started grabbing at his hand, trying my best to peel it off. But his strength is overwhelming me, and my heels are no longer on the ground. My toes are barely touching as I’m being choked out. 

"I've been touched too… because you see…”

My head feels like it’s about to explode from all the pressure. Eyes bulged. Veins popped. Face red. It hurts so much. Like my neck is about to break and collapse within itself. Consciousness is slipping away by the second, and I’m scared. I’m so scared. The air is foul with my fear, and Joji is high on it. Craves it. So he squeezes harder. 

Just before I passed out completely, all I managed to hear was one word. 

“...Dionysus…”

Chapter Text

'I am the heir of Dionysus… and you will learn to fear me.'

My eyes snapped open and I immediately sat up and looked around. I notice I'm in a large bedroom with different types of expensive art and furniture. I glance down and realize I’m tucked under the thick comforter on the bed when a coughing fit hits me hard. 

"You shouldn't move that fast after waking up." 

I peel one eye open so I can see who the soft and quiet spoken voice belongs too. It's the tall and reserved looking guy I remembered being called Taemin. 

"Especially after what he did to you." 

I started shaking as the memory of being choked out came to me. On instinct I tossed the blankets off and quickly inspected the rest of my body. But the second I noticed I was in clothes I've never seen before, I quickly covered myself once again. 

"W-who-" I cleared my throat and winced at the pain in my neck.

"It was me. I cleaned you up and changed you into my clothes." 

He stood at the far end of the room where the bar was. Dark stained wood and marble countertops aesthetically harmonized with the darker industrial theme in the room. And Taemin seemed to fit in perfectly. He moved around the bar with familiarity. 

My hands naturally came up to my neck as I spoke. My voice is a little scratchy, "You're Taemin, right? ...I'm Y/N." 

He looked surprised before he looked away. Then awkwardly stood around with a blank look on his face before he busied himself. He grabbed a rag and put it under the hot water at the sink, then rang it out before making his way across the room to me. I was a little hesitant when he came up to the bed, but he just held out the towel. 

I looked him up and down, and my instincts tell me he’s not like Joji. He’s not in a risque robe like Joji was previously wearing, but in a soft looking black sweater, tight jeans, and wearing a thick black metallic choker. He doesn’t smugly look me in the eyes, but rather avoids them. It makes me sad to see him so timid. He seems so fragile. Like he’s gone through tremendous pain. 

My omega heart can sense his gentle omega soul.

"Wrap this around your neck. It should help." 

I slowly grabbed the towel and did as he instructed. It feels amazing on my sore neck. "Thank you." 

Again, I see surprise in his eyes. "...you're weird…. Are all girls like you?" 

Like a lightning bolt straight into my brain, I remember being surrounded by all types of different men. All races, all body shapes and sizes. But the thing they all shared in common was bloodshot eyes; cruelty held within them. A cruelty led by their pack leader Joji. 

And then I saw them. My family. The images of Namjoon, my brother, and Jungkook being dragged away flashed inside of my head.

My eyes opened wide, and I dropped the towel as I reached out to grab Taemin's hands, "Are they ok? Is my family ok?!" 

It was as if I burned him, that's how fast he pulled his hands away from mine. He backed away quickly and held his hands to his chest. He scrunched his shoulders in and made himself smaller. It's a shock to me. He looks so scared for someone so tall and beautiful. 

His voice came out weak and quiet, "....they're ok." He glanced my way for just a second before he looked at the ground, "He’s- ….They're alive at least." 

My heart dropped. "I need to see them." 

On impulse I tossed the blanket off and swung my legs to the edge of the bed to get up. But Taemin rushed over and pushed me back.

"No no no no, you can't leave." 

I pushed his hands away and tried moving around him. "Let me go!" 

"If you leave this room you'll get in a lot of trouble! You'll put your family in more danger! And he’ll get hurt more!"

He bit down on his bottom lip at his own concerned confession. I feel helpless, but I focus on his outburst. “Who…”

“....the one you called brother… I just…” He looked in every direction except towards me. “He keeps asking about you and he keeps getting hurt… and… I…”

He wouldn’t say anymore. It looks like he can’t even form words. And neither can I. 

This doesn't feel real. My aching heart doesn't feel real. But it is and it hurts so much. "I just…" a few tears start spilling down my cheeks as the overwhelming situation starts falling down around me. "I want my family… I want Jungkook…" 

Taemin stayed close to the bed. He looked on with envy and curiosity. "....Is Jungkook your mate? ….he won't stop asking about you either." 

Something tells me I can trust Taemin, but I still decide to play it safe. "No… but I like him..." Which is the truth. 

"Oh… I thought you were... he kept you behind his back like he was protecting you from Sir.”

Hearing him call Joji like that leaves a really bad taste in my mouth. I looked into Taemin's eyes and felt sorry for him. “Why do you refer to him like that?”

“Because he is my leader. My master.”

"You say that like you're a slave. Like you’re… property." 

"I am property," he said with no emotion. 

It’s hard for me to even fathom this is happening. I'm shocked. "That can't be true."

"Master Joji is the law around here. The strongest. And you'll learn like the rest of us did." 

"Learn what?"

"You'll learn to stop fighting him. You'll learn to be afraid of him."

I frowned and whispered, "I'm already afraid of him." 

Taemin finally closed the distance between us as he sat on the bed. His hand almost touched mine, as if he wanted to grab it, but didn't. Still, his curiosity couldn't be contained. "Then why did you fight him if you're scared? ….You can't win."

"The only way I lose is if I give up completely and stay scared," I said confidently. "But I can't be scared- I wont be. Not when my family is trying to fight and survive. I have to try and fight too."

Taemin stared in awe and disbelief as silence overtook us. He peeled his lips open to say something but he was too late. The door opened and he quickly got off of the bed. He backed away and kept his head and eyes down as Joji approached. 

"Ah, good, you're awake. How are my girls doing? Getting along?" Joji is smiling and seems to be in a good mood. This time he's clothed in full attire; a floor length leopard print fur coat, over a thin white cotton tee, and ripped designer jeans.

Taemin nods his head quickly and responds, "Yes Sir." 

Joji walked over to his pet and rubbed the top of his head; Taemin's silvery hair getting fluffier as he did. "That's a good girl." 

Joji is the creepiest guy I've ever met. And he makes the hairs on my body stand up in fear and disgust. 

He turns his attention to me and I naturally move away from him on instinct. But all that does is make him laugh. Evil eyes hidden behind dark shades.

"Still so feisty, even when you wake up." He grinned, "Can't fight me forever." 

I gulped down my fear. "I can. And I will." 

He smirked, "We'll see how long that lasts." 

The threat is real. He has a certain power I've never felt before in a wolf. I feel it in my bones. It's palpable and intense, and I feel myself wanting to cower to him. But I won't. I refuse. And it only seems to make him happier. 

"So many games to be played," he said excitedly and puckered his lips to blow me a kiss. He moved away from the bed and headed back to the door, holding it open as he looked at me. "Well? Shall we go?"

"And where will you take me?"

He grinned, "To your family of course. Don't you want to see them?" 

I look at Taemin, and I'm surprised to see him already looking at me. But as soon as our eyes lock he breaks it by looking down once again. 

‘Guess I have no choice.’

I get up from the bed and follow Joji out of the room as Taemin trails a few steps behind me. 

Once we leave his room I make sure to keep my eyes peeled to everything around me. As we walk down the hallway, we make it to a set of stairs. From my memory of standing in front of the house, I can see in my mind that Joji’s bedroom is above the five car garage; the east wing. That side of the mansion seems to be off limits except for Joji and Taemin. I can only assume however, because at the base of the stairs there are two big guys keeping watch. 

As I manage to glance up, I catch the eyes of one of the guards. He’s a black man with biceps and thighs bigger than my head. His eyes are bloodshot as he glares, so I quickly look away. Something about him feels off. 

Joji suddenly yells, "Wine!"

I keep following him as we cross the foyer and make our way through the grand kitchen. Someone immediately hands him a full glass of wine as we enter. My nose picks up the scent of omegas, and only omegas. I stop walking as I see only omega men working in the kitchen; heads down, hands working fast, and eyes to themselves. It's Taemin however that keeps me moving. 

He whispered behind me, "Please keep up." He gulped, "Master Joji doesn't like waiting." 

I glanced back to see Taemin staring at the ground. My brow creases and I keep walking. As I walk through the kitchen, I notice a large crowd of men through an open door that seems to lead into a dining room. I only catch a glimpse of them drinking and eating loudly before the doors close again. With nothing else to see I exited the door in the back. 

"Some party there..." 

"They've been celebrating in my honor since you and your family arrived two days ago," he smiled wide as he took a gulp of wine. "Good thing my room is on the other side of the house and soundproof, right," he asks as he turns his head so I can see him wink. "Otherwise those idiots would annoy the fuck out of me."

I froze on the spot, "....two days…? But-" 

He chuckled as he walked along a stoned path that led to a separate house. "It's good to know you can't handle much- out two days from my hand around your tiny neck?” He smirked, “I’ll have fun training you like I did Taemin. Right bitch?” 

I glance back and Taemin just keeps his head down. "....yes Sir…" 

Joji laughs to himself as we approach the smaller house, and by smaller I mean something that looks like a large barn. He slapped the guards’ big biceps and sloppily sipped his wine. With a spin, he held out his hand and spilled some wine on the ground. 

"Welcome to my Playhouse. This is where all the fun happens." He looks like a little kid, excited to show off his toys. His smile however is far from the innocence of children. He looks evil. "Can you guess whose inside?" 

My heart drops. 

The second the door opens at the corner of the building and I'm ushered inside, my knees go weak. My brother, Namjoon, and Jungkook are all in separate cells, wrists chained. And so is Woobin. I can't really tell from where I'm standing by the door, but it seems like Woobin is alive, and that gives me great relief.

However, it's short lived as I take a look at the rest of my family. My packmates. Namjoon is passed out on the floor. Jimin is sitting against the wall; disheveled and motionless. And then I see Jungkook. Dried blood coats the side of his face and fresh bruises litter his arms. I can only imagine in terror what the rest of his body looks like. 

My body shakes as I take slow steps towards him; trying to rationalize with each step that at least he's alive. At least they are alive . 

He glances up past his long bangs, and opens his mouth to say something, but only a croak comes out. I walk towards him and he reaches out shakily with his hand, his head starting to shake from side to side. 

Just as I was about to grab the cell bars Jimin yelled at me, "Y/N no! Don't touch-!" He got choked up and coughed; hoarse and raspy.

I stopped. Frozen in place.

 "You son of a-" Joji growled in the back of his throat, and threw his wine glass on the ground. Taemin flinched at the sound of the glass breaking and the guards in the room all visibly shifted in place; on edge. I feel like I understand their discomfort. The wine looks too much like blood to me. 

He sighed disgustedly as he had to inconveniently pull out a small remote control from his back jean pocket. With a single press of a button, my brother suddenly screamed out in pain as the black collar around his neck shocked him and made his body convulse uncontrollably.

The guards in the room didn't flinch, but Taemin did. He shook like a leaf and turned away so he didn't have to see my brother being shocked. 

"You costed me a win faggot. Tsk." 

Joji let go of the button three seconds later and my brother stopped moving. I shakily stepped back then fell to the ground as he gasped desperately for air. 

And that's when I connected the dots in my head. The black choker seems to be a device of his own making meant to shock on command. A shock collar. But it’s not just reserved for torturing his hostages, Taemin has on the same choker. Which means that whoever wears it will be subjected to electrocution. 

But why Taemin? No one else I’ve seen has them on besides my family behind bars. Maybe that's why he had such a terrified reaction to it. He must know how it feels personally. 

I truly can’t comprehend Joji’s evil. I can’t understand why this is happening at all. So as I sit on the ground I can't stop myself from crying silently. Crying for my brother's suffering. Crying for my family's suffering. 

I feel so helpless.

With a nod of his head, and a familiar looking small plastic bag in his hand, Joji passed off the winnings to one of the guards that walked into the room with us. The guard more than happily took the pills and slipped it into his pocket before forcing me up from the ground.

Meanwhile, Joji approached the cell bars.  "Remember, cheating has consequences." He slipped off his fur coat and sunglasses and tossed them at Taemin, not caring if Taemin was even ready to catch them. Because as he glared at my brother, he looked ready to snap.

So I'm not surprised that he grabbed the guard who won the bet and pushed him against the charged metal bars. The nameless guard got electrocuted and bounced off the bars; screamed in pain as he fell down hard on one knee. 

"Sir! Please!"

"You told him about our bet so that you'd win, isn't that right?! You junkie ass-"

"I swear I didn't, Boss!"

Despite his guard being bigger and heavier than him, Joji had no problem manhandling his helpless follower. He just pulled him up by the collar and pushed him against the bars. But this time, he held him in place. 

"Reward for obedience! Respect for loyalty!" 

"AHHHH!!!!" 

"AND DEATH FOR BETRAYAL!"

I can only take five seconds of this man's cries of pain, and the foul stench of burning clothes and skin before I'm begging. "JOJI! STOP IT! PLEASE STOP!" 

I squeeze my eyes shut to the horror happening in front of my eyes, expecting nothing to come from my pleas. Miraculously enough, however, Joji let go of the guard and dropped him to the ground. He's breathing heavily as the other guard comes in and drags his unconscious friend away. After a moment to calm down, he turned around and smiled as he combed his hair back with his fingers. 

"Mind screaming my name again? That was so fucking hot." 

I wiped the frustrated and stressed filled tears away from my eyes as I glared. "You're just a coward! A coward who-"

"Y/N DON'T!" Jungkook started coughing and wincing from all the pain he felt, finally more awake and alert. "Don't… say anymore…" 

Joji scoffed with a smile, "No please Princess. By all means." 

I glance behind Joji and see Jungkook slowly shaking his head no. And I'm inclined to listen, given what I just witnessed. But staying quiet wasn't the right answer. 

Joji took a step towards me, "Say it." 

I shook my head and pressed my lips together. 

He took another step, and then another as he started breathing heavily through his nose. "Say what you think of me! Call me a coward!!" I backed away until I couldn’t anymore. Which gave Joji the chance to grab my arms and scream in my face. "SAY IT!!"

"LEAVE HER ALONE!" Jungkook launched himself at the metal bars and grabbed a hold despite knowing the pain to come. "LET HER GO!! AHHH!!"

I tried to push past Joji as all of my attention was on my boyfriend, but that just pissed him off. He banged me hard against the wall and once again screamed in my face. Spit shot out, his face was red, and a vein popped out on his temple. 

"SAY IT!!!!"

Jungkook could no longer withstand the electricity and fell to the ground hard. While I could no longer stay quiet. 

I start slowly. "You're just a coward… a coward who's probably known nothing but pain all his life. So you resort to inflicting pain and fear into everyone you can get your hands on. Because I think you're afraid that without that fear no one would follow you, and you'd be all alone. And that's what makes you a coward. You can't even be alone with yourself, can you?” I shake my head, and face him confidently, “….I'm not afraid of you, Joji. I just hope that one day- and that day will come… you won't be afraid to face yourself." 

I gulp as he says nothing. His face starts clearing of the red and his anger vein goes away. His whole attitude seems to be changing. He’s as calm as when he first greeted me in his bedroom. 

"Taemin." 

The tall omega quickly approached his leader, still carefully holding onto Joji's sunglasses and fur coat. "Yes Sir?" 

"Get me a ring." 

Taemin's eyes went wide before he turned them towards me. For a brief moment, I could sense despair and pity behind his eyes,  but I don’t understand why. I don’t understand anything my senses are telling me as Taemin leaves me with Joji to head deeper into the torture house. 

Joji took a very slow breath in and let it out through his mouth, still so close. Too close. I can smell the wine off his breath, and it makes me dizzy. 

"You said I'm a coward?"

I gulped, trying my best to not vomit from the smell of him. "Yes." 

"Maybe you're right," he said softly. 

He held out his hand just as Taemin returned. But what I didn't expect to see was a black metal band. It’s the black choker.

I shook my head slowly, desperate to get out of what was about to happen. "No… please…" 

Joji quickly shushed me, "Shh- Shhh… it'll be ok baby girl." He stared intensely into my eyes as he locked his “ring” around my neck. “Now you’re mine. And I’ll take care of you...”

'No… why is this happening?'

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath in. I feel like screaming. I feel like crying. And I’m so close to giving up. Because what can I really do against a crazy man who has my family imprisoned? 

'Don't let this defeat you Y/N. Don't let anything or anyone defeat you.'

I hear my father's voice in my head, and it gives me strength. He, and his words, give me all the strength I need to save myself and my family.

Like a bell inside my head, I suddenly realize Joji has a great reaction to the things that I say. When I told him to stop torturing his guard, he stopped. Even in the midst of blowing up in rage, he calmed down after I told him what I thought of him. If I’m lucky enough, I can use this to my advantage.

I need to try and break down his character. Because maybe if I can understand him, I’ll be able to keep us all alive. Or at least keep his attention on me and not on my family.

This is my best bet. 

In the span of just a few seconds I have my answer. I open my eyes and look back fiercely and with confidence. His “ring” and his words will not break me.

I can’t give up.

He pushed his body against mine while his fingers traced the choker. His lips parted and he gazed intimately at my lips. “You still have fire in you. Just like that stupid boy of yours.” He smirked as he tilted my chin up, “But I guess he’s not really your boy huh? Because I didn’t see a bonding mark on you.”

I gulped and stayed silent.

His smirk changed into a smug smile as he finally stepped away, “Good news for me then.”

A shiver went down my spine.

With a wave of his hand, he motioned for Taemin. “Take her back up to my room. Then come back and clean all this up.” He cupped Taemin’s cheek before hitting him a bit roughly, “Be a good girl and get it done fast, alright? I’ll want you to get me more wine in fifteen.”

Taemin didn’t respond right away, due to the slight sting in his cheek from Joji’s slaps. But experience forces him to speak up even if he’s in pain; physically and emotionally. “....yes Sir.”

Joji whistled ear piercingly loud, and threw up a peace sign, not bothering to even turn around as he talked. “Alright you assholes, have fun rotting in here. I’ll see you later when I get bored. Oh and Jungkook-” He turned around and lowered his sunglasses so he could see Jungkook clearly with his own eyes. “I’ll be sure to enjoy Y/N to the fullest.”

Jungkook struggled to stand, so stayed on the ground. His voice is hoarse, he yelled, “I’ll kill you if you touch her! ...Joji…!”

Joji just cackled loudly as he left the building entirely, leaving Taemin at my side. 

“Let’s go.”

The guards at the door stared me down as I lagged behind. But my feet feel like they were stuck in the mud. Something just doesn’t feel right. 

I have to see them. 

I spin around quickly and take a look at my family. As I see all four of them behind bars- beat up, broken, and defeated- I remember my mother’s words. So with a big deep breath, I shout as loud as I can. “Don’t forget you have a home and family waiting for you! Stay alive-!”

I suddenly feel a large arm wrap itself around my stomach and lift me up. The guard isn’t nice about it either as he manhandles me. But that doesn’t stop me from resisting and keeping my eyes on my family for as long as I can.

“Stay alive! And I will too!”

“Together forever!”

Before the doors closed, I got to hear Jungkook’s voice. And as heartbreaking as this is, it’s something I’ll keep on repeating inside of my head. Because I have no doubt that it’ll be Jungkook’s voice that keeps me fighting in the hours to come. 

Chapter Text

Jungkook grunted as he shifted off his side and up into a sitting position. As he leaned back against the wall, his bruises flared up. He slightly hissed at the discomfort, but it's more or less just an annoyance to him. He's too distracted by his thoughts to really care about the physical pain. 

His heart hurts too much to give way to other distractions. 

But a particular groan catches his attention. 

Woobin stirred awake in the farthest cell. He lay still as his eyes adjusted to the bright spotlight directly above him. The sound of chains hit his ears first before he registers that they are attached to his wrists and ankles. 

He groans, "Where… where am I?" 

"Brother!" 

"Woobin hyung…" Jungkook gulped slowly, and stared forward with half lidded eyes. "...are you ok?" 

"I'm… alive…" 

Namjoon scoffed with a smile, "You're too stubborn to die." But the smile turned into a frown. "What happened though? How did you get caught?"

Woobin didn't say anything for a few moments, only because he took the time to try and clear his mind of a hazy fog. 

"I ran and ran…and realized as I was running that I had never seen the ocean before...but somehow… I missed it." He swallowed thickly; spit starting to fill his mouth. "Once I saw the beach I just collapsed. It felt… overwhelming. But I guess that was more of my regret..." 

He sighed.

"I was sitting there just staring out into the deep ocean. I couldn't tell you how long I sat there- and I intended to go back home, I really did. But when I realized I was being surrounded I went full wolf and tried to fight my way out. Obviously my ass was beat, and I don't remember much after."

Jungkook cleared his throat, feeling the metal of the black collar move slightly. A previous conversation is playing through his mind as an unsettling quiet takes over. And he realizes it's now or never. 

He needs to talk to his older brother. 

"Woobin hyung… I…"

"I'm sorry Jungkook… I'm so sorry..."

Woobin's voice lingered in the thin cold air. 

Namjoon smiled softly as he closed his eyes; relieved to hear his brother's voice again. Jimin laid on the floor, eyes closed as well as he stayed quiet and rested. Jungkook however felt uneasy, full of jitters. Hearing his eldest brother apologize feels both strange and liberating. 

"I'm sorry too… Hyung." 

"Jungkook, no. Don't. You don't have to say sorry. It's me."

"Maybe… but maybe not… you see, I've always felt so guilty." His voice cracked so he focused on keeping his emotions in check. "Knowing a big truth like that… it's burdensome. And I… I just couldn't ever face you about it. I should have just been strong and done it, but now..." He swallowed down a big lump in his throat, "The truth is, I have part of the blame, so I'm sorry too."

"Fuck…" Woobin sniffled and sighed. "I've never realized how much you've grown up…. And here you are saying sorry."

His senses had finally kicked in and he could feel his body again. So with a grunt he carefullyshiftsed around until he's at least propped up on an elbow. 

"Jungkook, it's my fault. I never should have let it get this far." He snidely smiled at his foolishness. "If I wasn't such a stubborn prick I would have just swallowed my pride and talked to you about it. But the truth is… I was jealous. And angry. And all those bad feelings just kept piling up and I-" he scoffed at himself, "I just let it happen until I exploded."

He sighed once again as he finally pushed off the ground and sat up. "As your older brother I should have stepped up and done my job… I should have talked to you about it and I should have supported you. So I'm sorry it's taken us being caught and tortured to finally say it… but I mean it Jungkook... I'm sorry. And Namjoon, you too, I'm sorry. I should have been a better brother to you both." 

A tear welled up in Namjoon's eye as he opened his eyes so he could take a look at his older brother. "Better late than never bro." 

Woobin chuckled, feeling several stings of pain through his body as he did. "Close call huh?"

"Tell me about it."

"Hyung…" 

Woobin and Namjoon quieted down as Jungkook spoke up. 

"It's not something I've said aloud before, but it's something I've always felt…" He looked at his eldest brother and waited till he had Woobin's gaze. "I love you Hyung. I always have. It doesn't matter that our blood is different. You're my brother, and nothing will change that."

Through the cell bars Woobin kept his eyes on his baby brother. But the embarrassment and pure joy he suddenly felt made him look down. And he cried. 

"I feel like such a fucking idiot." He sniffled and wiped his watery eyes and nose. "I wasted so much time-"

Namjoon spoke up with a smile, "I love you too bro." 

Woobin chuckled, finally feeling a weight lifted off his shoulders. Finally. 

".....I love you guys too." 

A silence broke out between them, so Jimin took this opportunity to talk. 

"I'm not trying to ruin this much needed brotherly bond or anything, but there's something I need to know." Jimin opened his eyes, pushed himself into a sitting position, and stared into Woobin's eyes. "Do you truly plan on supporting Jungkook from here on out? Because as it stands... my sister is out there with that lunatic, and were in these cells because we came looking for you ." 

Jungkook's jaw locked in place, while Jimin continued. 

"So I need to know- here and now- Woobin… What do you plan to do? What do you want?"

Woobin took a deep breath in and held it for several seconds before letting it all out. It gave him the moment he needed to focus on his words. Because as it stands, he's never really been asked that question before. 

"I want to go home to my family. There's no other place for me. I swear it." 

Jimin stared into his eyes to judge Woobin's words, and can only sense his sincerity. He smiled and nodded his head, "Then I guess the only thing left to do is figure out a way to escape." 

The door suddenly opened at the corner of the house and they all turned their heads to see who entered. Each of them held their breaths in anticipation. Because if it was Joji they all knew pain would soon follow. 

"Yeah, get in there bitch," a guard could be heard teasing. 

Taemin suddenly got pushed inside, stumbling on his feet and tripping. He fell to his hands and knees as the guards outside laughed hysterically. 

The doors closed and the silence once again returned. Out of the four of them, only Jimin stood up as Taemin started cleaning up the broken wine glass that Joji had previously broken. 

Jimin looked at Jungkook on his left, and Woobin two cells down on his right. They didn't seem anxious and jittery like he was. But he clearly feels butterflies in the pits of his stomach. It's a type of feeling he's never felt before. So as Taemin cleans up the glass, Jimin can't help but stare. 

Taemin is careful collecting the big shards and throwing them in a metal bucket. But as he starts wiping up the wine a small piece cuts his finger. With a loud hiss he pulled his hand away and brought it to his mouth. 

"Careful." 

Taemin's head snapped to the side to see Jimin already watching him. He stared with a blush, and felt his stomach twist and turn like it's never done before. But it scares him, so he looks away and hurries to get back to cleaning. 

"Don't talk to me…" He frowned at his own stern tone of voice. 

Jimin approached the cell bars but stayed just far enough away he wouldn't get electrocuted. "Is that his rule… or yours?" 

"......" 

"Because if it's yours, then it'll be a shame I won't be able to hear your beautiful voice." Jimin continued to keep his eyes glued on Taemin. "But if it's his rule…" 

Taemin had to look at Jimin, so he did.

"Then he can fuck off." 

Both Jungkook and Namjoon's eyes go wide as they turn to face Jimin. They've never heard him cuss before. They've never heard him sound that aggressive before. It's alarming to them, but only Woobin seems to encourage it. 

Woobin chuckled, "Hell yeah. Fuck that guy." 

Taemin stared at Jimin and couldn't take his eyes off him. He feels so entranced, like a tugging in his heart that he can't seem to escape. Tug and pull. Foreign feelings.

The guards outside laughed loudly to some commotion, and it alarmed Taemin. He picked up his already fast pace. 

"....the less of my voice you hear, the better off you are." He finished wiping up the red wine with a rag, but there's still an annoying tint of it left on the floor. 

"I have to disagree," Jimin smiled, and caught Taemin's attention. "Your voice has done more for me than you think."

Taemin's heart hurts. 

Emotional, Taemin suddenly stomps his way over to Jimin's cell. "You think you can say all these stupid things? I-" Tears were starting to form in his eyes. "I d-don't want to hear it." 

Jimin's voice is soft and gentle. Caring. "Then why do you look so happy? Why do I feel so happy saying those stupid things? Hm?" Jimin treaded carefully. "You feel it… don't you?"

Jimin wanted to say the word ‘Soulmate,’ but he doesn’t want to scare the omega away. So he opts to not say it at all. At least, not now.

Taemin wiped his eyes. Heat fills his cheeks. And he can't stop his heart from calling out to Jimin. For the first time in his life Taemin can feel his omega wolf heart connecting to an alpha. 

It feels so good. Even Jimin’s sweet scent affects him in a certain way. At this point he feels ready to keep feeling this way, but ultimately the fear of Joji makes him step back and shake his head. He doesn't want to be responsible for any harm to Jimin.

"N-No! I don't! Just… stop this." 

Just as Taemin turned to leave, Jimin quickly spoke up. "My sister Y/N!" 

Taemin stops to listen but doesn't turn to face him. 

"Is she ok?"

"....she was ok when I left her."

Jimin shares a look with Jungkook before he continues. "As far as Joji is concerned, I'm just his prisoner. But from what I can see… you're his prisoner too. He doesn't understand your kindness." 

"....." 

"It's a selfish request, and you might get in trouble, but if you can, please watch over her. I think you two would make good friends." 

Taemin took a big breath as he started heading to the door. His brain is forcing his body to move, but all his heart wants is to stay and talk with Jimin. He wants to stay and make sure Jimin stays out of harm's way. But his instincts tell him to keep walking, because if he truly wants Jimin safe, he'll keep him at arms length. He'll keep him away so he won't get in worse trouble with Joji. 

Just as he was about to open the door Jimin yelled his name. "Taemin!" 

The omega is rattled to his core. He has to look back.

Jimin smiles softly, happy to see Taemin's face one more time. "Be safe out there."

Taemin quickly left and slammed the door behind him, not caring that the guards were calling him degrading names as he passed. Frankly, he didn't really hear them, because all he can hear is Jimin's voice in his head. 

So as he hurries away and finds a spot behind the house and behind one of the many bushes, he hides so he can calm down. He needs to. Because he's never smiled like this before, and if anyone sees it, he knows the consequences to come.

---

Surprisingly, I haven’t seen Joji in several hours. Not since he left his torture house and had Taemin take me to his room. 

It’s such a stark contrast to my own room, but I believe it sums him up perfectly. The walls are covered in a flashy black paisley wallpaper, and hold several dark and sexual paintings. Which reads into his obvious twisted nature of sex and violence. 

Above his bar there’s a simple lit up sign that reads “FUCK.” It flickers off and on every few minutes. Annoying. 

His collection of liquor, which I assume counts over fifty, sits on glass panels and reflects against the mirror wall behind it. And if I’m seeing correctly, on the floor there seems to be a collection of wine inside they’re own mini cooler. 

Since arriving I’ve seen Joji with some kind of alcoholic drink in hand. It seems very important to him. If it’s out of necessity, I don’t know. Drinking has never really been that big a thing for me, but given everything I can understand why people turn to it. 

Perhaps Joji is one of those people, and seeks the comfort of alcohol to run away from his problems. 

Judging Joji by his room, the loud and chaotic decorations only tell me what I already know. There isn’t much more I can pick up from analyzing everything. 

But the biggest and most curious piece of all is Taemin. 

So when Taemin finally entered the bedroom I naturally stood and approached him. Yet as I did, he immediately moved back in tandem with my own steps. So I stopped and kept my distance, frowning and distressed. 

“Taemin-”

“Master Joji will be here later. So use this time to wash up and change per his command.” 

“Taemin please,” I almost begged, “Tell me what’s going on out there. What does he plan to do to my family? Does Joji plan to keep me in his room from here on out?”

He kept his eyes down as he walked around Joji’s king sized bed and opened the door on the side. “Your change of clothes are folded on the sink counter. And there are towels readily available hanging on the wall by the shower.”

I was willing to give him distance, but now that he’s openly ignoring me, he’s leaving me with no other choice. I walked up and purposely stood directly in front of him, eyes piercing his. “I understand you’re scared of disobeying Joji, but that doesn’t mean you can’t talk to me. It doesn’t mean… we can’t be friends.”

The word ‘friends’ seems to strike a chord with him. He finally looked into my eyes, but his brows were pinched together. “....I don’t have friends.”

“Everyone could use a friend.”

“....."

He looked down and chewed on his bottom lip as he thought hard on something. A moment later he got the courage to speak up.

“If you want to be friends…. Then we can be friends.”

I smiled softly, “I’m honored to be your friend.”

His heart ached, and he felt confused. All I could see was sadness in his eyes. “Whatever happens… just go along with Sir. He may hurt you and do really bad things… but at least you’ll stay alive. I…” For the first time in his life he felt responsible for something other than his own life, and it felt really heavy on his shoulders. “....I told your brother I’d watch over you…. so please, don’t fight Joji.”

“You talked to Jimin?”

His eyes softened to my brother’s name. “Jimin…” He looked away with a pink tint to his cheeks. “He-”

The door slammed open and in walked Brian and Jackson with their arms around Joji's waist, helping their leader to the bed.

"Taemin c'mere. Now." 

Taemin hurries on Brian's command, and rushes over to Joji on the bed. "What happened?" 

My ears hear something for the first time since arriving. I almost missed it. Taemin's tone of voice changed. He sounded so… concerned. 

Jackson chuckled, "You know, the usual extreme partying- in and out of consciousness." His eyes glanced my way and he smiled sweetly, "All because of that one and her family." 

Brian and Taemin look at me as well, but I stay glued to the wall. Jackson however laughed as he left Brian and Taemin to undress Joji. As he slowly approached he didn't hide the fact that he was checking me out. 

"To think Joji was so concerned all this time about Jungkook and his vision…" he smirked, now just a few feet away. "...it's no wonder he celebrated a little too much." 

Brian's deep voice echoed in the room, "Jackson." 

But the young and charming alpha didn't listen to his pack brother as he continued to corner me. "But what I've learned is that it's the small and pretty ones you really need to watch out for." He put both his hands on the wall and caged me with his body. "They're the ones who strike the hardest. Especially when you're not looking." 

I naturally turned my face away from him, but there's a part of me that feels a little bit safer with Jackson than with Joji. So I have some courage to face him and respond. "Then… am I to assume you're going to keep your eyes on me?" 

He smirked, and slid his hand from the wall to graze his finger across my cheek and down my chin. "Would you like me to keep my eyes on you?" 

I stared into his eyes and saw something I didn't expect to see. Respect. I can feel it. He's just dangerously playful . But I won't test that theory just yet.

I glanced behind him and saw Brian about to grab his shoulder. "You can try, but I think your friend has other plans for you." 

"C'mon Jackie," Brian said tiredly, patting Jackson's shoulder and ushering him away from me. "We got the orders to deliver." 

Jackson reluctantly moved away, clearly annoyed with Brian for interrupting. But opting to stay civil, he decided to slide his hands into the front pockets of his nice black slacks. "Too bad your Joji's. I think we could have been really good together.” 

With a small wave and a wink he finally left with Brian, the two of them laughing and joking around with each other as they did. They seem close, but at the same time, I can sniff out an underlying hostility. In fact, it's not just coming from them, but from everyone. 

Everyone except Taemin. 

As I finally unglued myself from the wall, I slowly approached Taemin. He was combing his fingers through Joji's hair, who was passed out and snoring with his head in Taemin's lap. As I watched in silence I almost forgot that he's my captor. Joji just looks so at peace and comfortable as he sleeps. 

Yet it's the look in Taemin's eyes that surprises me the most. 

"Do you love him?" 

Taemin finally looked away from Joji's sleeping face, and looked up at me shocked. He looked away ashamed. ".....I don't know…."

I didn't want to be close to Taemin only because Joji was there. So I opted to go back to the wall and slide down to sit on the floor. I pulled my legs into my chest and hugged my knees. The choker around my neck is starting to hurt, but I ignore it. 

"How long have you felt this way?" 

He stopped combing Joji's hair with his fingers and simply stared at his sleeping face. "....he took care of me when we were orphaned together. Our foster father was… a monster." His brows pinched together and he squirmed a little. "He did lots of bad things to me… to us…. So… Joji stopped him. And since then I've followed him." 

"He protected you in a time of need." I frowned, "I can only imagine what you went through. I'm sorry you went through it." 

He chewed on his lip and stared off into nothingness. "...I remember Joji was pulled away by our foster father. He took him to his bedroom and locked the door…. And I knew- I knew he was going to hurt Joji… but… it didn't happen." 

"What happened?"

He slowly turned his eyes towards me. "Joji hurt him instead." 

A shiver went down my spine. 

"From then on, it was me and him. He took care of me. Food. Apartment. Clothes. It was nice. We finally had a place in the world where we felt safe… He made me feel safe…" He gulped and returned his eyes to his leader. "But shortly after his awakening he wasn't the same… he suddenly had a ‘purpose’ he kept saying. And then in no time he had a lot of money, and a lot of men following him." Taemin brought his hands to his chest and felt his rapidly beating heart. "....I knew he had changed… I knew it… yet I stayed because…" 

I can see him struggling. His eyes are watering up, and it tears me up inside. 

"...because you've only known a life with him in it. And because he saved you, and took care of you, you feel obligated to stay."

He looked surprised. Shocked really. 

I frowned, "Maybe you do love him. Or maybe you don't. But being dependent on someone doesn't mean love." 

I looked up and saw him staring at me. "But… he's my leader. My alpha. And I'm just an omega… I have to be loyal. I have to love him.... right?" 

My pride as an omega is starting to boil and rise. I can feel myself wanting to get angry at the warped thought process. 

"Taemin… no. That's wrong."

"But-"

"I mean, yes, as an omega we are the most loyal to our pack and our leaders. But that doesn't mean you have to put up with abuse. Just because we are omega's doesn't mean we have to let ourselves get pushed around. We have our own voices. And we deserve love and respect just as much as alpha's."

I feel heated. I gulped and took a deep breath as I stood up once again to stare outside the window.

"That's what real love is Taemin. Equality. You share each other's burdens. And you grow together as individuals. When Joji talks about respect for loyalty, that's all wrong. You should already have his respect." I turned around and started approaching him. "You are just as important as he is. No matter what he says, no matter what blood runs through his veins, you're just as important. You know that right?" 

He shook his head rapidly, "No I- I don't- that's not… no I-" His watery eyes finally spilled over. 

I felt compelled to reach out for his hand, even though I know he doesn't seem to like people touching him. But I'm surprised to not feel him pull away. As he sat on the bed crying, I simply held his hand and tried to provide him comfort.

".... no one…. No one has ever said that before… to me…" 

"Well," I smiled a little, "It doesn't look like you have people around you who have your best interests at heart." 

He smiled softly in return, chuckled even, and it finally feels like we're starting a real friendship. 

"Yeah… it's been nothing but one meat head after another… and… he just keeps them that way." 

I tilted my head in confusion, "What do you mean?" 

He finally pulled his hand away from mine so he could get off the bed entirely. But not before carefully maneuvering Joji around as he stayed passed out. As he snored away, Taemin walked to the window I was previously standing in front of and pointed. 

"From that mountain top to the beach- it's all owned by Joji. He never told me how he got this land, but since he's had it, he's allowed wolves to stay here." He put his hand down and stared at the grey world outside. "In exchange for staying here, he asks for their loyalty. And not one wolf has ever betrayed him…"

"What's the catch?"

"Catch?" He turned to face me, tight lipped. 

"There's something missing from your story." 

He stayed quiet as he once again looked outside the window. 

I stood at his side and looked outside as well. "Call it a gut feeling, but I've felt it since I've gotten here…" Taemin turned to face me but I kept my eyes forward. "There's an unspoken rage, or some kind of silent hostility that seems to spill out of everyone here… I can't put my finger on it, but I know it's there." I sighed and finally turned to face him. "Does that make sense?"

Taemin shrugged his shoulders as we continued to look outside. But the little hairs on the back of my neck stood up as a new energy filled the room. And that's when I notice the silence. 

Joji wasn't snoring anymore. 

As I turned around, Taemin and I were startled by Joji sitting up on the bed. 

“What you sense is their rage, Y/N.”  Joji stretched his neck from side to side before sliding off the bed and heading towards his bar. “I keep them just angry enough- hungry enough to keep them loyal.”

“What…”

He smirked and chuckled, “It’s simple really. Don’t bite the hand that feeds you.” Behind the bar, he opened a drawer and lifted up several small plastic bags filled with pills. “You see these? This is the trick. This is what keeps them in line. My dogs.” He shrugged as he let the baggies fall all over the counter of the bar. “Easy enough to understand, right?”

“You’re a monster,” I said with no reservations. “You supply your pack with drugs and barely keep them satisfied so they don’t turn on you? That’s madness.”

“It’s genius. That’s what you mean.”

He opened a bag and dumped the two pills inside on a cutting board. With a heavy bottle of whiskey he started smashing the pills. It’s loud as he does it, but he makes quick work of it. As soon as he separated the white powder into three lines, he rolled up a bill and snorted it up his nose. He inhaled quickly and wiped his nose several times before he repeated the process with the other two lines. 

He breathed heavily and his eyes turned red. His body felt alive again. “Supply and demand. Give and take. That’s what I learned growing up from that fucking asshole diddling me as a kid.” He gulped and started making his way over to us. “Dangle what they want most in front of them, and they’ll do anything for you. So when that fucker threatened me with Taemin’s life, I did as he wanted.” 

He was talking to me, but he kept his eyes on Taemin. He walked closer and closer until he could grab Taemin by his chin. “I put up with that bullshit life for Taemin. But then I realized he was touching my things… my bitch… so-” he dragged his eyes away from Taemins so he could look into mine, “...he had to die.”

My body started shaking from fear, but I kept my eyes on him, stepping back slowly.

“I was a fool for thinking he wouldn’t do anything to him. So I learned that lesson, and it’s what gave me the idea for this empire.” He pushed Taemin away and stepped up to the window. “If I want power then I’d have to create it. So through hard work, a few connections, and a couple of sneaky murders, here I stand-” He spun around and held his arms out, “Leader of my pack, and hungry dogs ready to do what I ask at the drop of a hat. Or should I say, a drop of cocaine? Oxycodone? Vicodin?” He chuckled, "Whichever. It's all good shit."

He laughed at his own bad joke. But he was the only one laughing, and he felt foolish.  

“It’s funny. You can laugh.”

I shook my head no. “I’m not in a laughing mood.”

He smirked, “Exactly what kind of mood are you in, hm?” He sauntered his way over to me slowly, “Tell me… Pet.”

“I want to go home.”

He looked around and gestured to his room, “This is your home. You’re mine now.”

“I belong to no one but me,” I stayed firm in my resolve. 

Taemin looked up then, in awe of my strength.

Joji shook his head, “No, no, I don’t think you understand. You see, the reason why I keep my pretty pet Taemin close by with my ring, is because using drugs on him just taints his flavor. So how do I keep him in line? It’s simple. I use force as a tool to teach.”

At the mention of Taemin my eyes glanced his way. He looked down at the ground at the mention of the ring, and seemed to shrink within himself. Almost shaking.

I think I know what's about to happen.

Joji pulled out the small remote control from his pocket and pointed it at my neck. “Do I need to start your lessons now? Or do you understand that this is your home now, and you belong to me?”

Something so small and non threatening as a remote control never looked so terrifying in my life. With trembling lips and trembling hands, I shook my head.

“This is not my home. I don’t belong to y-”

Before I could even finish he pressed the button and sent harsh volts of electricity through my body. The shock and pain dropped me to the ground; convulsing and shaking. It’s similar to the pain I feel when I transform into my wolf form, but unlike the transformation, this pain is not going away. 

Tears spill out of my eyes, and my scream stays lodged inside of my throat. It hurts so much, that a single second feels like an eternity. Five seconds later feels like a lifetime. 

He let go of the button to see my body go limp and practically lifeless. With a wide smile he slipped the remote control back into his jeans and walked over to me. A couple of kicks to my arms forces them up and away so he can place his feet on either side of my body. He bent down, putting his hands on his knees, and stared with a tilt of his head. 

“I like you. You’re not like the others.” He smiled softly as he straightened up, but continued to stare down at me. “But the more you fight it, the more you’ll suffer. So do yourself a favor, and give in.”

I can barely manage to move my head so that I can look at him. “No.”

“Have it your way then.”

He once again pulled out the remote control and pointed it down at me. As my body started shaking again from the electric shock, he stayed standing above me; looking on with deadly greed and thrill. The best high he could get. 

As he laughed, and pressed the button harder, all I could do was focus on Jungkook’s voice in my head. 

‘Together forever.’

Luckily, unconsciousness took hold of me, and I no longer had to feel the torturous pain. 

Chapter Text

A soft blanket is tucked around my body and a soft pillow is underneath my head. It reminds me of home. 

Early mornings I can already smell Mama cooking breakfast. She's humming as Shin-hye accompanies her. Both of them eventually start chit chatting about the day to come. Brother and I are usually dragging our feet, but the promise of great food is what gets us moving. 

Plus, Mama gives the best morning hugs and kisses. It's warm and it's safe. Full of compassion and love. 

Normally she asks how I slept and if I had any good dreams. Most of the time I respond with something like, "They were so good I don't remember them." And typically I can get a laugh out of my brother and my sister. 

Every morning we're all happy as we eat breakfast together. It's a simple happiness that I understand now I've taken for granted. 

Because as I stir awake I realize I'm not home.

The smell of weed is pungent and soaked into the bedding. My nose also picks up the hint of liquor and another prickly rancid scent, although I'm not entirely sure what it is. But I don't think I want to know. 

This is not my bed and I don't feel safe. Now more than ever, I miss the simple yet crazy days back on my mountain.

"Good morning Pet. Sleep well?" 

I’m startled by the voice coming from beside me. As I shuffle out of bed to move away from Joji, I see him shirtless and propped up on an elbow. Just as my feet touch the ground I look down and realize my clothes have been changed. I touch my body and feel the silky texture of pajamas; short shorts and a tank top. 

I look up and quickly grab the pillow I was sleeping on and use it to cover the front of my body, to keep him from looking any further. “What do you think you’re doing?”

He chuckled as he sat up and leaned back against the headboard, stretching his arms before resting his hands behind his head. I can see his muscles more clearly this way. His biceps are very toned, and his abs are on full display. I think normally I’d feel embarrassed by the sight of him, but beyond embarrassment I just feel gross. 

He smirks, “Well I was watching my prettiest pet sleep, but then she woke up. And now she’s all feisty. Which I'm beginning to believe is your default.”

I quickly looked around and noticed we were alone. ‘Taemin where are you?’

He notices the panic in my eyes and continues to smirk; reading my mind. “I told Taemin to beat it so we could have our morning together.”

He suddenly tossed the blanket off of his lower body and got out of bed. As he did I kept squeezing the pillow to my body and made sure to keep the most distance between us. Thankfully he was wearing pajama bottoms, and thankfully he was headed to his bar. So I took the opportunity to search around for my previous clothes; Taemin’s borrowed pants and shirt. Unfortunately I didn’t see them around. 

He stood behind his bar and started getting out the things he needed to start smoking from his bong. “Have you ever smoked before?”

“No. And I don’t plan to.”

He grinned, eyes still focused on grinding his bud. “Never say never girlie.”

With my lower back against the night table next to his bed, I continue holding the pillow. “I’m not interested.”

“Suit yourself. More for me.” He packed the bowl of his bong and left everything messy on the bar counter. As he left the bar area he made sure to also grab a bottle of sparkling white wine and a glass. “Want a drink then? It’s sweet. Like you,” he compliments me with a wink.

‘Is that his way of flirting?’

I feel so creeped out, and also repulsed by his habits. “How can you drink and smoke first thing in the morning?”

“Technically it’s not morning morning. It’s-” he checked his gold watch as he sat down on his couch, “just past three.”

It wasn’t until he pointed it out that I realized the curtains were drawn closed, so I can’t see outside the windows to confirm. 

“So this is more or less a late night snack.” He poured himself a glass then took a sip. He exhaled happily. “Are you sure you don’t want any? I’m being really nice you know. I don’t normally share.”

I shook my head. “No thank you.”

He smiled and lightly chuckled, taking a hit from his bong. “So polite.”

“You say you don’t share, but I bet you share with Taemin.”

“Ha! That bitch wishes.” He clicked his tongue, “That kid can’t handle any kind of fun.”

I squeeze my pillow tighter; confused and offended. “....How can you stand feeding everyone drugs? Don’t you think that’s-”

“All I do is think,” he cuts in and stares straight into my eyes. “It’s how I’ve gotten this far.” 

He turns his attention back to his bong and takes another hit before taking a gulp straight from the wine bottle. He wipes his arm across his lips before putting his things down on the small coffee table in front of his couch. 

With his elbows on his knees he leans forward, “Someone so dainty and cute like you wouldn’t know anything about survival.” He looked at me once again, but this time with a teasing smirk on his face. “I bet you’ve never gone hungry before, am I right?”

My head is down as I feel a bubbling anger start scorching inside of me. “....you’re wrong…”

He can sense my frustration, and it amuses him. He finally relaxes again as he leans back into the couch and throws an arm up on top. “Am I wrong?”

“You’re wrong!” I’m squeezing the pillow so tight that my hands are starting to go numb. But my anger keeps me focused on him. “Don’t assume you know anything about me!”

“You did it first.” He saw my expression falter, and offered his explanation. “Down there with the trash, you called me a coward and assumed I’m scared of my dogs leaving me- that I can’t stand being alone with myself…” He tilted his head, “Well, did you or did you not?”

“......” 

“Don’t be a fucking hypocryte. I’m just starting to really fall for you, you brat.”

I can’t tell by his tone if what he said is a joke or not, but I chose to believe that it is. I have to believe that. 

“Ok fine. I made assumptions too, but you’re still wrong.”

“Enlighten me then… Princess .”

The nickname is irritating. His assumptions are irritating. 

It’s hard right now to control my emotions, but I try my best to keep them in check. “You assume I’ve never had to fight for survival, but you’re wrong. You only see the result of my efforts, and my family’s efforts. We struggled to stay fed and to stay alive.”

“Ohhh,” he says with fake interest.

“Don’t mock me. I’m not a child who doesn’t understand what you’re doing.”

He chuckled a bit, “I’m sorry, it’s just hard to imagine someone like you down in the dumps. I mean, it's a place I used to call my home. A complete shitshow.”

“Well… I’ve been in that shitshow too.”

His eyebrow lifted for a moment; intrigued and slightly turned on.

My hands finally let go of my tight grip and I started feeling blood rush back in. As feeling returned to my fingertips, I also felt old feelings return inside of my heart. 

“They all started leaving.” I looked down at the weight of my memories. “Papa too… there weren’t many of us left. There was nothing… and we battled starvation. Every day I prayed I’d find anything I could store away and hope that we’d have enough to get us through the winter.” I gulped as vivid memories flashed inside of my head. “It was so cold when we were exiled. So cold sleeping on dirt and grass and twigs. I was scared every day…. Because I couldn’t help but think that maybe I wouldn’t wake up one morning. And even worse, I was afraid something would happen to my brother or my sister or my mother.” I finally lifted my head again, “So don’t assume I don’t know how to survive. Because you have no idea what I’m capable of.” 

His eyes widened in a playful joy, like a child playing with a new toy. “Ohhh I like that.” He stood up from the couch, and slowly started walking towards me. “Let me make one more assumption then.”

“No…”

He laughed, “Aww, c’mon. I bet I’m right.”

I shook my head side to side, and my grip on the pillow tightened once again. He approached slowly still, and with a slight grin on his face. 

"I haven't come across someone so directly stubborn with me in a long time. So-" he was now just a few feet away. 

In a panic, and not giving him a chance to get closer, I quickly turned and launched myself on the bed to try and get away. I scrambled on the king sized bed, but didn’t get very far. His hand gripped my ankle so tight I thought he was going to snap it like a twig. I winced and hissed at the pain, but he didn't give me much time to process it as he pulled me hard towards him. Just as I tried to kick him with my leg, he grabbed it just as tight as my other ankle and simultaneously climbed on top of me. 

He huffed out of breath from the struggle, and growled loudly in my ear, snapping at me. "When will you stop this," he asked angrily, pinning my arms above my head.

"Never!" 

I collected the saliva in my mouth and spit it in his face. I was breathing hard from the adrenaline, but internally I was shocked by my own actions. I've never done something like that before; it was just pure instinct. Staring wide-eyed, I froze underneath his grasp as he also spit in my face. I turned my head a second too late and got hit in the corner of my eye. I feel his hot and wet saliva drip down my cheek and neck. 

"That's not nice… is it?" 

"....no… it's not." 

He goes quiet as he stares into my eyes. I feel his hands shuffle around so he can use one to pin my hands. The other slowly drags it's way down, fingertips barely there on my skin. Down my arm, over my collarbone and then up to his ring. 

He stares at the black metal band for a moment before he stares at my lips. "If you didn’t fight me so much, I'd be a lot happier." 

"I don't care about your happiness." 

He smiles condescendingly, his hand now on my chest and making its way to my breasts. "And I don't care that you don't care." 

"N-No! No!!!"

I started wiggling around and did my best to fight him, but his strength overpowered me. His whole body is laying on top of mine, and I'm unable to move freely. His hand slips underneath the tank top and grabs my breast. He squeezes over and over again, and watches as I squirm. 

He watches as I close my eyes and cry silently, head turned to the side and body tense. "Your tits are so perky Pet." He looked as he forced the tank top down to expose my body. He licked his lips, "I'm going to make another assumption…" With lust and evil in his eyes, he gripped my chin and forced me to look at him. "I bet I'm the first one to touch you like this. Am I right?"

His hand returned to my breast, except this time he pinched my nipple. He pinched and pulled so hard I yelped in extreme pain. "I asked you a question." 

My tears have yet to stop, but there's anger inside my soul and anger in my eyes. "You're wrong!"

He slapped my breast so hard it stung and left a red spot. He clicked his tongue against his teeth in annoyance. "You're a terrible liar. And liars get punished." 

With a hard slap to my face, he finally released his hold on me and got off entirely. My face stings so bad that it feels like my cheek is already swollen and red. I can't be sure. My eyes are going cross eyed. 

I'm slow to pull up the tank top to cover myself once again, but luckily he left to go back to the couch. With a gruff he plopped down and sighed as he placed the familiar small remote control on the coffee table. He picked up his bong next to it and took a big hit. As he put it back down, he picked up the little torture machine once again and pointed it at me. 

"Just so you know-"

I shook my head and pleaded with my eyes. I know the pain that's about to come. 

"I can be stubborn too." 

"Joji-!"

At the edge of the bed I fell back as my body started shaking and twitching. My neck and head felt locked in place while my body had no control; withering around. Helpless. And in tortuous pain. 

As he took another hit he continued to hold the button and watch from his couch. "The sooner you give in, the sooner the pain stops, Pet." 

Twenty seconds now and I think even my brain is starting to rattle inside my skull. Before I know it, my body is starting to slide off the bed. With no control over my limbs I simply crash to the ground, my head hitting the wooden floor hard in the process.

Joji finally let go of the remote control, and tossed it back on the coffee table. He sat comfortably on the couch and did nothing to help me. He simply went back to chugging the sweet white wine while I lay motionless on the ground. 

---

I woke up this time on the couch. But I can't tell how long it's been. My sense of time is already getting warped; I can’t tell if it’s been five minutes or five hours. As my eyes search for a clock I realize there isn't one in his room. The window curtains are still drawn closed so I can't see outside. 

I take a deep breath to try and not panic.

'How long was I out for? Where-'

His bathroom door opened then with Joji exiting in nothing but a towel around his waist. He lifted the blunt from his lips and blew out the smoke, eyes on me. 

"You're up." 

It isn't until I try and move around that I notice my hands are bound together by a tight black rope. Now I'm starting to panic as I struggle to lift myself up into a sitting position. As I do, he patiently waits by the windows and smokes, watching with interest. 

"Come here," he commanded, once I finally sat up. 

"I don't think I-"

"You belong to me now Pet. Thus your body belongs to me. So move your ass and come here." He blew out some smoke. "I didn't tie your legs up for a reason, so get moving. Come on." 

I looked up at him for a moment to see his eyes firm. He doesn't look to be in a playful mood, but with a fire still burning in my soul I turned my head away with disobedience.

"I'm not moving." 

He sighed heavily, "Suit yourself." 

With a crack of his neck, he approached me calmly with the blunt hanging from his lips. He stared down at me, while I kept my head turned away from him. 

I refuse to give in. Even though my body feels like it's been run over by Brian's jeep ten times over- and I’m sure something bad is about to happen- I gulp nervously as I keep my will strong.

"Looks like I'm gonna have to get creative." 

Just as I glanced up he forced himself on me and pushed me down onto the couch. 

"No!! Get off of me!!" 

He easily pinned my tied hands up above my head and straddled me. "You know this whole process will go a lot smoother if you just gave in." He held his blunt in his hand and positioned it threateningly above my chest. "C'mon… don't make me do this." 

I realize what he's doing. He's trying to flip the situation. He pretends to give me power and control only so that he can manipulate me faster. I won't fall for it. 

"I won't play into your games." I glared, "You control your actions, and I control mine." 

He smirked, "Yeah… I guess you're right." 

Without a moment's delay he used my bare chest as an ashtray, putting out his blunt on my skin and burning me. He smiled as I screamed and cried in agony. Fascinated, he twisted his blunt in small circles until it was fully out; loving the new mark on my body. All his. 

After he tossed the finished blunt on the coffee table, he leaned into my ear and whispered. "I would think very carefully about your actions from here on out… Pet ." 

He got off of me and left me in excruciating pain on the couch. Left to my tears, choked up sobs, and my weakening resolve. 

---

I'm not sure when I passed out, because I once again woke up in a daze. My chest however immediately awakens my senses and my pain receivers. The burn wound still feels like it's sizzling. Itchy and sore. My wrists also feel weak and burned; irritated and red. The rope is still tied tight around my hands. 

At least my legs are free. Which means I can still move. But…

As I blink my eyes and try to focus through the aches and pains, I realize I've been moved to the bathroom. My body is shivering and cold being in lingerie on the cold tile floor.

And then I hear it. Sound returns to my ears and I hear whimpering. It's soft and weak, like it needs help. It’s nothing like the accompanying grunts and growls. And unlike the strong thumps of the headboard hitting the wall.

My heart hammers in my chest as I put the pieces together. Forcing myself up on my feet, I make my way to the bathroom door and peek through the crack. I'm shocked to see Taemin on his hands and knees on the bed and Joji behind him. My eyes follow Joji's hands as he lifts Taemin by his long arms and holds him up. The position looks really painful and strenuous on Taemin’s part, his shoulders especially. Joji on the other hand looks lustfully greedy as he fucks Taemin hard from behind.

"N-No…. Sir… p-please…"

Joji breathed heavily as he let Taemin fall face first into the bed, then slapped Taemin’s ass so hard from behind he left a red hand print. "Shut up bitch. I need to cum and my new pet is frustrating so-" he moaned. "Besides… I know you love this cock in you." 

Just to prove a point he thrusted deep into Taemin's hole while pushing Taemin’s head into the pillows below, muffling his whines.

I close my eyes and turn away quickly so as not to see the act happen. But it isn't until I clearly hear my friends pleas that I find my body moving on it's own. 

"Sir… no more…" the omega cried and begged, "it hurts… Joji! Please!" 

The alpha's eyes lit up in anger. "I SAID SHUT UP!" 

Just as Joji lifted his closed fist to punch Taemin, I was already halfway on the bed and clawing at him as fiercely as I could. "LEAVE HIM ALONE!" 

Joji and Taemin were shocked to suddenly hear me and see me next to them. But the shock Joji had immediately turned into a blinding rage; deprived of sex and release. 

"YOU FUCKING BITCH!" 

He backhanded me, hitting my eye and my temple with his closed fist. With my hands still tied together, I fell back very easily and stumbled off the bed. I fell on the ground hard, and immediately felt pain in my elbow, and my left hip. A second later I choked up as his foot collided into my stomach. It sent me sliding across the wooden floor and into the wall. 

I threw up some stomach acid and spit as Joji closed the distance between us. He bent down and grabbed a handful of my hair to lift me up. He banged me hard against the wall before a hard slap across my face jumbled up my brain and my senses. I'm in so much pain, my body doesn't know where to start. 

As Joji was about to lay in more slaps, Taemin quickly cried out, "Sir please! I'm ready! Look! See!?" 

He crawled out of the bed and bent over it so he could put his ass on display for Joji. Spreading his asscheeks apart, Taemin continued to beg. 

"It's so hot! My alpha is so hot when he's angry! Please Sir, fuck me hard..." 

Joji dropped me like trash and grinned as he turned to Taemin. "Now that's what I'm talking about!" He licked his lips and slurped the drool about to fall from his mouth. "Look at the pretty bussy." 

He forced his cock back inside of Taemin and pistoned his hips so hard that Taemin knew there would be bruises on his ass. 

The slaps from Joji have made opening my eyes too difficult. My entire head is pulsing and hot. All I can make out are Joji's grunts, and the sounds of hard and rough sex. 

I open my mouth several times, hoping to say something, but my voice doesn’t work. Regardless, I still appreciate and am humbled by Taemin’s courage and sacrifice as I fall into unconsciousness. 

---

Down in the cells Woobin is about to lose his mind. 

"Are we just going to do nothing and wait here forever? We should get out of here." 

"Bro, we have to be smart about this." 

Woobin growled frustratedly, "We should just transform and break our way out." 

"The shock collar will kill you." Jimin looked at Woobin and shook his head, "They told us it’s indestructible, and will only suffocate us if we tried. So we'll have to think of something else." 

"The opportunity will come. We just have to be smart enough to see it." 

They all looked at Jungkook who has been quiet until now. They all understand that it's their best bet. Wait and stay vigilant. That's all they can do. 

Doesn’t mean Woobin has to like it. 

He grunted as he began pacing. 

Jimin on the other hand quickly looked up just a fraction earlier than everyone else as his nose picked up one of his new favorite scents; a cozy lavender. Belonging to none other than Taemin. 

Strangely, the omega entered with a ducked head and shaking eyes. He quickly closed the door, and with eyes down he approached Jimin’s cell. The alpha on the other side walked up to the bars and held his breath, waiting as patiently as he could for Taemin to talk. 

Yet nothing was said. Taemin stood before Jimin’s cell with his eyes closed and his arms hugging his body. Fragile. Desperate to feel the good feeling that Jimin gives him. Because after he willingly played the part of a horny omega and distracted Joji to help protect his friend, he needed to fill the dark void threatening to swallow him whole. A dark void filled with self hate and shame.

“Taemin…” Jimin whispered almost desperately. “What happened?” Jimin smells the air between them, and can smell the slightest scent of alpha still lingering on Taemin despite the heavy scent of body wash. “...did he hurt you?”

Taemin’s lip trembled as his eyes finally opened; he turned his head away and tears fell down his red cheeks. His silence gives Jimin his answer; regrettably. 

With clenched fists, Jimin closes his eyes and breathes steadily through his nostrils. His temper is in check, mostly because he’d rather stay calm and reassuring to Taemin. The omega is already very precious to him. 

“I’m sorry I’m in here. I’m sorry I can’t protect you.”

Taemin wiped his eyes as he faced the sincere alpha, face still wet and eyes still watery. “.....I’m sorry too.” The omega’s eyes started to shake as he convinced himself it was wrong to come. “I shouldn’t be here. I shouldn’t have been so selfish.” 

He started to walk away, but Jimin shouted, “No wait!” He gulped, hoping he wasn’t too loud just now. 

Thankfully he wasn’t, but Taemin still had very little time. Yet, he stopped and turned towards Jimin anyways. “Yes?”

“I’m selfish too. I’m glad you came.” 

The two of them smiled at each other, both feeling a new swelling in their hearts.

Taemin then felt obligated to talk to Jungkook. With his new found genuine feelings for Jimin, he knows Jungkook must be feeling restless being in the dark. With a shy and hesitant voice, he spoke. “....Y/N is strong.”

Jungkook quickly got up from the ground and approached the cell bars. “Is she ok? What’s going on out there?”

“All I can say is that she’s the bravest girl I’ve ever met.” His eyes are shaking as he can see Joji’s violent acts play out in his mind. Yet he's too slow to look away before Jungkook noticed. 

“What does that mean?” Jungkook raised his voice as he repeated himself, “Taemin! What does that mean?!”

“....I’m sorry…” 

An apology was all Taemin could offer before slipping out. 

---

By this point, I’m lucky I’m waking up at all. At least that’s what my aching body is screaming at me. 

Yet in spite of all the pain I’m feeling, my thoughts automatically go to Taemin. Thus my eyes snap open and begin searching for him. 

I’m still on the floor in Joji’s bedroom, but instead of being by the wall near his bathroom, I am instead on the rug in front of his couch and coffee table. And this time, my legs are tied. But that’s not it. My breathing quickens and my mouth moves around sorely over the hard plastic gag in between my teeth.

“You know…” Joji speaks up from his couch, body slouched, clothed in his black silk robe, and staring up at the ceiling, “...if there’s anything to be said about you, it would be your tenacity to be so fucking good.” He scoffed, “It pisses me off. For real. But you know what?!” He suddenly raised his voice and lifted off of the couch with new found energy, “I can’t help but be excited by it!” 

He walked around the coffee table and pushed me hard with the heel of his foot. I grunted from the fresh bruises flaring up as I rolled over my tied hands and lay on my back. In this position he stepped over me and stood with his eyes down. 

His eyes looked alive with untapped ferocity. “It’s like that overwhelming feeling to squeeze something super cute or whatever. I just want to take all of that good you have- all that annoyingly stubborn goody-two-shoes, naive, bubblegum pop bullshit- ” he smirked evilly, “...and break it. Piece by piece.”

He untied his black robe from around his body and revealed his naked body underneath. Tossing the fabric aside, he stepped around and kneeled at my feet. With an unconcerned grab, he held the rope that tied my ankles together and pulled hard. As he did, he lifted his hands and dragged my body on the rug. The silk tank top rolled up in the process and opened my back up for rug burn. 

I cried out in pain as he got busy ripping apart my lingerie set. Once that happened my mind canceled out any pain and zeroed in on the fact that I was now stripped of my clothes. He has my legs bent, knees almost touching my stomach, and there’s nothing blocking his eyes from my naked body.

He licked his lips several times as he just stared at my most private part.

“I'm gonna enjoy this Pet.” His voice was low and dark. “You should too.”

For the first time in my life, I feel something prod and enter inside of me. His long fingers don’t hold back as they push inside and stretch me out. There’s pain and it’s extremely uncomfortable, but the addition of his tongue confuses me. Because as I feel the intense pressure from his fingers inside of me, I also feel... pleasure. 

“That’s it Pet. You like this don’t you?”

I cried out and screamed as best as I could, even though I was gagged. I wiggled and thrashed around as much as possible. Even if I can’t speak, even if my limbs are tied up, I don’t want to give him what he wants. 

I don’t want to give up, but… I feel like I’m about to lose it all.

He pulled his mouth away from my clit, and harshly pulled his fingers out of me. Without wasting a second he manhandled me and stopped my movements. He then raised his hand and spanked me over, and over, and over again. 

I cried helplessly, and screamed with each hit. Every slap is amplified by the last; the stinging pain continues to grow and multiply. 

Once he was satisfied, he positioned me on my knees and pulled my ass up. He got right behind me, knees on either side of my legs, and positioned his dick at my entrance. He grabbed his throbbing cock and rubbed the tip around in circles. 

“I think the best thing about this is the fact that no matter what,” he lowered his voice to a cruel whisper, “I’ll always be your first. And nothing will ever change that… Pet .”

As he entered me, my soul ripped apart like paper. Ripped apart until the pieces were unrecognizable.

Chapter Text

Taemin’s heart raced but in a really bad way. Should he have not said anything to Jungkook? Maybe he did more harm than good.

It seems all he does is make bad decisions. 

His brain tells him he’s no good, and he’s quick to believe it. He’s quick to hang his head in shame, like he’s always done. The weight of the real world and his decisions has always been too hard for him to handle. 

It’s easier being pushed around and told what to do.

In fact it’s what gets him through most of his days, going from one command to the next. Just like now, a wine run. Commanded he knows so Joji can have time alone with his new slave. 

So many feelings fill up his already buzzing brain as he wanders around the kitchen and grabs what he needs. Despite the omega workers diligently moving around their workspace, Taemin expertly keeps out of their way. He’s done this so many times it's a habit now. Another routine he’s gotten used to, keeping his life free from thought and making decisions.

So as he moves like a drone up the stairs to the east wing, he clutches the wine bottle tightly in his hand. The closer his feet bring him to Joji’s room, the more his heart squeezes in his chest. 

Because every time he gets to the door, he has to take a moment to steal his nerves. The past couple of times he’s entered hasn’t been good. And since the last time he ended up forced to take Joji, he can only imagine what could happen once he opens the door. 

As he steps inside, he keeps his eyes to the ground. Yet something in the air prickles the tiny hairs on the back of his neck. Like creepy crawly bugs down his spine, he has a bad feeling alerting all of his senses. So as he looks up, it isn’t until he sees the scene in front of him that he realizes it's his wolf howling at him.

His omega heartstrings are being tugged and pulled on desperately by the painstakingly soft whimpering coming from the floor.

He sees Joji bent over me naked, my face pressed hard into the carpet underneath him, and my body bouncing from his thrusts. 

In a split second Taemin feels the energy inside himself shift and change. His omega wolf is standing fiercely, he will no longer tolerate the evil that Joji spreads. He will no longer let the abuse happen. 

He will no longer let fear rule over him.

With each step he took, he could see the memories of his past. Memories of Joji being sweet, memories of his feelings being manipulated, and that manipulation turning into abuse- forced sex, torture, and the like. He could see the endless nights of tears and doubts turning into his normal. Memory after painful memory, Taemin feels the weight of his life up until this moment. 

Heavy steps lead to the man he once thought he loved. A man he once thought was his whole world, and then some. But now as he looks upon the horror of rape happening before him, he only feels shame for having let it go on this long. So with one last step, Taemin is no longer bound to his old memories. 

With the thump of Taemin's shoes on the wooden floor, Joji heard his omega approaching. Without turning his head he smirked.

"Finally bitch. Did you bring me my wine?" 

"......" 

Just as Taemin stood behind Joji, the alpha finally turned around in frustration from a lack of a response. "Hello," he asked impatiently.

As his eyes took in the sight of Taemin with his arm raised, the wine bottle clutched tight in his hand, and fire in his eyes, Joji knew what was about to happen. 

"Tae-"

"Goodbye Joji." 

Taemin smashed the wine bottle on Joji's face and sent him crashing to the ground. He was still pressed against me so my body toppled over as well. The wine splashed everywhere and glass broke into tiny pieces around us. 

Taemin didn't move from his spot for a whole minute. All he could hear was a ringing in his ears. All he could feel was his heart beating at a crazy speed in his chest. Which moves at a fast pace as he tried to catch his breath. However, his eyes caught sight of my body trembling so he finally got moving again. 

He dropped what was left of the wine bottle in his hand and hurried to push Joji's unconscious body away from me. He then used the biggest piece of broken glass he could find to start cutting the black rope around my wrist and ankles. 

"Y/N…? Can you hear me? I'm here… it's Taemin." He choked back a sob as he tossed both sets of rope aside and apologized. "I'm sorry… I'm so sorry… I should have been here sooner…"

I hear his apology but it doesn't quite sink in. My mind and my body feel like they're stuck in mud. Lost in a heavy fog. It's like I'm moving and processing in slow motion. 

"....Tae...min?"

He wipes his wet face, and with as much strength as he can muster, he picks me up and takes me to the bathroom. The cool tile floor feels good on my scorching hot skin, but something still feels off. I still feel the sensation of rough hands grabbing me. I still feel the invasion and abuse done to my body. I still feel… him.

As Taemin kneels in front of me, the fog is finally starting to dissipate, and my brain is starting to process. Slowly, and with glitches. 

"Taemin… you're here… I…" My body starts to shake, my legs pull in, and I hug myself. I don't feel safe. I don't feel like me. "...what happened? Where's…." 

"I hit him Y/N. I did it. I hit him so hard the bottle broke." He got up then and stuck a towel under the sink to wet it down before returning to me. "The wine got all over you so go ahead and clean up." 

"But…" I grabbed the wet towel he handed me, "I don't understand. Why is there wine all over me? Why does…." I realize I haven't stopped shaking. "Why does my body feel… feel like not me?" I looked into his eyes for answers, tears falling. "Taemin…? Did he…" 

Taemin doesnt understand what's happening but he hugs me nonetheless. "You're safe now Y/N. I won't let him hurt you again. I promise." 

His hand rubbed my head and it felt comforting. I feel safe in his hug. "....promise…" 

He pulled away only so that I could see his smile. "We're friends right? And friends protect each other." 

I cried, throwing myself more into his body as I sought the warmth of his friendship and trust. He hugged me back, and for the first time in his life, he truly felt like he made a friend. He felt a bond with someone he knew he wanted to protect. 

And he'll do anything now to get us out. He'll be the strong and reliable omega that he knows he can be.

With determination in his eyes he pulled away and grabbed my shoulders. "Listen, until we rescue the boys from their cells, we stick together. We only trust each other." 

I'm still stuck trying to comprehend the situation. "Ok…" 

"Clean yourself up in here and I'll handle stuff in the bedroom, ok?" He wiped his thumbs underneath my eyes, "Can you do that?" 

I nodded my head, "Yeah I think so." 

"Ok then. I'll be right back." 

He stood up first then reached down to help me stand as well. It wasn't until he stood before me that he saw all the evidence left of Joji's abuse on my body. Scrapes. Bruises. Inflamed patches of skin. And the burn mark on my chest. 

He mumbled angrily to himself, "What the hell…" He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. "There's clothes underneath the sink. If you need help just call for me." 

Then he left. 

I stood alone in the large bathroom, the situation still a little lost on me. But the way he looked at my body definitely left an impression. 

'Does my body look as bad as it feels?'  

With slow steps I turn and head for the sink area. But the moment I'm close enough I freeze in shock. I look in the mirror and see a person I don't recognize. A person with a black eye, swollen red cheeks, a small yet painful burn mark in the center of her chest, bruised up breasts and a bruised up stomach, a scratched up waist and hips, and big red inflamed skin around her wrists, ankles, and all down her legs. 

What I see is a victim of abuse. And yet I can't remember what happened. 

As I close my eyes and try and remember everything, all I can see is his face. All I can hear is his voice in my head. 

“I'm gonna enjoy this Pet.” “You like this don’t you?” “I’ll always be your first. And nothing will ever change that… Pet .”

I shake my head as I deny what my brain is trying to tell me. “No… it’s not true. It can’t be true...” 

I continue to deny everything as I quickly grab a set of sweats and a plain shirt. If I just concentrate on cleaning up then I don’t have to think about anything else. So I do just that as efficiently as I can. 

But just a couple minutes later, by the time I finished cleaning and clothing myself, I heard a loud scream.

“YOU’RE DEAD!”

My head snaps towards the cracked bathroom door, and I start to tremble as I hear Joji scream again. 

“YOU’RE FUCKING DEAD!”

I shake to the sounds of fighting happening in the other room. I close my eyes and pray for it all to stop. 

'What do I do?'

“AFTER ALL THAT I DID FOR YOU, YOU STUPID PIECE OF SHIT!” 

Joji yelled with veins popping out, wine sticky on his body, and various cuts and blood on his face. He furiously tossed one of his art pieces into the wall that Taemin was hiding behind.

“YOU DID NOTHING BUT HOLD ME BACK AND KEEP ME AS A SLAVE!”

Taemin was able to run and put the bar in between them. But his mind was racing a mile a minute to try and think of a way out of this situation. Yet nothing came to him.

“YOU WERE LUCKY TO BE MY SLAVE YOU BITCH!”

Joji slammed his hands down hard on the bar, secretly grabbing some of the leftover weed and cocaine on the counter. As Taemin was about to respond, Joji quickly tossed the drugs towards Taemin’s face and eyes. The omega coughed and backed away with his eyes squeezed shut. 

With lightning fast steps, Joji was around the bar in seconds and punched Taemin in the face, causing Taemin to stumble and fall over the coffee table. Everything went crashing to the ground, but Joji was unconcerned. With Taemin defenseless in the fetal position, he laid in kick after kick into Taemin. 

He laughed maniacally, “LOOKS LIKE I WIN YOU CUNT!” Joji breathed hard as he looked down at Taemin, standing tall and high on adrenaline. “And I guess before I do you in for good I’ll let you in on a little secret…” He pressed his foot right into Taemin’s neck underneath the shock collar, and started suffocating him, “You were only ever good as a slave, and nothing more.”

“You won’t… get away… with this…” Taemin scratched at Joji’s leg and ankle, but was quickly losing all of his strength. 

“Looks like I already have, you bitch.”

“You're wrong.”

Joji’s eyes went wide as he turned around, unknowingly taking his foot off of Taemin’s neck. As he did, Taemin took the oppotunity to lock his feet in place with his arms and gave me the chance I needed. 

“YOU-”

With the large bong already in my hand, I swung it with everything I had into Joji’s head. For the second time Joji went crashing to the floor with yet more broken glass in his face. But Taemin wasn’t going to take any more chances. 

He grunted, holding his hand to his sore stomach, as he got up and headed to the bar. “Help me tie him up.”

He returned with the same black rope that I had been previously tied up in, and together we worked to tie Joji up, head to toe. Neither of us were in good shape to do it, but we worked as quickly as we could. With success we tied him up and stood back to catch our breath. We stood side by side, looking down at the unconscious alpha. 

"Good thing he soundproofed his room." Taemin clicked his tongue against his teeth. For good measure, he kicked Joji hard in the side. "Creep." 

I sighed, exhaustion suddenly clinging to my body. "Yeah…"

“Well, there’s just one more thing we need to do,” Taemin said softly, still staring down at Joji.

“What’s that?”

He didn’t respond, but instead looked around the floor for something specific. It wasn’t until he was reaching down for the small remote control that I realized what he meant. We faced each other as he pointed the control towards my neck and pressed a button to release the torturous collar. 

It dropped heavily to the ground and rattled. I brought my hands to my neck automatically, feeling a little strange, but relieved that it was off. 

Taemin however hesitated with his own. “This is it…”

“This is it.”

“I take it off, and I never have to be a slave again.”

I smiled, and teared up at the moment. “That’s right.”

He took a few deep breaths before he pressed the button and his collar came off. As soon as it did he fell to his knees and cried. Cried like I’ve never seen a person cry before. He got back his freedom. And as I got down on my knees and held him tight, I’m not even sure if he’s ever had freedom. 

“Thank you Y/N…” he sobbed into my shoulder. “Thank you for… for not giving up on me….”

I rubbed his back and hugged him some more, “Thank you for not giving up on yourself.”

He chuckled a bit as he cried, but ultimately, gained courage as he slowly calmed down. We pulled away from the hug and just stared at each other. Both of us are silent, but we both share the same thoughts. 

There’s nothing else to do but escape. 

We’re going to leave and we're never coming back.

---

With the knowledge that Taemin has, I rely solely on him. He laid out the timestamp of all the guards positions and came up with an exit plan all on his own. After years of the same routines, he’s got everyone’s movements down by memory, no matter the time of night.  

“Remember, the best thing you can do is keep your head down.”

I nod my head once, “Got it.”

He held the handle to the door for a moment, taking his chance to look back at me. “Are you ready?”

“I’m ready.”

He opened the door and poked his head out first. He looked down the hallway and noticed no one there. Perfect. 

We left Joji’s bedroom and walked with swift steps. Taemin stayed in front, eyes vigilant. He stopped at the top of the stairs and looked down. He didn’t hear any conversation going on, so motioned for us to keep going. Each step down the stairs sounded like a loud creak in my ears. 

But then we hear it, the guards at the bottom of the stairs start talking.

I’m starting to lose my nerve. 

But as if he’s reading my mind, Taemin stops and holds my hand. He whispers softly into my ear, “We can do this. We’re going to escape.”

With rejuvenated courage I nod my head and continue with the plan. I quickly hide behind one of the long window curtains and wait for my cue. 

Taemin hurries down the stairs, but keeps his voice just loud enough that only the two meatheads can hear. “Guys I think something is wrong with J-... with Sir. He-He…”

“Slow down, Jesus,” one guard rolled his eyes.

“I think he’s having a breakdown or something. He told me to get you.”

The other guard chuckled, “And what makes you think we’ll listen to anything you have to say? Huh? You’re just trash.”

“.....”

The two guards started laughing.

“You’re right you don’t have to listen to trash like me, but…” he walked past them and stood on the bottom floor, “Who do you think our leader will blame if you don’t go up there right now, hm? Are you two willing to take that chance? ”

They quieted down then looked at each other. With quick steps, both guards rushed up the stairs and out of Taemin’s sight. 

“Ok let’s go!”

I quickly pulled the curtain back and ran down the stairs. As I did, Taemin started tossing around some of the small plastic baggies with pills inside. Once he was done, he quickly grabbed my hand and ran to the kitchen, just barely missing a few guards walking in the hallway. 

As planned, the guards started fighting over the dropped bags of drugs in the foyer. 

As soon as Taemin felt the coast was clear, he quickly got to work taking out more of the plastic baggies.

“You see these?”

All the omega’s in the kitchen zeroed in on the drugs. They looked crazy. 

So Taemin gave them what they wanted. He threw the baggies everywhere and moved out of their way. As they all started running and fighting each other for the drugs, Taemin and I hurried through to the other end of the kitchen, and out the back door. 

“I can’t believe this is working.”

“Don’t underestimate the power of addiction.” Taemin frowned, “I guess that’s one thing I can say I’m thankful for.”

As we hid in nearby bushes, I whispered, “What?”

A guard passed by and Taemin waited for him to walk around the house before he spoke, “I’m glad Joji never got me hooked on that crap.”

“I’m glad too.”

We shared a small smile first, before focusing again and getting back to our escape. Focusing on being swift down the long stone pathway and staying unnoticeable as we get closer to the boys.

But something Taemin didn’t account for was seeing Jackson talking to the guards outside the Playhouse. He ducked in behind some bushes once again and tried to figure something out. And fast. Surely by now the two idiots found Joji tied up in the bathroom.

“What are we going to do,” I whisper, squatting in the bushes next to him.

Taemin’s brain was guzzling through so many possibilities. 

He could call Jackson away, but it’d take too much time to ditch him, then come back to distract the guards. If not that, then he’d have to find a way to get all three men to move away at the same time. He felt around in his pockets but only had one more bag of cocaine. That wouldn’t do it. 

“I’ve got an idea.”

Taemin looked my way with his brow pinched and sweat on his hairline. “What?”

I kissed his cheek suddenly, catching him off guard. “Just make sure you get in there and rescue them.”

“But- Y/N no! Wait!”

I jumped out from our hiding spot in the bushes and ran towards Jackson and the two guards. The two guards noticed me first, as Jackson had his back to me. 

“Good evening boys,” I said a little out of breath.

Jackson spun around and had a concerned look on his face. He looked behind me and back towards the house, completely confused, and completely alert. 

“What are you doing here? How did you-”

“Escape,” I asked, finishing his question. 

“Right,” he said, still on edge. 

"Would you believe me if I said I knocked out Joji, tied him up in the bathroom, and have successfully started a riot inside the house?"

He smirked, "I believe you." He whistled loudly and turned his head a little to talk, "You two, go check inside." 

Both of the guards stayed put, mostly confused. But Jackson lifted his lip and scowled, glaring hard at both of them. 

"I'm not going to say it again." 

"Right." "Yes Sir." 

They left their spots in front of the Playhouse doors and quickly started their way up the paved walkway back to the main house. 

Once they were gone my heart literally almost beat out of my chest. It's just Jackson left. From the corner of my eyes I see Taemin move silently. He's close to the doors, so I have to keep Jackson distracted.

The alpha's scowl left and was replaced with a calm and charming smile. He slid his hands in his pockets as he started approaching me. "Let me guess… you want inside so you can free your guys." 

I gulped and stood my ground as Taemin slipped inside, "And if I say yes?" 

"Then I'm obligated to stop you." 

He walked up to me and stopped. Like I had felt previously in Joji's room, Jackson isn't like the other alpha's. He doesn't use his status as an alpha to intimidate or abuse his power. I can sense this. While this is a very big risk to take, I’m betting on my gut feeling. Jackson isn’t a bad alpha. Jackson isn’t a bad person. 

 I stared into his eyes and I frowned. "What do you want Jackson? Has anyone ever asked you that?"

He grinned playfully, "You mean outside of the bedroom?" My eyes went wide in embarrassment and it made him laugh. He held his stomach and smiled, "You're pretty innocent huh?"

I looked down and finally stepped back. "...no I don’t think so... At least… not anymore…" 

Jackson's smile faded and his brow pinched together in concern. "Joji has always been a pig." He reached out his hand to touch my cheek, "I could have treated you so much better."

Before he could touch me I stepped out of his way. "I believe you. But…" 

He dropped his hand and slid it back inside his slacks. "But?" 

I looked past Jackson and almost dropped to my knees. My eyes started shaking and I couldn't stop my heart from squeezing in my chest.

"But she has me."

---

Taemin slipped inside quietly. As soon as the door shut he ran past the cells and headed to the switchboard to power off the electricity to the building. As soon as everything was turned off, he pulled the keys down from the wall and headed to Woobin's cell first. 

"Taemin?" 

Hearing Jimin's voice gave him the confidence to keep going. He knew he made the right choice. 

As he unlocked the chains around Woobin's ankles and wrists he gave the answers he knew they were going to want. "We don't have much time. Everyone is distracted by stuff in the main house." He unlocked the collar around Woobin's neck then gave him the keys to unlock the other cells. 

"What about Y/N?"

Taemin got to work on Jimin's cell as he answered Jungkook. "She just ran out there and acted as a distraction so I could come in here and get you guys." 

"Hyung," Jungkook was barely containing his impatience in his cell, "Please hurry." 

Jungkook is practically buzzing in place as Woobin finishes unlocking Namjoon from his chains. "I know, I know." 

Taemin however is also buzzing in place. As he approaches Jimin he can feel his heart in his throat. It's gone dry. And his head is dizzy. 

"Ji…" his voice was barely there as he tried to unlock his chains. He's so nervous, but in a good way. 

Jimin smiled and carefully placed his hand on Taemin's. "It's ok. I'm right here." 

Taemin unlocked his chains and pressed the button to release Jimin's shock collar. With a stretch and crack to his neck, Jimin finally started feeling normal again. His proud alpha wolf spirit is stretching its body; he's ready for whatever may be outside those doors. 

With a big smile he hugged Taemin, "Thank you Taemin." 

Taemin's hands were shaking as he reached up to hug Jimin back. But as soon as he did, he finally felt whole. At peace. Something that Joji has never given him. 

"You're welcome Jimin." 

Woobin cleared his throat rather obviously, "Real cute, this whole moment," he gestured with his hands, "But do you mind taking those death traps off of my brothers now?" 

Taemin gasped and apologized quickly, pulling away from Jimin, "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!" 

He pressed the button for them both, each ring falling to the ground with a loud thump. 

Without wasting a moment, Jungkook spun on his heel and headed towards the doors. But Jimin yelled after him. 

"Jungkook wait! We need a plan." 

Jungkook was only a few feet away from the doors, but he stopped. "I'm done waiting. Y/N needs me." 

His instincts were in overdrive as he opened the door, leaving no room for conversation. His mind was already made up. So as his eyes darted everywhere he immediately spotted Jackson off to the side. He's talking to someone, he can hear the conversation. But on scent alone, Jungkook knows it's me that Jackson is talking too.

With very long strides he's behind Jackson in no time. 

"But?"

Jungkook bared his teeth, his alpha instincts are telling him to puff out his chest and protect his omega. "But she has me." 

Jackson jumped to the side, shocked, "How-" As his eyes darted towards the doors, he saw Taemin leading the prisoners out. His shoulders relaxed and he softly chuckled. "So he finally had enough, huh…" 

Jungkook stood protectively in front of me in a defensive position, ready to attack or be attacked. But Jackson shrugged and took a step back as the others gathered around Jungkook. 

"I know when I'm outmatched," he held up his hands in the air. He smirked as he dropped his arms, "Y'all should get going. I assume I'll have the advantage pretty soon here." 

"C'mon," Jimin said to all of us, but grabbed only Taemin's hand. 

We all turned around to start heading into the forest, but I turned around quickly and looked at Jackson. 

"Babe?"

I ignored Jungkook. "Jackson!" 

"Yes ma'am?"

"How did you know I was telling the truth? Why help us?"

Jackson tapped on his bare neck, "You got the collar off. So who am I to keep you from freedom?" He slid his hands back into his slacks and smiled, "Now go!" 

"My gut was right, you're not bad at all." I smiled wide in return as I remembered something he said to me back in Joji’s room. With a step back I hollered with my hands to my mouth. "Too bad your Joji's. I think we could have been really good together!” 

Jackson’s smile faltered as he watched all of us disappear into the woods. 

Chapter Text

The alarming sound of howling echoes everywhere. It's coming from behind us, some few miles away. We thankfully got a head start, but it's been hours now and the howling hasn't stopped. It reminds us that even if we're all injured in some shape or form, we can't stop running. 

No matter what.

Hour after long hour speeds by and they don’t let up. Their howling follows us through the mountains, flat plains, and more forest. Relentless. 

My paws dig into the forest ground and propel me forward. The trees whiz by at a fast pace; branches and leaves scrape through my fur as I pass. But every second is starting to feel like a century. And a century feels like a lifetime.

It’s been three days. 

Three days of splintered paws. Three days of no sleep or food. Three days of blood, sweat, and tears. It’s only been three days, and yet our bodies are scraping by. We feel it. 

Exhaustion. Stress. And fatigue.

As I run, I catch myself dozing off into nothingness, so I quickly snap my eyes open. I need to concentrate. But my head feels jumbled up. My stomach is empty, coiled tight and starting to cramp. Everything just feels ready to break down. My eyes are going cross eyed.

‘Guys I... I can't keep this up,’ I say inside of their minds. ‘I feel like I’m… going to pass out…'

And just then, for a split second, I lost my focus and didn’t jump high enough to dodge a lifted tree root. My back left ankle smashed into the root and I felt a sharp sting shoot through it. I fell hard into the ground and yelped in pain from the collision. 

‘Y/N!’

Jungkook used his momentum to jump off a large oak tree and do a one hundred eighty degree turn without losing his speed. By the time the others stopped several yards away, Jungkook was already by my side. 

He nudged my body gently with his head, ‘Can you stand? Where does it hurt?’

I tried sitting up, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. I have no energy. ‘Back left… ’ I whine pathetically with my eyes closed, ‘I’m sorry…’

Jungkook licked my injured ankle, ‘Don’t babe. We've been running nonstop. This could have happened to any one of us.’

‘Y/N, what happened? Are you ok?’

‘I just got a little dizzy and didn’t even notice the stupid root. I’m sor-’

‘Stop it. Don’t say sorry,’ my brother scolded me as he stood by Jungkook. 'Is it broken?'  

He prodded my injured leg with his paw, but immediately stopped when I whined.

'It hurts brother…' A couple tears came out. 

The others gathered around as I stayed on the ground. Taemin was the only one who laid down with me and snuggled his face into mine, hoping to be comforting. 

‘So what are we going to do now? We can’t stay here for much longer,’ Namjoon looked off into the distance in the direction we’ve been running from. 

Jungkook ignored his brother. ‘If you transform back, can you stay focused enough to ride on my back, babe?’

‘...I think so.'

‘That’s not going to matter if we can’t splint her ankle,’ my brother noted. ‘ We don’t have anything on us that could help.’

‘So what then?!’

Jungkook didn’t mean to yell at my brother. He huffed and took a deep breath while everyone else remained quiet. Everyone is trying to think of a way out of our sudden predicament.

I just feel awful and burdensome. 

‘....I can stay. All of you should go.’

‘Not happening.’ ‘No way.’ ‘No Y/N, please.’

I heard Jungkook, my brother, and Taemin all speak at once. 

‘That kind of talk isn’t helpful,’ Woobin suddenly spoke up. ‘We either all go together, or none of us go at all.' He felt a little shy as he passed me. ‘ We don’t leave family behind… Y/N.’

Even though we haven’t technically talked about what happened in that practice field back home, however long ago it was now, I still feel like Woobin and I have turned a new leaf. I believe that. I feel it in my soul. Wolf to wolf, omega to alpha. He is my brother, and I am his sister. 

He’s got my back, and I’ve got his.

So as he passes by and sits down next to his brother Namjoon, he thinks about the inevitable. He thinks about the weight of the moment, and what he’ll have to do to protect his family.

He stared out into the dark forest and listened to the howling. ‘Our best bet now… is to stand and fight.’

‘What chance do we have to win with me injured like this? ’ I tried sitting up but Jimin ushered me to stay down. ‘I’d rather y’all just leave me if that’s the case.’

‘Y/N, seriously, stop. Would you leave any of us behind?’

When my brother puts it that way, there’s no way I can argue back. So I give in easily. ‘Then… I can act as a distraction, while the rest of you surround them and attack.’

‘Ideally that would work if we knew how many there were,’ Namjoon answered, also keeping his eyes and ears focused on the sights and sounds in the distance. ‘There could be three of them, or there could be fifty. It's hard to tell at this distance.’

‘Joji will be leading the charge. He wouldn’t leave something like this to anyone else. He’s too prideful, and I’m sure he's super pissed off for everything that we’ve done.’ Taemin stayed laying by my side and gave me a small lick to the nose. ‘ He’d have Brian and Jackson with him for sure, but beyond that, I don’t know.’

Jungkook finally spoke up again. ‘Without knowing how many we’ll face, our best chance is to stay together, and wait for them to get here. From there, well- we’re either lucky enough to have a fighting chance with a few of them, or…. We’re not lucky…’

I feel so terrible, I could cry. 

‘I’m going to fight,’ Taemin sat up and looked at Jimin and Jungkook; Woobin and Namjoon are still sitting with their backs to us. ‘Even if we don’t stand a chance to win, I’d rather stay and fight. At least then I'd know I fought for my friends… and for… love…'  

Jimin tilted his head and gently rubbed his snout against Taemin's. 

'Taemin is right,' Woobin agreed. 'We stand and fight for the ones we love. That's what it means to be in a pack. We're wolves. We live and die together.'

The howling was louder now. Growling vibrated through the trees and into the ground. They're getting closer. There isn't much time left. 

With a lick to Taemin's nose and then a lick to mine, Jimin went to stand next to Namjoon. Taemin dipped his head down and rubbed his snout against mine before he also left to stand in line next to my brother. With only Jungkook left, I whined. I feel desperate.  

I wish this wasn't happening. 

'Shhh, it's ok babe.' He laid next to me. The tips of our noses are touching, and his eyes are reflecting mine. 'Together forever, right?'

Just then I felt the presence of a crowd of wolves just fifty yards out. They're slowly approaching. I'm not sure how many there are. And yet, even from here, I can tell that Joji is definitely present. I can practically taste his rage.

It weakens my will. ‘...I’m supposed to protect you…’

Jungkook stays by my side, determined, even if Joji was close. ‘If you tell me we’ll be together forever, Y/N... that’s the best protection I could ever have.’

Woobin, Namjoon, my brother, and Taemin stayed close, but they slightly spread out around Jungkook and I. Their eyes can finally see Joji's wolves approaching.

'Y/N…?'

I rubbed my nose against Jungkook's. 'No matter what happens… we'll be together forever.'

'That sentiment is shit, and a full on lie.' Joji's voice forces itself inside all of our minds. 'Don’t you know? There's nothing after death.'

Jungkook licked my snout one last time before he got up and walked to stand in front of our pack. He quickly counts the wolves in front of him and tries to calculate our chances. A dozen wolves including Joji, Brian, and Jackson. Meaning it’s twelve against five. 

However, Joji is by far the tallest and most bulky wolf Jungkook has ever seen; even bigger than him. His black fur looks like a raven's feather, his eyes are as red as blood, and the fresh scars on his face makes him look extra mortifying. Drool falls from Joji's jaw as he bares his sharp teeth at us.

Jungkook is unsure of the odds, but there isn’t a single bone in his body that isn’t prepared to fight to the death. And his pack feels the same.

As Joji stepped back, Brian and Jackson stood a little bit in front, acting as bodyguards. He nods his head and screams inside of our minds; his rage and hatred is palpable in the air.

He howled so loud it quieted the forest. 'KILL THEM ALL!'

And then it began. 

Every creature, from the owls and crows, to the deer, rabbits, and raccoons, ran away and abandoned their homes to get as far away from the battle as they could. Wolves don't spare lives, and bring nothing but destruction.

Joji’s pack all jumped forward with little planning, simply angry and tired. They growled and snapped threateningly in the air as they surrounded us. 

My brother and Taemin stayed as close to me as they could, while four wolves got closer and closer to us. A brown wolf tried to dodge my brother and sprint straight towards me, but Jimin snapped his jaw into the wolf's hind legs. The wolf howled in pain but snapped back at my brother. Another one tried to come in to take Jimin by surprise but Taemin was there to bite his teeth into the wolf's throat. He thrashed his head and body around and successfully knocked the wolf to the ground; unconscious. 

Jimin clawed at the others face but got pinned down in the process. Three wolves attacked him then, biting and scratching, but Taemin quickly barreled his body into them and tackled one to the ground. I'm not much help, but they're close enough that I swiped my front paw on the ground and launched dirt and twigs into the eyes of the enemy. It then gave Jimin the second he needed to latch his jaw onto the leg of the wolf on top of him and break it. It stumbled away, leaving only one wolf left on my brother. With a quick turn of his head he grabbed that wolf's leg and stood at the same time, throwing the wolf off balance.

Despite his fresh injuries, Jimin growled and launched himself at the wolf currently biting Taemin. Without holding back, my brother bit down on the wolf's side and didn't let go. The wolf yelped, letting go of Taemin, and giving him the chance to attack. Without any reservations Taemin also chomped his sharp teeth into the wolf and held on. Blood spilled out and the wolf quickly collapsed to the ground. 

There were only two left conscious, but they were too hurt to do anything else. However, Jimin wasn't going to take any chances. He quickly ran at them and finished them off; chomping his giant jaw around their necks, one after the other. 

On the other side of us, some yards away, Namjoon and Woobin expertly fought the more inexperienced wolves. While they made random and unpredictable attacks  Woobin knowingly waited for openings. A grey and black wolf left his blind spot open and didn't even see Woobin sneak in. Being much larger, Woobin easily chomped his sharp teeth into the wolf and pushed him into a tree. But in doing so, he left himself exposed. Two wolves suddenly swiped at Woobin and cut a deep gash into his side. 

Woobin's whine echoed loudly, but Namjoon quickly responded. He dodged the wolf currently in a standoff with him and jumped to help his brother. He snarled and tried to take a bite out of the brown wolf, but barely missed, managing only to bite off his ear. He spit the wolf ear out of his mouth and launched himself forward, growling and fending off the three wolves left.

Namjoon glanced behind him to check on Woobin. 'Brother?!' 

'I'm fine Joon- ON YOUR LEFT!'

One of the three wolves tried sneaking in from the side, but thanks to Woobin's warning Namjoon just barely dodged sharp teeth. Yet in doing so, Namjoon left himself vulnerable to an attack. He howled in pain as the two other wolves locked their teeth in him, one in his hindquarters and the other on the top of his back. 

Just then, Jungkook left the standoff with Brian and Jackson and jumped the two wolves on Namjoon to force them back. Namjoon collapsed to the ground, much to Woobin's and Jungkook’s rage. Woobin nastily snarled, jumped the distance between them, and swiped his sharp claws in one of the wolf's snout, deeply scratching his ear and eye. The wolf stumbled back, giving Jungkook the opportunity to finish him with a bite to the neck. 

The last two wolves tried running, but Jimin and Taemin, even with their various wounds, blocked them with their fierce bodies and teeth. With nowhere left to go, they charged at Jimin and Taemin with nothing but sharp teeth and little luck. As expected, Woobin and Jungkook easily jumped them both and finished them off.

But at that moment, Jungkook realized I was left alone. 

‘Jungkook!!’

He spun his head around and saw Brian with his jaw locked on the back of my neck, dragging me towards Joji. Brian had been waiting for this moment the whole fight; a complete puppet and following his orders. And just like Joji predicted, Jungkook sprung into action without much thought.

The older alpha took advantage of Jungkook’s tunnel vision and attacked him; claw, bite, and force. Jungkook crashed to the ground with Joji on top of him. 

Taemin and Namjoon tried to move with Woobin and Jimin, but their injuries kept them on the ground. Jimin stumbled as he ran towards me and Brian, giving him a disadvantage, and an opening for Brian. He dropped me to the ground and attacked my brother, biting at his side and his legs. 

While Brian and Jimin fought, Woobin joined Jungkook. He tackled Joji off of his brother and snapped his teeth towards his snout. He missed due to the pain from his injury, but it at least gave Jungkook time to get back up on his feet. 

‘Thanks Hyung… I can take it from here.’

‘Like hell you can. Let me help.’

‘You’re bleeding.’

‘It’s not that bad.’

But both of them knew that it was. Even Joji. So he took advantage of that fact and jumped at Woobin; catching him off guard. An ear piercingly loud cry came out of Woobin’s mouth as Joji snapped his teeth around the already bleeding wound on Woobin’s side. Joji is so jacked up on drugs, he devastatingly lifted Woobin with only his jaw and threw him into a tree. 

‘HYUNG!!’

Joji licked his lips and teeth. Woobin’s blood was still inside his mouth, coating his tongue. ‘ Pathetic dogs.’

Several feet away, Brian and Jimin continued to fight each other. Each of them took bites out of the other. But despite the attacks, Jimin stayed planted in front of me, keeping Brian at bay. 

And yet, Jimin and I didn’t account for Jackson slipping in from behind. He caught me off guard as he was suddenly by my side. He looked into my eyes and I looked into his. I held my breath.

‘You really meant what you said before?’

I thought back to what I said when he let us escape. And I still believe it now, Jackson isn't a bad wolf. 

‘Every word.’

When my brother heard us talking, he realized he had moved too far away. Jimin quickly turned to try and fight Jackson, but the second he did, Brian leapt into the air to tackle my brother. 

However, as Jackson dodged my brother, he caught Brian by surprise and sank his teeth into him midair. As he landed, he smashed Brian into the ground with one last blow.

'Jackson…! Why...?’

Jackson watched as life left Brian's eyes. ‘ Because I’m not willing to die for fake power. I won’t stray away from my beliefs again.’

At that moment, Woobin crashed into the tree and landed on the ground hard.

Jungkook ran to his brother and licked his wound, ‘Hyung! Say something.’

Woobin whined softly, too hurt and broken to say anything, leaving Jungkook at a complete loss. 

Joji screamed, his eyes wild and red, ‘YOU’RE WIDE OPEN!’ 

As he jumped towards Jungkook, Jackson was suddenly there to take Joji’s bite. He howled in pain from his ex-leader’s teeth, but with a swift move, he pulled out of Joji’s grasp. He limped, his front right leg officially out of commision. But that didn’t stop Joji from attacking again. The two of them swiped at each other, and both tried biting the other, but Jackson was struggling.

'Fucking traitor. I knew you were weak all along.’

‘I should have left a long time ago,’ Jackson said, standing his ground and defending Jungkook, despite his body only supporting three of his legs. ‘You’re just poison. A king of dogs, not wolves.’

Joji scoffed, ‘You know you're going to die right?'

‘If it's my time… then so be it. At least I'd die knowing it wasn't for nothing.'

'YOU ARE NOTHING!'

With a powerful swipe of his paw, Jackson could not dodge Joji’s claws. But at that moment, Jungkook jumped at Joji and tackled him on his back. He sank his teeth into Joji’s neck, but couldn’t get a good grip as Joji planted his paws under Jungkook’s stomach and launched him to the side. 

Joji rolled on his side, feeling the sting of half a bite in his neck. ‘Alright then… Jungkook… Just me and you now.’

Jungkook got on his feet and let out a huff. ‘Only because you know you’re outnumbered.’

‘HA! You think your injured brothers or those fucking omega cunts can do anything to me?’ Joji paced back and forth as he stared down Jungkook. ‘ No, I think it’s just me and you. Always has been, because that’s our fate.’

‘You know nothing of fate.’

‘I KNOW EVERYTHING OF FATE!’ Joji snapped his teeth and stood still. ‘ Ever since my awakening I have lived for this exact moment! Me and you, fighting to the death.’

Inside of his mind, Joji could see flashes of his awakening; a vision that has haunted him since he came of age. He only ever saw Jungkook towering over him while he clinged to life. And it’s this vision that started it all. A fear that led him to seeking as much power as he could. A spiral of drugs and liquor. Hiding away in his mansion. 

He really thought he had beaten fate when he captured Jungkook. Joji really thought he had won. But now that fate has brought him to this moment like it was prophesied, he will continue to fight his fate. He will survive. He has to.

‘I’m going to kill you Jeon Jungkook… Goddess Selene’s prized possession. I’m going to kill you because it is my destiny to do so.’ 

‘ You only fight for yourself,’ Jungkook breathed heavily, feeling the pressure of the moment, sensing his family down and injured. ‘I fight for my pack, and that’s why I will win.’

‘I’LL KILL YOU JUNGKOOK!!!’

‘JOJI!!!!’

They both kicked off the ground and jumped at each other. Loud chomps of teeth, nasty growls, and labored breathing resounded loudly in the quiet forest.

Joji twisted his head and caught Jungkook’s left front leg in his teeth. He pulled as hard as he could, and slammed Jungkook down into the ground. As he tried to stomp on him, Jungkook rolled over and dodged the attack. He kicked up his back legs and launched dirt at Joji, then spun around to jump at him. 

Jungkook dodged and weaved as Joji randomly chomped his teeth in different directions. He shook his head to try and clear the dirt out of his eyes, but was too late to dodge a bite from Jungkook. He howled in pain as he felt piercing teeth in his side. But with Jungkook locked in, Joji used his strength to push Jungkook into a wide tree. At the angle he was at, a particularly stout and sharp branch stabbed Jungkook in his side and forced him to let go of Joji. 

With the opportunity, Joji scraped the top of Jungkook’s head and part of his face with his teeth. But Jungkook was fast to bare his teeth as well, and bit into Joji’s ear. He pushed off the tree and forced Joji to stumble back, his ear getting ripped out of Jungkook’s teeth. 

He ignored the pain and regained his footing. He glared at his enemy. Both of them slowly circling each other. 

‘You’re looking tired Jungkook.’

‘You look scared… Joji.’

Joji growled and narrowed his eyes as he stopped moving. ‘ I’m not scared of anything.’

Jungkook stopped as well. ‘And that’s your downfall. I’m strong because I’m scared.’

‘Then allow me to test that theory...’

Joji’s eyes suddenly darted in my direction as I was tending to my brother and licking his various wounds. He pushed off the ground and bolted towards me. Jungkook couldn't predict it fast enough, and is a split second behind Joji. 

‘Y/N!!!’

I look up as I hear Jungkook scream my name, but I only see Joji running towards me. Jungkook is a step behind him, too slow to catch up before Joji reaches me.

In slow motion, I see the craze in Joji’s eyes. He's like a wild dog, untrained and rabid. His snout is pulled back threateningly, and his teeth are out. With the reflection of the moonlight on his raven like black fur, he looks like death incarnate. And death is looking straight into my soul. 

“YOU’RE DEAD YOU BITCH!”

“DON’T TOUCH MY FAMILY!!”

Suddenly, out of nowhere, Taemin is in front of me and my brother, tackling Joji with full force and causing them both to crash into each other and tumble hard on the ground. 

Jimin screamed for his new found love, ‘TAEMIN NO!’

Taemin was out cold from the collision, but he at least stopped Joji. The alpha rolled and hit his head so hard on a rocky part of the ground he almost lost consciousness. He stayed alert, but the severe throbbing in his head kept him down. 

And then he felt it; fate had intervened.

He feels the heat from his own blood pooling around his head. He can sense his life slipping through the cracks as Jungkook stands over him and looks deep into his eyes.

His vision had come to life.

And Joji is scared. 

'I'm only going to say this once, Joji.' Jungkook had never looked more like a leader than he did right now. He's composed despite his wild instincts telling him differently. 'Leave. And never let me see you again. I won't give you a second chance.'

With only anger, pride, and fear in his heart, Joji growls in frustration. He can't stand being spared. Like a coward. 'Kill me now, or I swear I'll come back and hunt your family down, one by one.' 

A bluff, and yet some part of him wants to believe it.

'I don't kill defenseless wolves, even if they do deserve it.' Jungkook stepped away and gave him space. 'Leave Joji. While I still allow it.' 

As Jungkook turned around, Joji sat up, head dizzy and blood coming from his lacerated scalp. It isn't until he sees the pool of his own blood on the ground that he truly started to panic. 

'YOU THINK YOU'RE BETTER THAN ME BECAUSE YOU'RE SPARING MY LIFE?! I HATE YOU!' 

Joji forced his body up despite his eyes getting heavy and his strength leaving him. The proud and scared alpha howled one last time as he ran towards Jungkook. 

Without a second thought, Jungkook dashed and easily dodged Joji. The enraged alpha simply had no tactic and left himself vulnerable. Jungkook opened his jaw and bit down on Joji's neck, snapping it in two. All at once he sensed Joji's life snuffed out of his body, and felt the wolf go limp and lifeless.

Jungkook released him from his teeth and placed him on the ground; dead and no longer a threat. 

His adrenaline was still pumping excessively, his heart beating wildly. He doesn't take pleasure in killing fellow wolves, and frankly wishes he didn't have to. But the relief and pride he feels in having protected his loved ones gives him a sense of peace and justice. 

'It's over.'

Namjoon suddenly called for his brother, 'Jungkook!'  

He looked up and ran towards Namjoon who was sitting next to Woobin, on his side and bleeding out. 

'Jungkook he's…' Namjoon couldn't say it. 

'Hyung? Hey, open your eyes, look at me.' Jungkook nudged his head against Woobin's, but his older brother wasn't moving. 'Hyung! Please!'

Everyone could hear Jungkook's desperate plea. Everyone could feel his sorrow. 

Woobin barely opened his eyes, only enough to see his two younger brothers sitting side by side and staring down at him. 

'It'll be ok you two… I'm not… going far…' 

'Brother, you can't give up! You can't…'

Woobin chuckled inside of our heads. 'Joon… you don't give up… as smart as you are… I know you can get through this… Help him though… take care of Jungkook for me.'

'Brother…'

'He's…. He's stubborn… and naive… like me. Promise me Joon.' 

Namjoon hung his head in despair. '....I promise.' 

'You can't go…' Jungkook cried. 'I just got you back!'

'Listen to me…' Woobin could feel his life slipping away as his body got colder and colder. 'Take care of Mom… and Dad... You can do this, I know it… You've always been… the strongest… wolf I know….' 

'Hyung, please don't go!' 

'No more tears… kid… I'll always… be with you…' 

With one last happy gleam in his eye, Woobin passed on. The skies opened up and the moon repelled the dark clouds. Like a beacon from the heavens, Selene casted down her radiant beams of light upon Woobin, and welcomed his spirit into the stars. 

It was quiet. Tragically quiet. 

Until Jungkook tilted his head back and howled from deep within his chest, crying out his pain. Namjoon followed suit. And then the rest of us joined. 

Our howling mixed together as one, as we all grieved for the life lost. As we all grieved the death of our brother. 

Chapter Text

I opened my eyes and saw my Dolly on the pillow next to me. She's laying on her back and looking straight up at the ceiling with a pink smile sewed on her face. 

Much like her I'm stuck in bed staring at nothing, however I haven't the energy to smile. I don't want to. There's nothing to smile about. There's nothing in the past month since returning that has made me happy. 

So as I closed my eyes, lay on my side, and squeezed a pillow to my chest, I couldn't stop all the memories from invading my head. Again.

I couldn see it in my mind like a movie. I remember when we got back. 

By the time anyone noticed, Jackson was already gone. I felt a little sad not being able to say goodbye, but I mostly just felt grateful for his place in my life. He could have been just as corrupt as Joji, but he chose to help me and my family. 

As much as he helped, we still weren't lucky enough however. Because not everyone made it back.

As soon as we got to the border of our territory, we all took the little courage we had left to transform back into our human bodies. Even now, a month later, I can still remember the excruciating experience. Thankfully, as soon as we transformed, we were flocked by our brothers and sisters. A mix of wolves and people flurried around to make sure the area was safe and tended to as many of our injuries on site. But with the high alert, they got us on stretchers and took us to the infirmary as soon as possible.

The infirmary is a single building with twenty beds, split with ten on one wall and the others on the opposite wall, much like the Commons building. However, instead of a kitchen, the infirmary has a separate room for operations and more extreme injuries. All in all, it's a place that smelled like bitter herbs and medicine, and I hated it. 

Beyond the smells and the commotion of the place, I couldn't really register much. I knew I was in a bed, had a splint on my ankle, and I knew they had an IV attached to my arm, but everything else was jumbled up. I didn't know how long I had been back home. 

And in all honesty it didn't feel like I had come back at all. My thoughts, my feelings, and even the sensations of my body were still in the forest. 

I could still feel Woobin dying inside of my head. 

And I could still feel Joji on my skin.

I felt his hands on my body. I could remember the tortuous rug burn on my back. I could almost smell the marijuana and the liquor from his breath. I still felt the scorching pain of his blunt burning itself out on my chest. And above everything else my body could still remember the sexual assault. 

Everything felt wrong, everything felt bad and different, and it hurt. Everything hurts. 

But what brought me the most pain was knowing I would never be the girl I once was. I left our mountain with hope, only to return lost and broken.

I don't really remember the screaming. Or fighting the nurse. Or the big scene I caused in the infirmary. But from what Shin-hye had told me, Mama and Jimin apologized and asked for support on my behalf with their heads down. 

Inhale. Exhale. 

I could suddenly feel my heartbeat racing in my chest, so I snapped my eyes open, and breathed heavily through my nose.

‘I'm still in bed. I must have fallen asleep.’

"......" 

All I know are the whispers between my Mama, brother, and sister. They all agreed to let me heal at our home under their care, deciding that it was the healthiest and safest option for me. 

It's been this way for a few weeks now, and here I am still in bed. I'm going on my ninth hour of not moving, and I still feel… empty. I'm filled with so much regret and shame and grief. 

It's hard grieving the loss of a loved one. 

Woobin and I had a complicated relationship. It wasn't an easy one, not easily made with jokes and smiles. I'd say our relationship was more impaired, and regrettably sewed with misunderstandings. But in the end I felt nothing but love from him. 

Woobin passed away with love in his heart and I think that's what has helped me with my grief. I know he's in heaven and in peace. And I'd like to think that Papa has taken him under his wing. I think he could teach Woobin a few things.

Yet, as much as I've come along dealing with Woobin's death, I'm still stuck grieving for myself.

"Knock, knock…. Kiddo? Can I come in?"

They told me one of the requirements of healing at home was to always have my door open so they could easily check up on me. At first I fought it, wanting to be left alone completely. But Mama's tears and the worry in her voice convinced me otherwise. So even though the door was open, and my sister could just walk in, it made me happy that she still asked every time. 

I gulpped. "You can-" I haven't done a lot of talking in the past few hours so my voice was hoarse. I cleared my throat, a little embarrassed by it. "....you can enter."

She walked in with a tamed smile and took a seat on the chair by my bed, crossing her leg over the other. "How are you feeling today cutie?"

With my back still facing her, I stared at Dolly as I answered her question. "....I'm… ok." 

"You know better Y/N…" her brow creased in concern, "How are you feeling ?"

I frowned. Another rule; I have to use descriptive words and details on my thoughts and feelings. 

"....I just- ….coming back wasn't supposed to be…" I gulped again to keep my voice from shaking. "It wasn't supposed to happen… like this…" 

Shin-hye took a steady breath in and out as she also kept her calm. "Sometimes things don't go the way we want it to, Kiddo. That's a very harsh and undeniable truth of life. But you know this already." 

I pouted, and hugged my pillow tighter, "Aren't you supposed to cheer me up?" 

"I wouldn't be a very good sister if all I did was sugarcoat all the bad that happens." She uncrossed her legs and leaned forward with her elbows on her knees. "Besides, there's more to it than just cheering you up Kid. Have you thought about… talking to Jungkook?" 

Hearing his name almost brought me to tears. I closed my eyes to try and stop myself, but all that did was force my brain to replay everything again. 

I felt Jungkook's heart breaking, almost as if it was my own.

I felt it all the way home as he struggled to carry Woobin on his back, because he refused to leave his brother behind. I can't even begin to fathom how that must have felt. 

How does someone carry their dead brother on their back? How does that affect you as a person? 

Truth is, it damages you, and I saw it first hand. Jungkook lost it. We got back, they took us to the infirmary, and I remember him yelling. I remember Jungkook screaming for forgiveness as he threw himself on the floor of the infirmary as soon as his parents got there. He bowed with his head pressed into the dirty floor and refused to get up until he was physically forced up by his father, Namjoon, and my brother. With their help he was then taken to their family home to start his healing process.

And I haven't seen him since. I haven't even heard his voice. But the way he screamed and cried and begged for forgiveness will forever be burned into my memory. 

"You're his girlfriend Y/N… his future mate. It would be good for you both," Shin-hye said gently, bringing me out of my head. 

I wiped my eyes and my nose, undeniably upset despite facing away from her. “What good? I’m not- ….I’m not in any position to help him… not when… not when I feel this way.”

Shin-hye frowned as she sat back in the chair. Her heart tells her to force the blanket off, pick me up, and carry me all the way to Jungkook’s home. But her more logical brain convinced her that would be a terrible idea.

With a small smile she stood up, “I’ll be right back cutie, I’ve got a gift for you. I was going to wait until later, but now is as good a time as any I suppose.” She chuckled and teased me as she left, “Don’t go anywhere.”

I wiped my face on the pillow before slowly forcing my body into a sitting position. The movement caused Dolly to slip off the pillow. I put her back where she was and combed her hair to the sides of her face. Just as I turned around, Shin-hye was coming back in with her hands behind her back. 

“Are you ready for your gift?”

I hung my head and stared at my hands in my lap as my hair fell around my face. “I don’t deserve a gift sis. I don’t deserve anything…”

“You deserve to forgive yourself.” Her words forced me to look up as she approached with pain in her eyes. “You deserve to be happy again. Can’t you see? You're alive Y/N." She sat down on my bed in front of me and put the small paper bag beside us as she grabbed my hands. She pleaded almost desperately, hoping to get through. "There's still so much good that life can give you, and I think that’s worth fighting for. And if you somehow can't find the strength to fight for yourself, then… fight for Woobin. Fight for Jungkook and Namjoon. Our brother, Mom… Dad…" Tears streamed down her face as she kept her eyes steady on mine. "Fight for me, Y/N… because… I miss living life with my little sister."

The weight on my shoulders slowly started melting away, and I cried. 

Without missing a beat, Shin-hye scooted closer and threw her arms around me, pulling me into a tight embrace. “It’s ok baby. Everything is going to be ok.” 

She sniffled as her tears started falling on the top of my head. Which then made me cry harder, causing the both of us to cry together. As much as I thought I was the only one going through all of this, I’ve finally realized my sister has been dealing with it too. And not just her, but Mama and Jimin as well. I’m sure they’ve had to grieve and process just as much as I have. 

Just like that, I felt something inside of me click. Like a switch turning on, I fele a pure light once again entering my heart. 

As I wiped my gross face with my hands and my arms, I pulled away to speak. “I don’t want to be sad anymore. I don’t want to let him-” I took a deep breath and blinked the last tears away. “I don’t want Joji to have any more power over me.”

She smiled so bright, I had almost forgotten what it looked like. “Then he won’t.” A chuckle escaped my chapped lips, and she chuckled as well as she wiped her wet eyes and cheeks. “Now, are you going to open my gift, or am I going to have to give it to some other crying girl in her bed?”

“Ok, ok. What is it,” I asked as I grabbed the bag.

She quickly clapped her hands in a giddy motion while also still wiping her tears with the back of her hands, “Something to bring you a little happiness.”

I pulled out a medium sized bottle with a shiny lavender liquid inside, as well as a pink soap bar with red specks infused within it. It smells heavenly. “Soap?”

“Shampoo and soap,” she smiled. “But this is not just any shampoo and soap. The shampoo is made with lavender, shea butter, and a splash of argan oil. And the soap is made up of roses and- go ahead and give it a whiff, see if you can smell the other ingredients.”

I did as I was told and smelled the bar. It smells amazing, but I can’t seem to pinpoint what’s making it smell sweet. “Fruit? Maybe… Strawberry?”

She giggled, “Half right! I added a little bit of strawberries and raspberries to it.”

“Wait, you made these?”

“Sure did!” She pat herself on the back, “I really outdid myself this time.”

“Thank you sis. I love it.”

The pride she found in herself was quickly diminished as she found something better to be proud of. I was finally smiling again, and nothing in the world made her more proud and grateful than that. 

I smiled softly as I looked at the shampoo and the soap in my hands, then looked up to meet her eyes. “I think I’m ready to leave my bed now.”

I think I’m ready to start living again. 

---

After a long hour bath with Shin-hye- that she insisted we take together, I slowly started feeling like myself again. Day by day, I felt life returning to my body. I was starting to feel healthy again. Hopeful. However, there was still some doubt and fear in my heart, even if I have come to terms with what happened. 

‘What do I do about Jungkook?’

As I sipped on some hot tea at the kitchen table, I stared outside through the window. It’s winter now, and snow has covered the mountain. Meaning if we don’t have to be outside, then we aren’t. But that’s just an excuse. 

I sighed into my mug as Jungkook filled up my thoughts.

“May I join you?”

I’m startled by Jimin’s voice, evident by my jump and gasp. “Jeez…” I put my hand to my rattled heart, “Just how long have you been there?”

"I don't know, a minute? Maybe five?"

I could hear a joking tone in his voice and it made me smile. I've really missed him. And I've really missed feeling good. 

With light steps he poured himself a cup of hot tea from the kettle before coming to sit down at the table with me. He sat across from me and took a slow sip as he stared across the table. As he pulled the mug away and continued to look at me. 

I felt a little shy. “Brother?”

He put the mug on the table and squished his cheek against his hand, smiling as he did, and reminding me how youthful he still was. “Wanna tell me why you’ve been like an old lady staring out the window and sighing every minute?”

“Just exactly how long were you watching me?”

He shrugged his shoulders coyly and smirked, “Like I said, I don’t know.”

"Shouldn't you be with Taemin right about now," I asked before taking a sip, wanting to dodge his question.

Jimin smiled and even blushed a little, "He's at the Commons resting. I'll go see him later. But don't think by bringing up Taemin I'm going to forget my question."

I rolled my eyes and went back to looking outside the window. “I was sighing because…. Because I miss Jungkook.”

“Then go see him.”

I quickly turned to face him with my brows pinched together, “It’s not that simple.”

“Yes it is. You’re just making it difficult.”

I rolled my tongue over my teeth in annoyance. “First of all, he’s grieving with his family, and I’m giving him the time he needs, however long that takes. And secondly, it’s not like I’m choosing to feel how I feel. I have real concerns about… us.”

“Like what,” he asked before taking a sip. 

"Like…" 

I frowned and stared at my tea in my mug. It's still hard to voice my insecurities and talk about my trauma, but I know my brother understands. I just need a little courage. 

I looked up, "I'm worried he wouldn't want me… anymore." 

Saying it out loud really cemented my fear. My eyes started shaking and my face flushed up as I started tearing up. 

"What if-” My thoughts came out as broken up sentences as I started crying, “what Joji did to me- he took so much- he took my…my everything. I- Jungkook might not- What if I'm used up and gross to him? W-What if my mate doesn't want to be my mate anymore?" I wiped my face over and over even though I kept crying. "Brother… Jungkook was supposed to be my first, but now…. Now I'm just- I'm a complete mess!"

Jimin got up from his chair and hurried to stand at my side, reaching out to hug the top of my head. He rubbed my back and shoulder, "Oh baby…" He frowned. "Shh… let's calm down first." 

He continued to rub and pet my head as I slowly stopped crying and calmed down. 

"Brother…" I wept like a little kid.

With my head down he couldn't see my eyes. He pushed my chair back and to the side so that he could squat down in front of me. He put his hands on my knees and moved them playfully while he looked up.

"Can I see that pretty face of yours? Hm? Baby?"

I sniffled and wiped under my eyes as I looked up, feeling a lot like I was ten again. 

He smiled wide, "There she is."

My brother can always seem to make me smile and blush. 

"Would you believe me if I said it's ok to be a complete mess?"

I shook my head no.

He stood up then and gently grabbed my hand. He tugged a little, so I stood up and followed him to the living room and to our couch. He sat down first and pulled me down to sit next to him. He let me hug his arm and cuddle with him.

For a moment we just sat in silence. With my head on his shoulder, I remembered a time in my past after Papa had passed. Back in our small home in the Valley, I was sitting just like this with my brother. He wasn't as sturdy and big as he is today, but he still felt reliable. A stable person who has always been my rock. 

And still to this day, my brother Jimin has a way of keeping me calm and making me feel like I'm not going crazy. 

"It's ok to be a mess Y/N. No matter how long it takes, it's ok. None of us expect you to be singing on the hilltops afterall," he joked. 

And it worked, I laughed. 

"But when you say you're 'used up and gross, ' that breaks my heart." 

My smile faded away as I listened. 

"I know I can't say don't think of yourself that way, because I can't control your thoughts and feelings. But what I can say is that, despite what you may think about yourself, I know that my baby sister is still the most beautiful girl on this mountain." 

I scoffed at his compliment, not easily swayed. "You have to say that because you're my brother…. No one else would say that…"

He finally shifted on the couch so that he could face me, and forced me to sit and face him as well. "Then what makes you so sure that Jungkook wouldn't say the same?" 

"Because I know he wouldn’t."

"No kid, you don't know." 

"Yeah I do."

"Have you had a proper talk with him?" 

"Well no, but-" 

"Then? How can you tell me his feelings if you haven't even talked to him yet?"

I huffed and slouched back, "You know what I mean. No one in their right mind would take an omega like me. We never bonded and made things official official, so he could still reconsider us… after everything that’s happened…" 

"Again you assume these things based solely on your own feelings. But the truth of the matter is that you will never get your answer until you talk to him." 

I'm getting frustrated because he makes it sound so easy when it's actually really terrifying. So with a big huff I stood up and kept my back towards him. 

"So you're saying it's fine, everything's fine? He'll take me back, we'll bond and get married, and then live happily ever after?!" I spun around and threw my hands down at my side as I yelled, "That's never going to happen Jimin!"

He remained calm and stayed sitting on the couch. "And why not? Huh?" 

"Because he fell in love with a girl who got left behind- back there in that godforsaken drug house! And that's not me anymore!" 

"Then give him a chance to fall in love with the girl you are now." 

"But…" I was breathing hard from my own exertion, so took a moment to catch my breath. "How could he love me as I am now?"

Jimin stood up and approached. He put his hands on my shoulders before slowly pulling me in for a hug. "He'll love you the same as I do, one day at a time.”

He rubbed my back soothingly and I put on a big pout, "And if he doesn't?"

"And if he doesn't…" he pulled away so he could look into my eyes, tucking my hair behind my ear, "Then you'll be very sad and heartbroken." I frowned deeply, but he smiled for me. "But at the risk of that happening, will you still not fight for the happiness you could have with him?"

“How are you his number one fan now? I’m pretty sure it wasn’t that long ago that you were glaring at him, and giving me a hard time about being with him,” I said a little fiesty.

He scoffed with a smirk on his face, amused with my comment. “I know I was probably a pain in the ass but I’m not going to say sorry for that.” I opened my mouth to say something but he quickly kept going. “But! I do want to say I understand now how important someone can be to you. So much so that you want to be with them always.” 

I chewed on my bottom lip to keep myself from smirking, only because he already seems embarrassed as it is.

"I'm not saying to go this instant or anything kid, but I just don't want you to lose hope. Because if I can be honest for a moment…" his eyes darkened a bit with pain, "Seeing you stuck in bed like you were… it was really hard for me. I'm so grateful you're up and being active again." 

The smirk that I almost couldn’t hide went away immediately. I hugged him again and stayed in his arms. 

I keep forgetting it's not just about me.

"Ok brother… I promise to try."

"Thank you."

---

Eight weeks. 

That's how long it's been since I've seen Jungkook. 

But today is the day I'll go and see him… I hope. 

Because this isn't the first time I've gotten dressed to leave my house. This isn't the first time I've stood in front of the door and held the doorknob in my hand. And this isn't the first time I couldn't stop my hands from shaking. 

I let go of the handle and let out a heavy sigh. I squeezed my eyes shut and mumbled to myself. 

"C'mon you coward just open the stupid door," I scolded myself. 

"Baby?"

I opened my eyes to see Mama entering the main room from her bedroom. "Y-Yes?" 

"What are you doing," she asked while making her way over. 

"I um…" I took a step away from the door, a little embarrassed she caught me just standing there. "I was thinking about going out… but um, you know what- I think I'm just gonna stay here." 

She smiled softly, and had a knowing look in her eyes. With a gesture of her hands she complimented me, "But you look so pretty baby. This coat looks good on you." 

I dressed for warmth and comfort given the cold temperature outside, so I’m at least glad that my outfit looks good. 

"Thank you." 

"Are you sure you don't want to go out?"

"Yeah…" 

She cupped my cheeks then dragged her hands down my arms, "I think you could use some fresh air baby. And I think-” she held my hands and smiled, “Jungkook could probably use some too. You should invite him for a walk.”

I should have known she knew what I was really up to. I sheepishly ducked my head and blushed, “You think so?”

“Definitely,” she beamed. 

With one last squeeze of my hands she reached out, grabbed the doorknob, then opened the door for me. The cold air blasted inside, bringing with it the strong smell of bitter winter and snow. I felt her hand on my back, and it gave me that last push I needed. As soon as I stepped in the snow I felt lighter. Stress free. Like a child again. Somehow stepping in the snow and feeling my feet sink in gave me such nostalgic emotions. 

“Hey baby?”

Only a few feet away from the house, I turned around to see Mama standing in the doorway. “Yes?”

“Be careful out there ok?”

“I will Mama,” I smiled a bit and then turned again to leave.

“Tell Jungkook we’ve been thinking about him and his family,” she called out as I got to the stairs that lead up towards Jungkook’s home. 

“Alright I will!” 

“And… I’m proud of you honey!” She quickly wiped the corner of her eye and sniffed her nose as she smiled. “I’m so very proud of you!”

I turned around on the stairs and waved my hand with the biggest smile on my face. She gives me confidence. I think I can be proud of myself too.

“Thank you Mama! I’ll see you later!”

As I continued up the stairs I decidedly thought it best to take my time. One, because even though the wood planks that made up the stairs were already suited to handle the snow, I’m still worried my clumsy butt will slip and fall. And seeing as my ankle was injured, and still technically healing up, I need to be careful. 

Yet as important as safety is, I’m mostly going slow because it means I can give myself as much time to prepare to see Jungkook. Because even though I have clearly decided to see him, I still have no idea what to say.

Do I just say, ‘Hi, I’ve missed you?’ Or do I ask about his feelings first? Or maybe I should ask how his family is first. But if in the case that he’s not doing well, or his family isn’t well, what do I do then? Do I just give him more time and wait to talk? Maybe I could-

“Y/N?”

My thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a voice. His voice. Somehow it sounded lower than I remember it sounding. Which in itself sent goosebumps all over my body. I didn’t realize just how much I missed him. And he’s only said my name. 

Even before I looked up, it also occured to me that despite it being freezing cold in the dead of winter, I could smell the ocean right here on the mountain. It’s like whiplash, dizzying and confusing, but in the best way. I felt a heat ignite inside of me that I haven't felt in a really long time. 

I looked up and noticed his hair first. He's cut it since I've seen him. Instead of long and wavy hair down past his cheeks, it now sits more straight at his eyebrows. It makes him look more mature. Older. Or maybe it's the evident stress in his eyes that's doing that. 

Either way, it felt hard to breathe. My face was red and flushed. My hands were shaking from nerves. And my heart hasn't stopped pounding since he's said my name. 

"Y/N…" 

He said my name again but this time it was as soft as the wind blowing through my hair. Gentle. Like he's missed saying it.

"Jungkook." 

Saying his name felt good. It's like a remedy to my aching heart that should have been obvious to recognize. So as I took a step towards him, I said his name again. "Jungkook." 

But what I didn't expect was for him to take a step back. Nor put up invisible walls that stopped me from approaching. I'm close enough I can see the worry in his eyes, but I'm far enough away that even if I stretched my arms out I couldn't touch him. And it seems he wants it that way. 

Fear has come back. Maybe this was a mistake. 

I stepped away, looking down as I did and shaking my head. "I um, I should go. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have..."

I was losing my nerve to stay. All the courage and confidence Mama helped me to have was spilling out of me liters at a time. So I turned quickly to run away. 

"No, wait! Please!" He took a giant step forward and closed the distance between us in a second. Now he stood only a few inches away, close enough that he's reached out and is holding my hand and keeping me from leaving. "Please stay…" 

My frozen cold fingers warmed up instantly in his large hand, and it sent tingles through my body. I don't know what to say. And I don't know exactly how to feel right now. But I can at least stay and hear him out. Even if he is, possibly, about to break my heart. 

As I slowly turned around he reluctantly let go of my hand and swallowed thickly. It's like there's a giant lump in his throat and it's making it hard for him to talk. Yet he knows it's just his nerves. So with a self inflicted hard pinch, he forced himself to speak up.

"I um… First let me apologize for how long I've been gone. It must have been hard on you in that regard. So I apologize, Y/N." 

He bowed his head, and acted so formal with me. Almost as if we're strangers with no history together. Which does nothing for my quickly deteriorating sense of hope. 

A little disconnected from what was happening, my voice went monotone as I returned the formality. “I also apologise. I could have come to see you sooner, so I’m sorry.” 

He’s never known me to sound like a complete stranger before, and it’s sending his emotions into overdrive; panic. Had he waited too long? Was he too late?

"Y/N I… I've done so much thinking in the past two months. A lot of thinking… and grieving… and crying…" He paused for a moment and gathered his emotions. However his voice was starting to quiver. "I wasn't ready to- ….I wasn't ready to lose my brother. I wasn't ready to face the regrets I had." 

He sniffed loudly and wiped his nose and eyes. He's crying but keeping himself in check. Me on the other hand is easily pulled into his emotions. With tears streaming down my rosy cheeks I stayed quiet and listened. 

"But, uh… in the past two months I've come to realize that I don't want to have any more regrets. If there's anything to learn from Hyung's passing… it's that if I feel something so deeply then I shouldn't hold myself back." He looked down for a moment and chewed on his bottom lip. But as soon as he looked up, he looked straight into my eyes. "I love you, Y/N. I am so madly in love with you. You are truly the light to my night. My moon and stars…. But…" 

This is it. The moment he tells me he can't be with me anymore. The moment in my life that will haunt me forever. 

So as I closed my eyes, I squeezed my hands into fists and waited for the heartbreak. 

"I don't deserve you."

My eyes snapped open. I didn't expect that. And I didnt expect to see such deep pain in his eyes with tears endlessly running down his face. 

"I wasn't strong enough to protect you. I wasn't strong enough to protect my brother. I couldn't do a damn thing to save anybody and I-!" 

He choked up. He raised his arm to his face as he continued to cry and let everything out. 

"I'm a weak man and an even worse alpha! And because I'm weak you got hurt." He sobbed. "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! I couldn't protect you from him ... I betrayed your trust and you may never forgive me." Sniff . "So I- I wont be mad, and I won't blame you if you… if you decide to take another mate…" Sniff . "I just want you to be safe and happy… but if it's not with me… then… I won't bother you ever again. I promise." 

He stopped talking and focused on clearing up his tears. But as he did I just stood there in a daze, completely shocked at his confession. Because here he was for two months thinking everything was his fault. For two months he's been blaming himself for the terrible things that Joji did, and in no way is his fault. How could he think something like that to begin with? 

But as he finally dropped his arm and I got to see his face again, red now and stained from his tears, I realized I was doing the exact same thing. I was blaming myself for what that monster did to me. I blamed myself for everything and had it in my head that Jungkook wouldn't want me because of Joji. 

I was so convinced, I had almost made the biggest mistake of my life. 

"I want to be with you. I want to be happy with you Jungkook." 

He started having hope, "Y/N… I-"

He took a step forward but I quickly put my hand up to stop him. "Wait. There's something..." 

With a small step forward I started unzipping my big coat. He watched quietly as I also started unbuttoning my top. 

"W-Wait, what are you-"

"You need to see," I said, still unbuttoning my blouse.

I pulled my top open enough to show him the nasty burn mark on my chest, forever scarred. 

"This scar, among others… they're a part of me now." I looked up from my chest to see him staring at my scar. "At some point along the way I told myself this scar and the trauma I went through turned me into a person who could not be loved. And without realizing it, I had started hating myself. You see… I also spent the past two months blaming myself for everything." I dropped my hands and left my blouse unbuttoned as I explained in a daze. "I told myself that I wasn't the girl you loved anymore. That I wasn't good enough for you... because he… he..." 

I stopped. 

I looked in his eyes and searched deep within them. "Jungkook… you are by far the strongest, and the kindest person I know. I'm still so in love with you. Even now my heart is racing to be with you. But…" I frowned.  "Are you even sure you still want to be with me? He took more from me than you know." I finally dropped my gaze. I looked at the snow beneath our feet and teared up again. "He took so much that I feel like I'm a completely different person and I- I feel like it wouldn't be fair to you if I don't say this now." Sniff . "I'm not who I used to be. I'm not… me anymore, I’ve changed... So… are you sure you still want me?"

He slowly raised his hand towards my chest. With his eyes he asked for permission, and I nodded silently. With just his fingertips he touched the burn mark. I felt heat through his fingers, and it reminded me of the heat from the blunt that caused the scar. Without much thought I hissed and flinched from his touch. 

"I-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to-"

"No it's-" I took a deep breath in and out before I grabbed his hand and put it entirely over my scar; palm to chest. "It's ok."

I placed my hand over his and closed my eyes as I focused on staying in the moment with him. But what I didn't expect to hear was sniffling. As I opened my eyes again I saw him crying. 

"How can you forgive me when you’ve suffered so much? I should have come to you sooner. I'm so sorry," he cried.

I fretted, hurrying to throw my arms around his neck and hugging him; pulling him down and pressing our foreheads together as I also cried.  

"I'm sorry," I said with so much pain and regret. 

And then it clicked. I've been through this once before in my awakening. This is my vision come to life. 

"Y/N…"

"I'm sorry I doubted you. I'm sorry I doubted us. I should have had more hope." 

He smiled softly and sniffled, "I love you. I will always love you. Please say you'll still have me." 

The last bit of doubt in my heart shrunk and disappeared entirely. "Yes, Jungkook… yes!" 

He wrapped his arms around me and held me as close as he could, burying his face into my neck, "I love you. I love you. I love you."

His breath tickled my neck, but also sent warm tingles down my entire body, which made me smile. "I love you too." 

He kissed my neck sweetly before pulling away so he could also kiss my cheek. Our eyes closed as he leaned in the rest of the way and kissed my lips. It's been so long that it feels like our first. With each second he kissed me, it filled me up with hope and joy. Now finally, it feels like everything will truly be ok.

We can get through anything so long as we have each other. Together forever. 

Like the Moon and Stars. 

Chapter Text

Spring is almost over, and the summer sun is just itching around the corner. 

This time last year we were lucky enough to survive our exile. And lucky enough to be invited to stay on the legendary Wolf Mountain. 

I wasn’t looking for love then. I just wanted to become an adult so I could start helping support my family. But fate intervened and started me on my path. A path that’s led me to Jungkook.

Which is why I’m so nervous as I look in my mirror and examine every flaw. Because tonight we’re finally going to complete our bond and officially take each other as mates.

It’s been a rocky road up to this point, but Jungkook has been very patient with me. Every time we pushed things farther and farther, he would respect my limits and only do what I was comfortable with. But after a few months now of taking our time and always staying honest with each other, I think we’re both finally ready.

Except, I’m super duper nervous because he said he’d take care of everything and all I’d have to do is pick out my outfit. But what exactly am I supposed to wear? Something cute? Something sexy? What style would he prefer? I don’t want to look too innocent, but I also don’t want to look like I’m begging for it. 

I sighed and dropped my head. 

"You look beautiful." Taemin stood at my door and poked his head inside. "Jungkook is gonna lose it." 

I smiled shyly, "Really?" I did a quick spin to flare up my summer dress. "You don't think it's too nice right? Paired with the sun hat I think it looks more casual. Oh, but what do you think? Hat? No hat?" 

As I tried the hat off and on, Taemin just smiled. "Hat." 

I smiled as I put the large hat on. "Thanks Taemin." I walked over to him and gave him a hug. "I'm glad you're part of the family now. At least I have a brother who supports me." 

Taemin hugged me in return and chuckled. "You know he's just being fussy to mess with you." But we both look at each other knowingly, because we know my brother . "Yeah, Jimin is totally being a brat about all this." 

We giggled together as we made our way out of my room, down the stairs, and to the living room. Jimin was chatting with Shin-hye while Mama was finishing up dishes. 

"Ohhhh look at you! How cute!" 

Shin-hye popped up from the couch as Taemin and I entered the main room. She clapped her hands and swirled her finger in a circle. 

"Gimme a spin." 

I did as I was told and let my floor length summer dress flare up. "Taemin said Jungkook is gonna lose it." 

Jimin fake cried into Taemin's shoulder as he walked up to his boyfriend, "I don't like this! I'm not ready for you to leave me forever!" 

Taemin giggled as he scratched Jimin's head gently. "You make it sound like she's leaving the pack honey." 

Jimin continued to be dramatic, "She's gonna become Jungkook's mate, then she's going to leave the house, and then she's gonna get too busy to see her amazing older brother!" 

I rolled my eyes and shook my head as I walked over to him and Taemin. My omega brother just smiled happily as he pulled away so I could give Jimin a hug. 

"Really though," Jimin gently pinched my cheek, "Be safe. And take care of yourself." 

"I think Jungkook will be doing all the care, huh?" Shin-hye wiggled her eyebrows then busted up in a fit of laughter. 

"Sis!" I blushed so hard.

Mama yelled at her, "Shin-hye! Does your joking have no limits?" 

"Not with family," she beamed. "Am I right Taeminie?" 

Taemin blushed, happy to be included in the family. "You always liven up the mood for sure." 

"See! My jokes liven up the mood!" 

Knock. Knock. 

We all turned our heads to the door, because we all knew who exactly was on the other side. But before my sister could answer the door, and embarrass me relentlessly, I arrived at the door first. I took a deep breath and then opened it. 

Jungkook looked so handsome I was rendered speechless. How someone can look so good in just a pair of jeans and a tucked in striped shirt, I'll never know. But it definitely suits him. A very summery look that fits him so well.

"Hi," he blushed and smiled. 

"Hi," I also blushed and smiled. 

"Y-You look… wow. You look amazing babe. I love the hat." 

"Thank you. You too." 

Mama suddenly came into his view so he quickly bowed his head and greeted her. "Hello ma'am it's good to see you." 

"You too Jungkook." 

He turned his attention back to me, "So, are you ready?" 

"Yep, let me just-" But as I looked down for my small travel bag I didn't see it. 

Jimin already had it in his hands and was waiting for me. "Here cutie." 

I blushed, a little embarrassed. "Thanks brother," I thanked him as I grabbed the bag.

He looked at me fondly then gave me a hug. "For real though, kid… I'm proud of you." 

"Thanks Jimin. I love you." 

"I love you too cutie." He turned his gaze to Jungkook at the door. "Hey Jungkook?" 

"Uh yes?" He's nervous about what my brother could say. 

Jimin walked up to him and stared into his eyes for a moment before smacking his hand down on Jungkook's  shoulder. "I'm proud of you too. I know you'll take care of her." 

Jungkook smiled, and also put his hand on Jimin's shoulder. "Thanks hyung." 

"Ok, ok, ok, enough Jimin. Let the two lovebirds get going." My sister pulled on Jimin, knowing he'd drag it on in some way or another. "Have fun you two! Good luck~"

"Bye bye Y/N. Jungkook." Taemin waved as Jimin wrapped an arm around his waist.

I waved goodbye to Taemin and my family, “I'll see you in a couple days."

Jungkook grabbed my hand, and we both stepped away from the door. "I promise to take care of her." 

Mama smiled, "We know son." 

I haven't stopped blushing since Shin-hye made the joke earlier. But now it feels like I'm full on red. Thankfully Mama pushed my family inside and let us leave without any further meddling. 

As we walked, he held my hand. "I'm excited for you to see what I did." 

"Where are we going?" 

With his free hand, he put his finger to his lips and winked, "It's a surprise." 

I tried not to smile, but I did. "Oh I see." 

"I prepared it all yesterday- well, I did some of it before that... but anyways, I really hope you like it." 

"You didn't have to do a whole lot you know. I would have been fine either way." 

He cocked his head to the side, "But I wanted to?" He chuckled a bit, "I might have gone overboard but I had fun, so I don't mind." 

I squeezed his hand, "At least you had fun." 

"I hope you have fun tonight too." 

We both went quiet. But only because I got super embarrassed as my mind started filling up with dirty things. I think his mind did too, because he immediately went red and started rapidly explaining himself.

"I mean! Yeah of course I want you to enjoy tonight, I hope I can take care of you because you deserve only the best care- but also I have something planned and- it's not something pervy I promise, but it's- ahhh I don't want to spoil the surprise so uhh…" He gulped and looked down as I walked beside him. "Yeah…."

I grabbed my stomach and started laughing so hard I stopped walking. I leaned into him as I couldn't stop the giggles, which then made him laugh. 

"Did I get carried away?"

"Maybe a little babe," I smiled happily and poked his side. "I'm excited then. It sounds like you really thought this through." 

He exasperated and looked up at the sky as we continued walking. "Honestly, I've thought about this for a long time." 

"Really?"

He glanced my way to hold my gaze, but shyly looked away again. "I've been ready to be officially yours for a while now… so I've thought about it a lot… God that's embarrassing to admit." He blushed. "But that's the truth." 

"Thank you for waiting," I said with red cheeks to match his. 

"Of course babe." He smiled cutely and turned, "But! From here on out you gotta put this eye mask on and wait to see where we end up." He slipped a small eye mask out from his pocket and dangled it in front of my face. "Do you want to put it on, or should I?"

I nudged my head at him and took off my large sun hat as I closed my eyes. He grinned as he stepped behind me and put the mask on. He neatly fixed my hair, then gently grabbed my hat from me to put it on his head. 

"And were going up in one, two- hoy!" He lifted me up with gusto and held me bridal style. "Please keep your hands inside the ride at all time please~"

"Ok~!"

I giggled as I kept my arms in my lap and leaned my head on his shoulder, completely at ease in his strong arms. 

"Are we going super far away from the mountain?" 

"Not too far, but far enough away that we won't be bothered." 

I blushed, "Ok then." 

"Seeing as it's gonna be me and you for a couple days, I made sure to choose a really good spot." 

"Ohh, I see." 

"You just take a little nap," he grinned, "And I'll get you there safe." 

I smiled softly, "Ok Jungkookie." 

After a moment he started humming to a tune I didn't know, but it put me at ease nonetheless. So dozing off was easy. 

It’s the way he whispered and kissed my ear to wake me up fifteen minutes later that had me scrambling.

“We’re here babe.”

Goosebumps littered my body as he gently got me back on my feet. He turned me a certain way and stood behind me. 

“Alright. I’m gonna slip off your blindfold. Are you ready?”

I squeezed my dress in my hands and I couldn’t help but squeal a little bit. “I’m ready!”

He took off the blindfold and slowly wrapped his arms around me from behind and hooked his chin on my shoulder. “Surprise baby.”

My eyes slowly opened wider and wider. My smile is getting just as wide. We’re at the top of the gorge where Jungkook had first told me about who he was. The same one with all the fireflies. Except this time, instead of jumping the long way down, he actually built a set of stairs with small twirling lights on them. As my eyes followed the stairs down I realized the gorge had two very large tents, which also had small lights hanging on them.

One of them had an opened top, and the sides were pulled back like curtains. I can’t see too much inside, but it looks like a table and grill were set up. The other tent however is completely closed and I can’t see inside. It’s all really impressive. 

“I can’t believe you did this…” I leaned back into his body and smiled, “I love it.”

“You’ll love it even more when we go down there. C’mon,” he said excitedly, squeezing me in his grip before moving and grabbing my hand. He started leading me down. “I’ll be honest, I had some help with the stairs and a few of the heavy things, but everything else was set up by me.”

“Wow… This is really amazing, baby. Who helped you?”

“My brother, Taehyung, and Yoongi.”

“I’ll have to thank them later,” I smiled as we got to the bottom of the stairs. Just as he smiled I gasped. “Is that really a whole cookout set up?” 

I let go of his hand and ran towards the opened tent. Like I had seen up top, there was a grill and table inside, but what I couldn’t see were the various foods set up on the table. Different kinds of meats were wrapped in plastic, vegetables and fruits were separated into different bowls and covered, and he didn’t forget about drinks and dessert. It’s like a small feast just for us. 

“I’ll get cooking in a little bit, are you hungry,” he asked as he stood by my side.

I stared at all the food and rubbed my stomach, “I am…”

He giggled, “Ok then. Well, let me show you where we’ll be staying so you can get comfy and then I’ll get things started. This way.”

Again, he held my hand and led me on the other side of the food tent. The tent we would be staying in is definitely larger than the other one, so I’m excited to see inside. 

“Open sesame!” 

He unzipped the tent and let me walk in first. 

From the get go, I’m simply impressed by the amount of things he’s managed to fit in the tent. It looks like an actual room inside of a house, almost like a living room. Except instead of chairs and couches, there’s a large bed. It has lots of pillows and even a spare folded duvet at the end.

“Jungkook…”

I stepped further inside, placed my bag to the side, slipped off my sandals and wiggled my toes on the large smooth rug on the floor of the tent. The way he positioned the bed on the right side of the tent made it possible to put a very small coffee table on the left side, set with large thick pillows to sit on. 

“How…”

I walked up to the bed and sat down, still staring at everything. From the large trunk by the bed with candles on top, to the string star lights on the ceiling of the tent, and the little chocolates on the coffee table. It’s the most welcoming and comfortable place I’ve been, outside my own home, and I absolutely love it. 

I turned to face him with blush to my cheeks and admiration in my eyes. “This is amazing Jungkook. Thank you.”

He came over and sat down next to me, looking at his work first, nodding and taking in the moment. “When I thought about what I wanted to do this is exactly how I imagined it.” He turned to face me, then grabbed my hands to hold, “That time in the forest… before we got to the gas station… I was so close to- well-” He blushed. “We could have done it then but I know I would have regretted it. Only because it wouldn’t have meant anything. I mean- yes it would have, because obviously being with you intimately is literally the best thing ever to me, but uh… that’s not what I was trying to say...”

I was trying to keep my grin at bay, but I couldn’t hold it in. And neither could he. 

He smiled and blushed, “What I’m trying to say is that…” he looked into my eyes with love, “you are the single most important person in my life and I will do anything for your health and happiness. I love you, Y/N.”

He’s still holding my hands in his lap, but it’s not good enough. I’m sitting right next to him, but I feel like I need to be closer. So as I pulled my hands away and got up, he looked a little puzzled. 

“Babe?”

I pulled on my long summer dress and scrunched it up in my hands while I boldly lifted a leg over his lap and straddled him. I felt him inhale and hold his breath as I bent my knees and sat down in his lap. 

I wrapped my arms around his neck and hugged him, “I love you too, Jungkook.”

He slowly exhaled while wrapping his arms around my lower back, practically cupping my butt. “God…” he rested his head on my shoulder, “You are literally the best thing in my life.”

I moved my arms so that I could pull the collar of his shirt away from his neck. I gave it a sweet kiss. “I’m just one of the best things.” I closed my eyes and kissed the same spot, but this time I gave his skin a little nip. “You have a lot of good people in your life.”

He swallowed hard as he pulled his head away from my shoulder, “But none of them are you.”

I smiled softly as I continued to move the collar of his shirt so I could kiss from one side of his neck, down to his collarbone, and then to the other side. Each kiss sent a spark in both of us. 

With one last kiss on his neck, I finally pulled away so I could see his face. “And none of them are you,” I said happily, my ears just as red as my cheeks.

He could feel his heart about to burst. He could feel his wolf howling for connection and release. But he also felt a calm he's never felt before. Peace. 

We both closed our eyes as we met in the middle for a passionate kiss. It wasn't fast and fueled by lust. It had purpose, each second spent glued to him symbolized love. Gratitude. And belonging.

"Y/N…"

As he said my name, my lips already missed the contact. So I moved down to his neck while my hands slid underneath his shirt and explored his abs. He started breathing heavily as he closed his eyes, letting himself get lost to the sensations of my lips and my hands. But the need was still not fulfilled. 

I pulled away so I could lift up his shirt. He obliged my quiet request willingly and laid back as I pushed him just once with my hand. He propped his head up with his arms crossed underneath and watched as I positioned myself between his legs. His eyes followed my fingers as they fumbled with the button and zipper of his jeans.

He finally dragged his eyes to my face and smirked with a certain pride and ego that was spurred by his alpha instincts. "You look so good hovering over me like that baby."

I went red as a rose, but didn't feel embarrassed. I felt powerful. 

As I pulled his jeans and boxers down I licked my lips. "I bet I'll look even better in a second." 

He stared with wide eyes as I bent down and started kissing the tip of his dick and kissed all the way down to his balls. His eyes closed and his brow pinched as the kissing turned into licking. Big fat strips of saliva coated his hard cock, and he's already starting to lose it. His eyes shot open in surprise, however, as I suddenly engulfed the entirety of his dick in my mouth. 

"Oh shit…" 

I've never pushed myself this much before. I can feel his dick hitting the back of my throat, making my gag reflex go off. But because I feel in charge and confident, I want to go far. I want to give him the best pleasure that I possibly can. So if that means I have to choke on him, then I'm going to do it. 

"Fuck…"

I smiled as I pulled up, but replaced my mouth with my hand. "You're cursing a lot babe." 

He squeezed his eyes closed as I stroked him somewhat fast. "Because it's … amazing… baby." 

I can't stop smiling and smirking as I see him unraveling before me. Because of me. And I want to see more. So while I removed my hand I once again took him into my mouth. Except this time I made sure to massage his balls as I sucked him off. 

"Oh shit… oh shit…. Baby!" 

I lifted my gaze while keeping my mouth on him, and saw his abs tightening, his mouth open, and his eyes barely open as he stared back into my eyes. 

He quickly reached out and put his hands in my hair. "C-Can I?"

I nodded once, then opened my mouth as wide as I could. He locked his fingers in my hair and started thrusting up into my mouth, slowly at first. He focused on the speed and tempo, not wanting to push this too far, too quickly. Because not once has he slipped up, and he doesn't want to start now. 

Although, I haven't refused him anything so far, so maybe… 

He stopped thrusting for a moment and released his hold on my hair. "Baby…" he was breathing so hard, and swallowed thickly, "Can I… Will you swallow it for me this time?" 

I gulped as I also tried catching my breath. "Um…" I looked at his cock as it stood straight up in front of me. I blushed, "I'll try." 

His eyes almost closed as a fresh wave of excitement got him even hornier. "Thanks baby… remember you can spit it out if you really want, I won't be mad. What's your number?" 

"I'm ok, promise."

Even in the middle of getting a blowjob he's still thinking about my comfort levels and my overall experience. It's outstanding how caring he is. Which makes me want to do more for him. 

Without anymore thinking I just opened my mouth and started sucking on him hard. I flattened my tongue and bobbed my head up and down. 

"Oh fuck…! Y/N!"

His hands immediately grabbed my hair and he started thrusting in time with my mouth. As his dick hit the back of my throat faster and harder, I started tasting the somewhat familiar bitter taste of his precum. I've only ever let him cum in my mouth twice before, and both times I spit it all out on the bed. But this time will be different. 

"I'm-!" 

His whole body tensed up as he suddenly released his load inside my mouth. It started filling up, so I just squeezed my eyes shut and continued to swallow over and over until there was none left. But by the time I pulled away, and lightly smacked my lips, his stomach was already growling.

"Uhh… opps," he grinned. "Sorry."

I smirked from my confidence, "I'm gonna take it as a compliment. It was so good, you're starving now." 

He chuckled as he sat up, and slightly cupped my cheek with his hand,  "You're right, it was fantastic, baby. Why did you do this? Not that I'm complaining." 

I chuckled a bit, our faces close to each other's. "I just wanted to. I wanted to show you how happy I am." 

He kissed me on the lips first before getting up and pulling his boxers and jeans back up. "Then I'll make sure to eat well, so I can show you just how happy you make me," he winked. 

The confidence and mood boost I had suddenly vanished and was replaced with bashfulness. Also, I'm feeling really excited. The fire has returned inside the pits of my belly. My omega instincts are finally starting to align again with Jungkook. I feel ready, and I'm not scared anymore. 

"I'll make sure to eat well too, babe," I said with a shy smile and my heart beating only for him. 

He smirked again but he was also very embarrassed. "Good." 

As soon as he left I threw my body back on the bed and wiggled around. I rolled from side to side with the goofiest smile on my face. It's like walking on water or floating in the sky with the clouds. It's something so unimaginable and yet it feels like it's possible. That's what loving Jungkook feels like. Being with him takes away all of my worries and fills me up with happiness and composure. 

As I sit up, I take a moment to think about how hard it's been to get here. I wasn't always this happy and calm. After we talked that first time after the two month absence, I physically could not get intimate with him. It took a lot of talking and patience on both our parts, which I know must have been hard for him. I cried every time I couldn't go through with something, but he was always supportive. So it means so much more that we can finally do this.

If it wasn't for him I don't think I would have recovered this fast by any means. Given, I have bad days and so does he, but the trust that we have has gotten us through a lot already. Which makes this moment so surreal and uplifting. 

"Baby~ I'm lonely out here~" 

He's so cute. "Ok! Just a sec!"

I quickly got up and slipped my long summer dress off to replace it with a much shorter, mid-thigh t-shirt dress. It curves in a little at the waist but other than that it's just a simple striped garment. At least to me it looks that way, but Shin-hye and Hobi told me it would be more than that. 

So let's see if they're right. 

I fixed my hair into a high ponytail before leaving the tent. "Ohh, it smells so good babe!"

I'm a little shy to look into his eyes as I walk over to the cookout tent, so I just focus on the grill. He's got pork and chicken cooking, as well as vegetables steaming in a foil wrap. It's literally making me drool. 

But what I didn't realize was that he was also drooling, but not because of the food. "Wow… you look so, so cute." He cleared his throat and gulped as he focused again on the grill. "That's um, a new dress." 

I blushed as I walked to the picnic table next to the grill and sat down. "Yeah um, Hobi gave it to me. I'm not really used to this kind of fashion." 

"Your ponytail looks really good too. You don't normally do that."

"Yeah, sometimes it starts hurting my head so..." 

He lifted his gaze from the grill and smiled, "You can pull off anything babe. I'm jealous."

I propped my head on my hand, "You can too. I haven't seen you in a bad outfit yet."

"We're lucky we have stylish people in our lives," he laughed. 

"Yeah definitely," I laughed with him. 

The sounds of sizzling overtook the silence, and the aroma of meat filled my brain. It had me getting up from the table and walking over to stand next to my boyfriend so I could see the cooking up close. 

"Did you slice the meat thinner so it would cook faster?"

"Yup." 

"Ohhh…" I licked my lips, "Dinner is going to be so good! I can't wait." 

He suddenly bent down and kissed my lips, surprising me. "Me neither." 

I'm left in a daze, and it makes him giggle. 

"Since it's almost done, will you ready the table for us?" 

"S-Sure." 

Jungkook is good at giving me whiplash. He can be so unpredictable sometimes, but I've always liked that about him. He’s adventurous and such a free spirit. Although, nowadays he’s just plain bold and assertive.  

Like kissing me again on the lips before sitting down across from me and serving the meat. “Bon appetit!”

I'm almost too embarrassed to start eating, but the way he digs in makes the food look twice as delicious. 

"Can you pass me the vegetables please?" 

"Veggies first? No wonder I'm fat," he joked and laughed at himself as he passed over the foil full of steamed vegetables. 

"You? Fat?" I chuckled at the back of my throat. "Yeah right!"

He smiled as he chewed happily. "Hyung would always tease me. He was always impressed by how much I could eat." He stared off at nothing with a pensive look on his face. "But you know what? He would eat a lot too." 

I stared at his face with a gentle look, "I’m sure he was always watching over you.”

“Yeah…” He smiled to himself, “It’s funny how we never see it in the moment, but realize it later on.” 

He stuffed his face with meat, making his cheeks full and round. It wasn’t an ideal way to eat, but it was just one of the unique things I’ve come to notice about him. He’s such a unique free spirit. The type of person who is never shy to be himself. Dork or not. 

“That’s true. It’s a little bit cringey sometimes thinking back on the past. Like, if only I matured faster.” I scoffed at myself, “And I’m not even done maturing yet, you know what I mean? It’s crazy.”

He smacked his lips, shiney from the grease from the meat. “I know what you mean. When I think about the future-” Swallow. “I don’t think I’m ready yet.” He took a moment to drink some water. “But on the other side of things, when I think about the past, I feel like I’ve come a long way.”

I finished eating my bite before responding, happy that he was still eagerly chowing down on food. 

“You have come a long way,” I agreed with a giggle to my voice. 

He talked with his mouth full, playfully pouting, “Hey! What are you trying to say?”

I shrugged my shoulders and stuffed my mouth with pork, then laughed. Out of fiesty childishness, he reached over and took my last piece of pork and shoved it in his mouth with a grin. 

“Ah! You bratty child,” I said with a big smile. “It looks like, yeah, you do need to mature more,” I try and scold, but it only comes out as teasing.

I can’t be mad at him.

He laughed, and it made me laugh. It’s the best. Because it’s the type of laugh that’s genuine; from the gut, high pitched, and melodical. Jungkook is definitely one of the few who can get me to laugh all day. However, he is the only one that can make my omega heartbeat fast. 

“So, what exactly was the plan after food,” I asked as I finished up laughing and got back to finishing up my plate. 

With yet more meat in his mouth, he pointed to the side of the other tent. “What do you think about laying out a blanket over there and having desert?” He swallowed and then smacked his lips in satisfaction. “Ahh!” He grinned goofily before adding, “Oh and Yoongi let me borrow his fancy telescope, so I’ll set that up too.”

“Wow. Yoongi really came through for you,” I said with wide eyes. 

“Yeah, he actually owed me one, so I finally cashed it in,” he grinned.

I chuckled, “Oh yeah? What did you do?”

“I’m the one that set him up with Taehyung,” he said with his thumb to his chest and a prideful smile on his face. “The thing is, Yoongi knows he can be a grump and a know-it-all sometimes, and he knows he can come off the wrong way, so he was convinced that Taehyung would never see past that. But I told him Taehyung wasn’t like that, and gave him that push he needed.”

“Oh look at you playing matchmaker,” I smiled.

He blew on his knuckles and wiped them on his shirt, “Thank you. Thank you very much.” He started laughing at himself. “Either way I think I’m the one that benefited the most. Because what Yoongi doesn’t know is that Taehyung was always- and I mean always talking to me about how much he wanted to sex him up. And he would go into detail about what he wanted to do-” He started making a sour face as he remembered, “It was literally to a point I had to kick him out of my house because he would not shut up about him.”

We laughed the rest of the time it took us to finish up our food; stories never told and jokes a plenty.

After we finished, he cleaned up the table and the grill while I got going on setting up our small picnic. Spreading out the blanket and placing the fruit and chocolates is a small task, but he still praises me for the work as soon as he comes over. No matter what I’m doing, he makes me feel appreciated. He makes me feel special. Even small things like this are enjoyable because I’m with him.

“Hey Jungkook?”

“Mm, yeah?”

As I sit on the blanket I stare at him as he fiddles with the white telescope. He’s looking through the lens and adjusting the angle to get the best shot. 

“Are you happy?” He lifted up from the telescope so he could look at me, and I couldn’t but smile brightly. “Because I’m happy. So, so happy.”

He smiled, and blushed even, “I’m happy too.”

"Good, I'm glad." I nudged my head towards the telescope, “So you get it working?”

“Oh, welllll,” he said, drawn out as he went to look through the lens again, “It’s ready to use when you want. Just gotta peek into it.”

“Can you really see stars up close?” I looked up at the sky, thankful that it was clear of clouds. “They’re already so big.” 

The fireflies were already buzzing around, adding to the mystical atmosphere. Being under the stars, surrounded by flashing beauties, and in the company of the man I love is more than I could ever ask for.

I feel so very lucky.

“Yeah you can really see them. It’s amazing babe. You should see.” As he lifted up he turned to look at me and noticed I had misty eyes. “Babe?”

I smiled with red to my cheeks, and tears in the corners of my eyes. But I wiped the tears away and got up to go to him. “So I just look through here?”

He noticed my tears, but with the smile on my face he decided to ignore it. “Uh huh. It’s easier if you close one eye.”

I did as he instructed and was immediately greeted by millions of shining diamonds in the dark abyss. “Oh my gosh! Look at them!”

He smiled wide as he went to go sit on the blanket and started munching on a piece of chocolate. “I told you.”

“Wow!” I lifted up and turned to face him so I could stick my tongue out, but I couldn’t help but go right back to looking into the lens again. “This is just… beautiful.”

“Yeah…” he said, staring at me, “...you are.”

Suddenly the stars didn’t seem to shine as bright, because the brightest of them all was currently laying back on the blanket, propped up on an elbow and sucking on a piece of chocolate. 

I blushed as I peeled my eye away from the telescope, and stood there, swaying shyly in place. “How is it that even when I have the chance to see the stars up close, all I want to do is look at you?”

Jungkook smirked, “All you want to do is look at me?” He continued to smirk as he popped a cut piece of strawberry in his mouth. “Really?”

I finally moved from my spot by the telescope and walked over to the blanket. I sat down, stretched out my legs and leaned back on my hands. “Yeah really. You know it.”

He chuckled. A little smug. “Oh… I didn’t know.”

I grabbed a strawberry and tossed it playfully at his chest,  “You!”

“Ah!” He put on a good display of fake shock on his face, hand to his chest like he was upset, “How dare you waste food!” And suddenly he grabbed a few strawberries for himself and tossed them at me,  just a foot away. “Ha! Take that!”

I couldn’t stop laughing as we suddenly started a small food war full of strawberries, grapes, and pineapples. I turned my head away and tried to block and attack at the same time- grabbing randomly at whatever I could get my hands on, and tossing them in his direction. But all that did was give him the advantage. He moved the bowls of fruit and chocolates away from my reach and put himself closer. 

“Now what are you going to do,” he asked with an attitude like he had won. 

Pieces of fruit littered the large picnic blanket, fireflies blinked off and on all around us, and still all I could focus on was him. As I looked into his eyes, I realized that there was no other place I’d rather be. 

Who else would I have this much fun with?

“This.”

I pushed my lips into his and gave him a long drawn out kiss. At first he was smirking. But the longer my lips lingered, the more his playfulness turned into desire. 

He kissed me back as I tried to pull away, and slowly started pushing me into a lying position. He naturally moved his body on top of mine, making sure to keep most of his weight on his arms and off of me. But at the moment I don’t even notice, because his tongue is so very distracting. 

Jungkook is using his tongue and his lips effectively; slow and calculated. Purposely licking my bottom lip a little bit and drawing out our kissing. Making out with him is all it takes for me to slowly come undone. 

I’m at his mercy at this point. 

“Jungkook…”

He maneuvered himself off of me a bit so that he could give his hand more room to explore. First using his fingertips by my knee and slowly lifting my t-shirt dress the higher he moved. As he did he kept his eyes on mine, and watched as each lustful wave went through my eyes. 

He leaned in to kiss me again, and kept his lips against mine. “You look ready for dessert.”

I whined a little, closed my eyes and put on a pout, “Why do you have to say it like that?” I was starting to breathe a little faster the closer he got to my panties. “Why do you… Mm…”

He whispered, "Number?"

"...eight… nine."

With his lips alone, he pulled me back into a heated kiss as his fingers finally reached the hem of my panties. And finally he started rubbing me and giving me some relief. Making me moan into the kiss. 

“You’re wet already…?”

My whole body blushed as he continued to kiss me. My answer is only audible between my moans and his kisses. “I can’t- help- it- Mm…”

He smirked and rubbed his fingers in a large circle, purposely trying to soak my panties in more of my wetness. Satisfied only when my wetness had completely soaked through and drenched his fingers. 

“Can I ask you for a favor,” he asked in a husky voice, eyes clouded over in a needy haze. 

My face is flushed, there’s a little bit of spit on my lips, and my hair is in a messy ponytail all around me. I can’t really seem to think straight. “A favor…?”

“Mhm,” he bit on his bottom lip.

“What,” I asked with a whispery tone of voice, a little out of it, already.

“Can I keep these?”

He hooked his fingers underneath my panties and pulled them as far as they could go before letting them snap back. Because they were drenched, it made a really loud lewd noise, and it hit me just right. Sending a thousand chills up and down my body. 

I peeled my eyes open and felt a surge of confidence hit me as I locked eyes with my mate; looking at me with such intense love and desire. 

“If you want them…” I breathed through my mouth, making my chest move up and down, “Then go down there and get them.”

He smirked devilishly as he got up and made his way in between my legs. He pushed them apart, and made my dress hitch up my body, exposing my stained panties. The sight of them, and the sight of a wet spot on the picnic blanket below me, stirred something wild inside of him. 

“Shit…”

He peeled my panties away and pulled them down my legs, only so he could put them in the back pocket of his jeans. The action made me giggle a little. 

“What exactly are you going to do with them?”

As he bent down, he focused his eyes on my wet lips below, “That’s my secret…”

I closed my eyes and sucked my bottom lip into my mouth as he blew air on to my pussy. The cool breeze sent a tingling pleasure through my body. My lip popped out and I gasped quietly. He turned his head to the side and started kissing my inner thigh first, which only made the gasp louder. It made me impatient. But each kiss on my thighs was just a build up to what was to come. 

I whined, “Hurry…”

He kissed around the lips, purposely going a little bit slower. But the way my legs started twitching from anticipation really turned him on. He could see me struggling, but in all fairness it made him struggle as well. 

“Baby?”

He purposely waited until I opened my eyes and looked at him before he pressed his lips to me and stuck his tongue inside. 

“Ohh! God!”

I threw my head back and squeezed my hands into fists, not really sure what to do with them. Because as he rolled his tongue around, and skillfully flapped his tongue back and forth on my clit, all I could feel was pure pleasure. Almost like it’s another sense that takes over all the other senses. 

“Jungkook… oh, oh! Mmfh!”

He smiled while he continued using his tongue, but he wanted more from me. He shifted his weight to one arm so that he could use his hand and slowly push two fingers inside. While he continued to flick my clit with his tongue, he pumped his fingers in and out at a steady pace. He wants to take his time, so he methodically uses two fingers, and then three. Slowly letting me adjust and stay in a safe headspace. 

“Number?” He waited for a second so I could answer, but I didn’t answer right away. “Baby… number.”

It’s like I couldn’t understand him until he said it again. I gulped, feeling heat all around me. “Ten,” I tried catching my breath, but it was impossible. “Definitely a ten.”  

Without responding, he returned his lips to my clit, and pushed in four of his fingers. He went in deep and pumped his hand faster. The amount of wetness made the push easy. It made such a dirty and erotic sound. Which only made me more wet for him. 

“I’m- Oh God… Jungkook!”

“Are you close?”

I nodded my head, and found myself squeezing the picnic blanket tightly in both of my hands. “Y-Yes!”

“Then cum when you want, baby.”

He sucked hard on my clit and started twisting his fingers inside of me, rubbing me in just the right spot. So it only took a few seconds until I was moaning, squeezing him in between my legs, and grabbing his hair in my hands as I came hard. 

As I did my legs twitched. They started shaking from how intensed I climaxed. So when he pulled his fingers out and moved his mouth away, he saw an even bigger stain underneath me. So much so that it looked like a small puddle. It was all over my inner thighs, mixed with my sweat. 

It made him so horny, he could feel his dick straining inside of his jeans. Which only made him a little bit more animalistic. 

“C’mon.”

He got on his knees and quickly stood up. I however was still in a daze and on a high of pleasure. I couldn’t really comprehend what he wanted, even though he was already standing. 

“...what?”

“Give me your hands babe,” he said with half a smirk.

I did as I was told and reached my hands towards him because my brain wasn’t really functioning at the moment. The second I did he made short work of tugging me up from the ground and onto my feet, just so that he could bend down and hoist me over his shoulder. 

I screamed as he suddenly stood up and carried me over his shoulder. I desperately grabbed his shirt, even though he had a secure grip on me. But in this position, his hand took full advantage and spanked my bare ass as we approached the tent. 

“Oh my God- What are you…”

“Time to move this inside,” he licked his lips.

He was careful about entering the tent, but once we were inside he tossed me on the bed and turned to zip up the tent. As he did I removed my dress and tossed it to the ground. So when he turned back around he took all of me in with his hungry eyes. 

“Wow… I’m one lucky guy.”

Instead of taking his time, he just swiftly took it off in one go. As he worked on taking off his jeans and boxers I took the time to eat him up with my eyes. His whole body is cut, but not in a way that he’s overly bulky. Yes he’s got a lot of muscle on him, but it looks healthy. Sexy. Powerful. 

As an omega, and as his mate, I want to be completely devoured by him. 

“Hurry up and get over here babe.” I reached up with my hands, grabbed at the air, and rubbed my legs together. “I want you so bad.”

He quickly got on the bed and crawled his way over until he was positioned on his hands and knees above me. He looked into my eyes, and then my lips, staring for a long moment before looking back into my eyes. 

“Number?”

“Ten,” I said right away. “Eleven.”

He smirked so wide, but he was still serious. “Remember to use your numbers if you need to. Promise me.”

I pulled him down by his neck until I was kissing him. It was a little sloppy, but I wanted my feelings to get across. “I promise.”

He smiled into our kiss, kissing me back with more passion than before as he laid down on top of me. As he did, I felt his dick against my pussy. He rolled his hips as he continued to kiss me, purposely rubbing himself against me and lubing up his dick with my wetness. But he could only take so much before he was lifting up a little so he could guide himself in. 

He held his breath and locked his eyes with mine as he entered me slowly. With each inch he searched my eyes for any discomfort or protest. He almost expected me to say something, but I just continued to focus on him. All he could see was want and pleasure. Love and lust.

So as he bottomed out, he finally let out the breath he was holding; shakily. “How does it feel?”

“It feels… amazing… but scary too.” His brow pinched and I could sense his sudden distress. “I’m… again… becoming a new person. With you… Jungkook.”

He leaned down and kissed me gently. “I love you so much, Y/N.”

“I love you too, Jungkook,” I said before I kissed him and wrapped my arms around his neck. 

As we started kissing, he also started moving in and out slowly; rocking his hips to a slow tempo. His eyes almost closed, and he opened his mouth, unknowingly keeping it open as my heat sucked him in every time. Almost torturous for us both. But the pace was comfortable. 

Our bodys are sweaty. His hair is damp and some of his bangs are stuck to his forehead. His face is flushed like mine. And he’s breathing heavily from self control. Because if he let his inner wolf have it’s way, then he might accidently hurt me in some way, be it physically or mentally. He can’t afford for that to happen, so while he keeps a steady pace, he’s tense. 

But I don’t like it. It doesn’t look like he’s happy. He looks like he’s under intense pressure. 

I lightly scratched his back and shoulders before cupping his cheek with one hand, “Babe?”

He stopped and focused on me, getting out of his head. “Yes?”

“Are you ok?”

“Yeah I’m fine,” he gulped, he could feel me squeezing around him. 

I smiled shyly, then pecked his lips with mine. “Ask me my number.”

He smiled, “What’s your number?”

“Still an eleven.” I pecked his lips again. “I want you to be at an eleven too babe.”

“I can’t. I might hurt you,” he said with true concern. 

I saw in his eyes the responsibility he held onto, but I’ve never felt more safe and more comfortable in my life. So with a surge of assertiveness, I opened my legs wider and wrapped them around his lower back, locking him in. I rolled my hips as best as I could from underneath him and tried to show him with my actions that everything was going to be ok. 

“You could never hurt me,” I said looking straight into his eyes. “Bring me to your eleven… please…”

The way I looked at him pleadingly must have turned on a switch. The chains are broken. He pressed his mouth to mine and devoured my lips as he got more on his knees and started fucking me harder. 

I moaned into his mouth, and my body started bouncing with each thrust. He filled me up completely, that each time he entered, he hit a very sensitive spot. I could feel the walls of my pussy clenching and unclenching as he fucked me roughly, as he snapped his hips forward and our sweaty skin collided. 

He squeezed his eyes shut as he slowed down to a stop and pushed his head into the bed over my shoulder. “This is… fuck.”

I couldn’t help but giggle, which actually made him giggle as well. “I know what you mean.”

As I unhooked my legs from around him, he slowly lifted up until he had his arms straightened out so he could look down at me. He carefully examined me, dragging his eyes to my lips, my neck, and then my breasts. With one hand he jiggled my boobs and squeezed them back and forth. I just closed my eyes and let him play with me as he wanted. 

“Is there anything you wanted to try?”

I snapped my eyes open as he stopped playing with my boobs. “You mean…”

“Yeah,” he smirked, “Is there a position you want to try?”

I gulped and blushed, “Well… there is something…”

“Tell me.”

“You need to sit at the edge of the bed for it.”

He raised an eyebrow, “Oh?”

“Trust me,” I winked cutely and bucked my hips up on purpose.

His response was lodged in his throat, and he struggled to move. But the anticipation of what I wanted to try had him pulling out. We both grunted as he pulled out and moved around. My body already felt pretty worn out and tired, but my neediness kept me going. We still have yet to get to the best part, and my omega wolf won’t let me stop until it’s done. 

He got into place, sitting at the edge of the bed while I stood in front of him. He looked up when he was settled, automatically reaching out to pull me towards him. 

"So… what do you want to try?" 

His hands slid up my thighs and hips, back around my ass, then grabbed my waist. His eyes still staring up at me. 

I pulled my messed up ponytail out and let my hair down, while keeping eye contact with him. "I um…" I tucked my hair behind my ears and blushed. "I want to be on top… I want to ride you." 

His dick twitched, his lips parted, and his eyes glossed over. "Then do as you want babe," he said, abandoning his hands on my body so he could instead lean back and give me more room. 

I chewed on my bottom lip as I got into position, making sure my legs were comfortable. He stayed patient as I hovered over him and grabbed his shoulders to steady myself. I looked down to see his dick waiting, so with a shaking hand I held it in place as I lowered myself. 

The slide was easy, but what I didn't expect was the fullness I felt. In this position I felt like I was able to take him even deeper. And it hit differently. Almost better. 

With my hands clutched on his shoulders, I started lifting myself up and dropping down. He grunted and closed his eyes as I controlled the pacing. Up and down; slow and steady. However it didn't take me long until I was bouncing at a fast pace. 

The smacking noises got louder and louder the longer I went. My body is covered in sweat, and my legs are straining. But the way he fills me up in this position has me throwing my head back and moaning. I don't want to stop but my legs are protesting. 

He can tell my legs are starting to strain, "Getting tired already?"

I heard the teasing very clearly in my ears, but I couldn't be bothered to tease back. I just felt extremely needy. "What's my alpha gonna do about it?"

And like I suspected, he had something to prove. He grabbed my thighs and part of my ass with a firm hold so that he could lift me up himself. 

"I'll do whatever you need me to do when you say it like that." His brows pinched together and he breathed heavily. "God… you could tell me to jump off a cliff.." he gulped, "And I'd do it. Shit." 

As I bounced, with his help, I smirked and giggled lightly. "I don't want you to jump off a cliff. " 

He chuckled, "I hope not." 

I wrapped my arms around his neck and tilted my head, "Alpha…?"

He grunted as we came to a stop. His eyes strained to open and look at me but they did. He had to look at me. "What is it baby?"

"If you jump…" I leaned closer and licked the shell of his ear. "I'll jump too." 

He suddenly flipped us over but pulled out of me so that he could manhandle me and put me on my stomach. He pushed and pulled me around like a doll, and set me up on my hands and knees. 

"And when we fall?" He got on his knees behind me and grabbed his cock to position it. "What then?"

"At least we'll be together… no matter what happens." 

He didn't wait and just pushed his dick inside and started fucking me. But this time something felt off. Like the cliff we were just talking about, it suddenly felt like I was in free fall. With each thrust it felt scarier and scarier. And in seconds I felt a darkness start to surround me. 

'I’ll always be your first. And nothing will ever change that… Pet.'

Joji's voice snaked its way into my mind, and returned me to that night he sexually abused me. My body remembered this position, and remembered the fear associated with it.

"S-stop…" I started weeping. 

Jungkook barely heard, "What?" 

"Stop it! Stop! ONE!" 

Jungkook immediately stopped and pulled out as I collapsed on the bed. In a panic he grabbed the metal tin that had water in it and left it at my side and gave me space. 

After several long minutes of silence he softly asked  "....what happened?" His tone was so emphatic, but he stayed where he was and didn't approach despite his body twitching to do so. 

"I… remembered something… from that night." I slowly pushed myself up and wiped the tears falling. "I'm sorry…" 

His heart hurts greatly, to the point he physically feels a pain in his chest. But as much as he's hurting he knows this isn't about him. He can't get mad now for his regrets and shortcomings in the past. All he has to do now is make sure I'm ok and give me the love and support I need. 

"Please don't say sorry, babe. Everything is ok." He frowned as he tried to understand the cause of the episode. "Was it the position?" 

I grabbed the metal tin and took a sip as I nodded my head. "Mhm… that position is...he-" I glanced up for a second before looking down again. "I just can't do it." 

Even though I'm being vague, Jungkook already understood what I was talking about. And knew who I was referring too. 

'Joji .'

His jaw tightened, but he took a deep breath and let it out. "I understand baby. I promise we won't do that position again." 

I grabbed at the air towards him, "Jungkook…"

"Are you sure you're ok to be with me already," he asked with concern. 

But the tears and neediness in my eyes gave him his answer. "I feel cold… please…" 

He shuffled closer and pulled me into his embrace. I leaned into his chest and his arms wrapped themselves around me protectively. I grabbed his arms and hugged them as close to my body as I could manage. I closed my eyes as I calmed down; focusing on his breathing and slowing down mine.

"...I ruined everything…" 

"No you didn't," he responded quickly with a kiss to the top of my head. "Nothing is ruined baby, I promise." He smiled softly, "I just want you to feel safe and happy."