#Taekookau where Jungkook is the heir to the Jeon pack , when the moon goddess shows him his mate : an orphan unworthy of his name. He doesn't think twice about rejecting Taehyung in favor of marrying his lover and casts him out of the pack. Ten yrs later, they meet again.

He had an instinctive fear for cops, considering that what he did for a living didn’t exactly make him an upstanding citizen in the eyes of the law. He watched as Jungkook turned the knob, the door swinging open slowly to reveal three men on the other side.

Taehyung stared at the tall man in the middle and felt his eyes go wide in part shock, part surprise. “Good Morning officer.” Jungkook said, voice even and completely unaffected. " Is everything alright?" Taehyung watched as the alpha in the middle reached into his pocket,

holding up his shield for a second before peering into the room for a second. His gaze shifted and landed on Tae right after, eyes narrowing just a bit before moving back to Jungkook. "Alpha Jeon." He gave him a bow, "Not the man I would expect to find in a place like this."

Jungkook shrugged before taking a step closer to Taehyung. “I had a long day and was looking for a place to spend the night. This was the closest establishment and I made use of their services that’s all.” he smiled, “ Is there a problem?” The cop gave him a small smile.

“When you say, you made use of their services…” he trailed off, eyes moving to Taehyung again. Jungkook made a small sound of disapproval. His eyes narrowed into slits and Taehyung could feel his scent change right away.

“If I were you I would be very careful how I finish that sentence, Officer.” He growled. The alpha glanced up at that, shoulders squaring a bit as he straightened, making himself just a little taller. “Park.” he said quietly. “What?” Jungkook frowned.

“Officer Park Seojoon actually. And to answer your question, yes . We do have a problem. We got word that there’s been some illegal solicitations going around in this place and we’re here to check them out. Is this your mate?”

Jungkook stared at him in disbelief. “You got word about illegal solicitations? Are you sure about that, Officer Park?” he gritted out. “ Because I know for a fact that my lawyer is out in the foyer and the reason you’re here is because this place doesn’t have a permit.”

Seojoon grinned at that. “You know the way you say that, its almost like you’re the one who called us here in the first place.” he said casually. Jungkook didn’t respond, glaring back instead. Seojoon sighed before stepping back.

“You know there’s really no need for us to be arguing about this in the middle of this corridor. We’ve got a perfectly air conditioned room back at the station where you and your…”

he paused, “ Companion …can answer a few questions, provide us some authentic identification papers and then we can all be on our merry way.” Seojoon glanced over at Taehyung. " Would that be more convenient for you, Taehyung ssi?" Jungkook stilled next to him.

Taehyung flinched at that, closing his eyes for a second. Of all the cops in the fucking city, he thought miserably. "No. I wasn't soliciting officer." he said shakily. " I don't do that anymore." Seojoon gave him a small smile at that. "Still as bad at deception as ever."

Jungkook stepped forward at that, blocking Seojoon's view of Taehyung completely. "You know what, we're done." He said quietly. " Unless you have papers formally charging us for something with evidence, we're not staying here another second." Seojoon glared back.

"Wow ," he said quietly. " You're a bigger asshole than I ever imagined you would be." Smirking he stepped back and held his hands up. " Fair enough. You can go. I would hate to inconvenience the most powerful alpha in the country." He bowed again.

Taehyung winced as Jungkook's hand wrapped around his wrist, fingers digging in before all but dragging him out of the room and into the hallway. "Jungkook...I..." "Let me guess... he's arrested you for soliciting before." Jungkook gritted out.

The place was teeming with cops and uniformed men , and through the crowd Taehyung caught sight of Malek who was signalling for them to come over. Taehyung followed the alpha in silence, keeping his head down as they found their way out of the club.

The moment they stepped out into the alleyway, Jungkook rounded on Malek. "Who the fuck is Park Seojoon?!" He growled out, eyes blazing. " I thought the fucker was supposed to be on our fucking side." Malek flinched. "He is." He said quietly. " He's one of the good ones."

"So why the fuck did he make things more difficult for me back there?!" He demanded furiously and Malek hesitated before glancing at Taehyung. "I do believe, Taehyung ssi can answer that question much better than I can." He said quietly. " Right, Taehyung ssi?"

Taehyung kept his expression completely even , refusing to give anything away as he stared back at him. "I don't know what you mean." He said brusquely. Malek rolled his eyes. "Don't even try." He muttered. " He's going to find out." Taehyung bristled.

"There's nothing to find out...." He gritted out. " He already pretty much guessed it. I got caught soliciting and he was the arresting officer at the time. " He muttered. " That's it." "7 of you were caught. You and your friend were the only ones left off with just a warning."

Jungkook's scent soured even more at that. Taehyung closed his eyes , frustrated. "Because it was our first offence." He said sharply. " That's it. He told me to stay away from clubs and motels where they usually raid the premises for hookers. I listened. We never met again."

"Except for when you moved into his apartment and lived with him for almost nine months, three years ago. " Malek said casually. Taehyung froze at that. "How did you-" "There are no secrets in Seoul , Taehyung." Malek grinned. " At least, none that my men can't dig up."

Jungkook's gaze had narrowed. "An informant." He said thoughtfully. "You were an informant?" Taehyung swallowed. "For a very short time." He said curtly. " A long time ago. I haven't met him since. And it doesn't have anything to do with you anyway so..."

"But you stopped" Jungkook said quietly. "You didn't want to any more?" Taehyung glared at him. "No. I wanted to do more. I wanted to stop having to sleep with scumbags to survive. Why would I want to fucking stop?" He demanded.

"But you did... So why-" "Because I fired him." Seojoon's voice came from right behind them, loud and firm. " He had to stop because I refused to take his help again. I also kicked him out of my apartment and back to the streets. Right Tae?" "That's enough."

Taehyung glared at him. Seojoon held a file up. "I'm going to need the pair of you to sign a couple of times here. It's nothing. Just that you were witnesses here at the time." He said brusquely. Jungkook watched him for a second.

"You're so fucking transparent, it's hilarious." He grinned. Seojoon frowned. "What is that supposed to mean?" He demanded. "I thought that was frowned upon." He pointed between Seojoon and Taehyung.

"What are you talking about?" Seojoon demanded. Jungkook shrugged before wrapping an arm around Tae's waist, tugging him closer. " Fraternising with a confidential informant. " He smiled. " Or should I say pathetically pining after someone out of your league?"

Seojoon looked completely unphased by the taunt, his expression even as he stared right back at Jungkook. Tilting his head thoughtfully, he gave him a small smile.

“That arrogance.” he said softly, before dropping his gaze to where Jungkook’s arm lay wrapped around the omega’s waist, “if its one thing I know for certain, Taehyung would never put up with someone who treats others the way you do, alpha Jeon. And trust me…” his gaze narrowed.

“ I do know him. A lot better than you do. A lot better than you ever will.” Jungkook made to step forward but Taehyung pushed away from him, holding a hand up to his chest and shoving lightly. He glared at the alpha in front of him.

“I need you to shut up, Jungkook.” he gritted out. “ Shut up and stay out of this.” Jungkook stared down at him for a second before turning away, going straight for the door to the car. Taehyung watched as the alpha climbed in , slamming the door shut behind him.

Seojoon let out a low whistle. “I’ve seen toddlers with better control over their emotions than this guy.” he said casually. Taehyung turned to look at him and for a few seconds he stayed perfectly still. “I didn’t know you were still in Seoul.” he said finally.

“Why? Because I didn’t hunt you down after you ran out on me?” Seojoon smiled. “ I’m not a criminal, Tae. I’m the guy who catches them, remember?” He glanced back at the car. “ I didn’t think you would go back to him this fast.” Taehyung went still at that.

“I’m not with… I’m not back with him. We’re just helping each other out.” Seojoon smiled again. “Like you helped me?” He said softly, voice softer and Taehyung swallowed. “Where do you want me to sign?” he said brusquely.

Seojoon hesitated before pulling a small sheaf of paper out. “Here.” He said quietly, pointing. Taehyung stared at the name and glanced up at him. “That’s not my name anymore.” He said firmly. Seojoon shrugged.

“It never was, was it?” He smiled. “ But its better that way. I don’t know who has access to these things. I don’t want your real name cropping up anywhere in connection with Jungkook.” Taehyung swallowed. “Why not?” he demanded. Seojoon gave him a look.

“Considering the number of people who want his head on a platter,” He grimaced, “ you don’t want to know.” “He’s in danger?”

“That can’t be news to you. You don’t become the most powerful alpha in the country without making a lot of enemies. Dangerous, blood thirsty enemies. I’m surprised he’s managed to stay alive this long.” he scoffed.

Taehyung felt his gut twist at that, throat going dry at the words. “You’re not going to catch these men.” He said shakily. Seojoon tilted his head.

“I’m a lowly cop in one of the poorest jurisdictions in the city, Taehyung. I’m not going to be able to stop men like that, even if I wanted to.” He paused. “ Which I don’t. Men like Jungkook forget that actions have consequences.

He has more blood on his hands than the alleyways of Seoul. Someday its going to catch up to him. That’s just the way the world works. Those who live by the sword…. die by the sword.” Malek made a small sound of annoyance at that.

“If you’re done, Taehyung…. we have places to be.” He said quietly. Taehyung hesitated before handing the paper over to him again. “I still owe you.” he said quietly. “ For everything.” Seojoon stared at him for another second. “My offer still stands.” he said quietly.

Taehyung breathed out at that. “And my reasons still stand as well.” he said before turning away and moving to the car. He hesitated, steeling himself for the inevitable explosion waiting on the other side of it.

As he climbed in, he found Jungkook pressed against the other side, leaning back with his eyes closed and arms crossed. The forced nonchalance didn’t fool him even a little. Taehyung closed the car door behind him before clearing his throat.

“So…” he swallowed, “ We got out of there. Unscathed.” Jungkook’s eyes fluttered open and he turned to look at him. “Did you sleep with him?” he said softly. Taehyung went still at that. “What?”

“The cop.” the alpha said hesitantly. “ When you lived with him, did you have sex with him?” Taehyung was too stunned to be angry. “No.” he exclaimed. “ No ! I … we never….” He swallowed. “ That wasn’t the kind of relationship we had.”

Jungkook stayed quiet for a second before looking away again. His shoulders stiffened and his fists clenched. Taehyung could feel the frustration coming off him in waves, mixed with anger and exasperation and it made him almost lose his mind from the sheer unfairness of it.

Jungkook had no business being upset over this! Taehyung stared at him in disbelief. “Why the fuck are you upset?? Do you think I’m lying?!” he snapped. “ Why would I lie about it, Jungkook? Because even if I did sleep with him its none of your fucking business…

and newsflash… I’ve been spending my life having sex with fucking strangers… its literally what I do for a living… Why would I lie about fucking a cop?” “No.” Jungkook said curtly.“ No you wouldn’t. I believe you.”

But his stance didn’t change, not even a little and between them the bond swelled and thrummed again, tense and almost suffocating. “Then why are you acting this way?” Taehyung demanded. “ You’re-” “Just drop it okay?.” Jungkook snapped. “ I’m done with this conversation.”

Taehyung stared at him , mouth going dry again. He felt unsettled, confused. Why was Jungkook upset? He had no fucking reason to be… “Are we heading back to  Minho ssi’s place?” Malek’s voice came from the front and Tae recoiled. He’d almost forgotten the other man was there.

“No.” Jungkook said quietly. “ We’re going to Taehyung’s apartment first.”

When the car slid to a halt in front of his building, Taehyung finally turned to look at the alpha next to him. The entire ride had been spent in silence, uncomfortable and charged in a way he didn’t like or understand.

Jungkook’s demeanor had taken such a turn that his head spun. Where was the flirty cocky, wickedly smart man he had been with all this while? In his place was a broody, quiet stranger, unreadable and borderline frightening. His throat felt dry as he breathed out.

“Let me guess. You want me to pack my stuff and we’re heading back to Busan?” He asked quietly. Jungkook turned to him , a small frown on his face. “Not at all. I want you to go in there, get yourself something to eat and rest.” he said casually.

Taehyung stared at him in disbelief. “Seriously? You’re shutting me out because of Seojoon? What does it even-”

“I don’t give a flying fuck about Seojoon…” Jungkook growled. “ What I care about is the threat to my pack. The pack where the people we love are right now. Jimin and his unborn pup. My son and my friends. ” Jungkook closed his eyes.

“ This isn’t about you or me, Taehyung. It never was. I need you to understand that. Seojoon is a fucking nobody as far as I’m concerned. The only reason I even know he exists is because he’s the one Minho sent and because Malek is good at his fucking job.” he took a deep breath.

“ I don’t care who you were with a weeks ago, Taehyung why would I care who you were with three fucking years ago?!” Taehyung breathed out at that, eyes fluttering shut. “I should have never come back to that place.” he whispered.

“You’re right you shouldn’t have.” Jungkook said curtly. “ But you did. And we’re tied together even though we don’t want to be. The least we can do is make sure the people we love stay safe.”

Are you even capable of loving someone, Taehyung thought furiously before reaching for the door. He stepped out and slammed the door shut behind him. A second later, Malek got out as well, and Taehyung watched as Jungkook followed to.

The alpha climbed into the driver’s seat while Malek moved to stand next to the omega. Jungkook pulled away from the curb before speeding right out of the street and Taehyung felt furious as well as bereft. Malek cleared his throat. “How do you feel about Chinese takeout?”

The knock on the door came at half past four. Jungkook moved to open it, and a frayed looking Namjoon stumbled in, looking harried and visibly annoyed . "There had better be a good reason you made me drive three fucking hours in the middle of the night." He grunted.

Jungkook didn't respond, moving instead to grab the briefcase in the other alpha's hand. "Did you bring everything I asked for?" He asked quietly and Namjoon sighed. "I don't think this is something you need to be doing right now, Jungkook..." "It is." Jungkook said curtly.

And then he took a deep breath. "You and Yoongi get custody of him if something happens to me. And you take care of his training till he turns eighteen and takes over the pack after me." He said firmly. "Nothing is going to happen to you." Namjoon growled.

"It is." Jungkook said quietly. " It's just a matter of when. And it isn't exactly a hunch or a feeling I have either. It's a plan. I don't know how long it's been in motion, I don't know how many people are involved but I'm guessing it's an open secret here in Seoul."

Jungkook closed his eyes for a second. "Alpha Jeon's days are numbered." He grinned. " So to speak." Namjoon stared at him in disbelief. "You can't be serious."

"Oh, I am." He said firmly. " And here's the thing...I think someone or maybe even more than one person in the pack council is in on this." He hesitated. "So I'm guessing it might happen back home. When I get back. Maybe." Namjoon exhaled shakily. "You're too calm about this."

Jungkook shrugged at that, grabbing the suitcase and pulling it up into the bed. "No point being hysterical over the inevitable." He said firmly, before reaching for the latch and opening it. " I need eyes on every single one of the council elders." "Already done."

"And someone's watching over Juwon? " Namjoon moved to sit on the bed next to him, hand coming up to grip his shoulder. "If someone wants to hurt the alpha of the Jeon pack, they're going to have to go over my dear body. " he said quietly. " You know that right?'

Jungkook blinked at him for a second before laughing out loud and gently pushing his arm away. "Don't be ridiculous." He said with a roll of his eyes. " I would rather you live for my pack than die for me, hyung. " He winked.

" Besides, both of us in hell at the same time? That's gonna give the devil a pretty hard time." He grinned. Namjoon rolled his eyes. "Speaking of devils where is Taehyung?" He grinned. Jungkook paused. "If he heard you say that he would scratch your face right off."

"I am aware. Which is why I'm asking you. Where is he?" Jungkook hesitated. "He's safe." He said quietly. " We're taking him back to the pack as well. I had one of our men trace his parents. They owned a plot of land on the outskirts of the packlands. Apparently his father

Lost it in a gambling game when his mum was still pregnant with him. We've traced the current owner and he's willing to sell. Take care of the paperwork and start working on a house there for him and Jimin." Namjoon went still. "Jimin?" Jungkook paused. "Yes. "

"Jimin's staying in my house." Namjoon said hesitantly. Jungkook blinked. "Till the baby is born..yes. But afterwards... He may not want to." "What makes you think they'll even want to stay in the pack?" Jungkook considered that.

"Fair enough. But I still want them to have the option. Seoul is a dangerous place. I know it doesn't make up for the last ten years of his life but I think the least I can do for him is give him somewhere safe to live the rest of his life. Somewhere you can keep an eye on him."

“So you’re just going to sit here and watch me like a guard dog till your master calls you back, is that it?” Taehyung demanded, watching as Malek laid out the take out boxes on the rickety table by the couch.

The alpha seemed completely unphased by his words, choosing instead to carefully wipe clean a couple of plates and pour them both fresh bottled water into slightly cracked mugs.

“You have an aversion to being safe, do you not Taehyung?” he said , sounding a little amused, “ Or maybe just an eversion to being taken care of.” Taehyung breathed out before crossing his arms over his chest.

“I do not need to be taken care of.” Malek gave him a grin at that. “And i don’t need a heated toilet seat either. But sure feels good to sit my butt down on something warm in the middle of winter.” Taehyung gawked at him. “What are you-”

“There’s nothing wrong in letting yourself enjoy a few simple pleasures in life, Taehyung ssi. Jungkook wants to take care of you, make sure you’re well fed and looked after and he doesn’t actually want anything from you in return.

If I were you, I’d just enjoy the attention while it lasts and then go my merry way afterwards. ” he paused, “ And just so you know, you have a big hold on him. More than you know. Hell, more than even he knows for that matter.” Taehyung scoffed.

“Right. That’s why he ditched me here and stormed off right now…” Malek paused and gave him a look of disbelief.

“You can’t be that dense…” he said, shaking his head. “ That wasn’t alpha Jeon storming off because he doesn’t care , Taehyung. That was him storming off because he cares way more than he wants to.” Malek smiled, “ And he doesn’t know how to make it stop.”

Taehyung stared at him, teeth sinking into his lower lip. “Are you talking about what happened with Seojoon… Because that’s just…”

“Two people bonding over shared trauma?” Malek smiled. “ I understand. But Jungkook doesn’t.He doesn’t know who Seojoon is. And he certainly doesn’t know that your cop boyfriend once belonged to the Jeon pack as well. Or that the first time you met wasn't when he arrested you."

Taehyung felt his mouth go dry at that. tw: implied suicidal attempts. "You know about that?" he whispered. Malek sighed at that.

"We all get tired of life sometimes, Taehyung ssi. I'm no one to judge what happened that night but I understand he was the only one there when you needed someone the most." he paused, " and he saved you in a way that you feel you could never repay him for."

Taehyung breathed in deep at that. For a few seconds he merely stared at the other man. And then he stepped closer, taking a seat at the table and reaching for one of the take out boxes. He hesitated, taking a bite of a wonton , before glancing at the alpha.

“Are you going to tell Jungkook about all of this.” Malek shrugged. “No. It isn’t really the sort of thing he pays me for. He hasn’t asked me to look into Seojoon or into your relationship with him, and so… I won’t.” he smiled a little. “ Satisfied?”

“And if he does?” Taehyung demanded. Malek sighed. “What are you so intent on hiding from Jungkook, Taehyung? That you were in a relationship? Or the  fact that if it weren’t for Seojoon, you wouldn’t be here right now?” Taehyung paused.

“Neither.” he said quietly. “ I’m more terrified that Jungkook will take it as another reason he has to take care of me. Because thats what he does every single time. He makes it all about himself without giving a damn about what the other person wants. ”

“You know him too well.” Malek grinned. Taehyung shook his head. “I never wanted to. But here we are because he won’t fucking leave me alone.” He sighed, shaking his head and taking another bite. After a few seconds of silence, he glanced back up at Malek.

“Seojoon said there are people out there looking to hurt Jungkook. Is that true?” he asked carefully. Malek hesitated. “Yes.” he said finally. “And before you ask, Jungkook knows this. Wooyoung is probably involved and the aim, well. Its pretty obvious. He wants the Jeon pack.”

“He can never be the alpha-” Malek laughed out loud at that. “ He doesn’t have to be the pack alpha to control the pack, Taehyung that’s not how packs work. The Jeon pack is an exception. Do you think pack alphas control everything?

Most packs are run with a council of elders who have to sign off on most decisions. Jungkook’s run a tight ship for the past decade, and most elders are scared enough to stick to his rules. He ruffled a lot of feathers in the process.

But none more than the drug lords running Seoul’s criminal underbelly. The largest pack in the country. The potential to almost triple their revenue . We’re talking about millions of dollars here.

And it could be their, if they could tap into that clientele except there’s one single alpha standing in the way. Is it really that hard to imagine they want him dead?” he paused, “ Or that maybe some of his council men may not be as loyal as they make themselves seem?”

“So its Wooyoung…?” Taehyung paused. “ Why can’t you get rid of him then?”

“ Because we’re pretty certain that its not just him.” Malek said quietly. “Wooyoung has an army of associates and allies. Hell, even his competitors would still want Jeon out of the scene. And well, if you’re cop friend’s heard about it too” he sighed. “ I guess its happening.”

“Should I ask Seojoon to find out more?” Malek shook his head at that. “Seojoon doesn’t really have any kind of pull here, Taehyung. He’s pretty much bottom of the barrel in the law enforcement here?” “Why? Because he’s young?”

“No. Because he’s not corrupt.” Malek said curtly. “ And he’s also a little too honest, bordering on foolish. He doesn’t know how to play the system or understand the concept of doing bad things sometimes for the greater good.

Its why he got transferred to the smallest jurisdiction in the city with literally zero manpower at the station where he works. And its also the reason he got sent to serve that warrant yesterday. Because he’s dispensable.” Taehyung went still at that.

“Dispensable?” he asked in disbelief, “ What is that supposed to mean?” “Do you think Wooyoung is gonna stay quiet about the raid on his club? Seoul isn’t a place where law and order prevails, Taehyung.

It’s a city where the lawmen and criminals have a symbiotic relationship at best. Its live and let live. Do you think any other cop is going to agree to come serve a warrant against Wooyoung? No. Seojoon did it because his superiors asked him to.

Because he’s the kind of guy who think his duty supersedes everything else. And now three or four weeks from now, those same superiors are gonna make up some stupid excuse about how protocol wasn’t followed or something equally shitty and they’ll just get Seojoon suspended.

Wooyoung goes back to running his club as usual.” Malek shrugged. “ Collateral damage so to speak.” “Are you telling me they’re going to fire Seojoon?” Malek shrugged. “Or kill him if Wooyoung’s feeling particularly vindictive.”

Taehyung stood up so fast, he rattled the table, knocking over the food, the hot soup splashing over the counter. Malek stared at the mess thoughtfully. “You cannot let that happen!” Taehyung snarled. The alpha sighed deeply at that, placing his chopsticks down.

“Ah, Taehyung ssi.” He said softly. “ For Jungkook’s sake, I really did hope you didn’t actually have feelings for Seojoon” he sighed. “ I guess I was wrong about that.”

Taehyung gave him a look of disbelief. “I’m not even going to dignify that with an answer. Did you people call him over here, knowing full well that you would be putting him in danger? That’s a new level of despicable even for you.” Malek sighed and placed his chopsticks down.

“It was either him staying safe or you.” He said simply. “ And Jungkook picked you. That’s all.” “Oh, you’re absolutely despicable, both you and him.” He gritted out and Malek smiled a bit at that, shrugging lightly.

“Well, then its fortunate you won’t be dealing with either of us for very long.” Taehyung closed his eyes at that. “He’s not going to die.” he said softly, tone gentle but coated in steel. “ There’s no way, someone like him would go down without a fight.”

“Who said he isn’t going to be fighting?” Malek shrugged. “ It’s just a different kind of fight than what you envision, probably. And the outcome is probably going to be different too. ” “And how many people are going to be collateral damage in this fight of his?”

“As of now, mostly himself.” Malek said curtly. “ Its just like I said. It’s either him staying safe or his pack. And he will pick his pack. Because that’s just who he is.” Taehyung froze at that. The alpha closed his eyes and shook his head.

“And his son?” he demanded. “ If he loved his son, he would pick himself. Packs can be rebuilt. Empires rise up again from ashes. It happens all the time. But you can’t lose someone important to you and not have it destroy the rest of your fucking life and he is…. “

Taehyung took a deep breath. “ He is important. To a lot of people. Someone needs to remind him of that.” “Will you?” Taehyung felt his mouth go dry. “What?”

“I think you should go to him.” he said quietly. “ I think you should tell him the truth about Seojoon. I also think you should tell him, he should maybe choose himself, for once.” Taehyung swallowed. “That’s not my job.” He said hesitantly.

Malek held his gaze for a second before going back to his food. “As you wish, then.” The silence lasted another ten seconds before Tae growled in frustration. “Oh fuck you… Fine! Fine… Take me to him!” Malek smiled and finished his soup. "As you wish, master." he winked.

“….And this is the only route you think they could possibly use…” Jungkook said quietly, the tip of his pencil tapping on a particular portion on the large scale map, spread out on the motel table.

“Well, its either that or-” Before Namjoon could respond, the knock on the door made both of them pause. It was soft and careful. “Alpha Jeon?” A hesitant voice came through.

“Malek’s here.” Jungkook said quietly, “ pack all of this stuff up. You have a room two floors up. We’ll meet in the morning.” Namjoon nodded, moving to quickly clear up the files and papers scattered over the bed and the table.

Even as he worked another knock came, this one much louder and with a lot more force behind it. Jungkook paused for a second, looking at Namjoon who had his brows raised in question.

“Clearly, the devil is here with him.” Jungkook grimaced. He moved to the door, reaching for the knob and pulling it open with ease. “ Missed me already?”

Taehyung pushed past him, arms crossing over his chest as he stared down at Namjoon, who was on his knees, trying to close his suitcase shut. “What are you doing here?” The omega asked sharply, eyes narrowed into slits.

Namjoon blinked for a few seconds before looking at Jungkook in surprise. “See what I’ve been dealing with?” Jungkook muttered under his breath. He brought a hand up to rub at his temple, groaning a little. "That's my line, Taehyung, What are you doing here?"

Taehyung glanced at Namjoon and then back at the alpha. "I wanted to spend the night with you." he said simply, voice even. Jungkook's brows shot up. Namjoon made a small choking sound. "Taehyung what the fuck is wrong with you?" Jungkook snapped, glaring daggers at him.

"What?" Taehyung tilted his head to the side, glancing at Namjoon. " Oh wait, didn't you tell him? We slept together last night." "We did not-!" Jungkook closed his eyes and Namjoon stood up quickly, grabbing the briefcase and making a beeline for the door.

"Whatever this is," he said quietly, " I so not want to be a part of it. I'll see you both in the morning. Good bye."

“I believe that is also my cue to leave.” Malek said softly before carefully closing the door behind him. The silence that followed was charged with tension, Jungkook glaring at the omega and Taehyung glaring right back.

“What do you want?” Jungkook said quietly. “ If you want to spend the night here that’s fine. I’ll just go share the room with Namjoon.” He made to move towards the door but Taehyung stepped closer, hands coming up to press against his chest pushing him back.

“I didn’t say I wanted to spend the night here. I said I wanted to spend the night with you.” he gritted out. Jungkook stared at him in disbelief. “Why?!”

“So that you can get it into your thick fucking head that I can stay with someone without having any kind of sexual or intimate relationship with them! “ Taehyung gritted out. “So that everytime we meet someone I know, you don’t have to fucking ask me if I fucked them…okay?”

Jungkook stared at him, breathing a little shallow. “Noted.” he said curtly. “ I shouldn’t have asked that, you’re right. I’m sorry. Now let me leave.”

"Not until you tell me why he's here." He gritted out. " Also why are you apologizing to me? Being reasonable? That is not who you fucking are. At least not with me."

Jungkook threw his hands up in disbelief. "That's your fucking complaint?!" He demanded, voice bordering on a growl. " I'm being reasonable?! Taehyung what the fuck?!" "You know why I stuck around despite the fact that you're the world's biggest fucking jerk, Jungkook?"

Taehyung stepped closer, almost nose to nose with the alpha, " because beneath all that bravado and fake arrogance, I saw someone more than just a bloodthirsty alpha, someone more than just a pack leader looking to protect his people. " He swallowed.

" I saw someone who let his guard down around me. You told me you could never fall asleep with someone around you. But you slept with me. I thought that meant you trusted me." He whispered. " I thought that meant you'd be honest me, alpha Jeon.. Haven't I earned that at least?"

Jungkook closed his eyes at that, looking away , but Taehyungs hand shot out, gripping his chin and tugging him closer, "No." The omega gritted out. " If you've changed your mind about how much you trust me, you need to look me in the eye and tell me the truth."

Jungkook breathed out shakily. "Trust and truth works both ways, Taehyung ssi. And so does the fucking bond." He whispered. " You tell me to be honest with you while you lie to my face about what that guy meant to you. I felt exactly what you felt when you looked at him."

Taehyung felt his stomach turn over at the words. "Jungkook..." "You're in love with him." The alpha gritted out. " I could fucking feel it alright? So forgive me for wanting some fucking privacy to process my own feelings about this... " He exhaled." Haven't I earned that?"

Taehyung stared at him for a few seconds, before pulling back, his hand falling limp to his side. He took a step back, icy fingers of dread and despair creeping up his spine although he had no idea why he felt that way. He had to take a few breaths just to steady himself.

"Even if I was in love with him..." he said hesitantly, " which I'm not saying that I am.... why is that something you need time to process?" He said quietly. " We're not.... You and I... we don't have the kind of relationship where you get to feel upset." Jungkook stared at him.

"Only because we were robbed of the chance." He said softly. " Doesn't that bother you in the least, Taehyung? Because it bothers me. What what ifs and the if onlys.... They bother me. They keep me up at nights.

"I dream about it even though I don't want to. Everytime it's a different dream...a different place, a different time.... But one thing stays constant. " Jungkook swallowed. " You." He finished. " It's always you."

"So yes... I know I have no fucking right to feel upset but when I saw you look at him, and when I felt all that longing, yearning you had for him, inside my chest, it really fucking hurt, alright? " He gritted out. "But don't worry. I'll get over it. I just need you to leave."

Taehyung watched as the alpha turned on his heel, stalking over to the far end of the room, putting as much distance between them as possible. Taehyung was no stranger to small motel rooms. They were always cramped. But somehow the distance between them seemed insurmountable.

It felt a little like Jungkook had shut him out completely, and although for the longest time , Taehyung had been quite vocal about wanting exactly that, now it didn't feel good at all. Where he had expected relief, all he felt was distress.

What was supposed to feel right, just felt wrong. And he had no idea how to fix it. Jungkook's honesty, something he had demanded himself, suddenly felt like a double edged sword. And he could feel the sting of the blade pressing right against his heart as he replayed his words.

He breathed out shakily, before taking a few steps forward. Jungkook had his back to him, and the omega hesitated, before moving to sit on the edge of the bed, the mattress barely sinking in from how tentative his entire stance was.

"You know.... It didn't feel good to me either, seeing you with Mingyu." He said finally. " I was upset. Furious even. I wanted to kill you back then." He swallowed. " I felt betrayed too. Although we were strangers...I didn't like it. So I suppose you're right." He sighed.

"We can't always control how certain things make us feel." He hesitated. " How certain people make us feel." Jungkook breathed in at that. "I was never in love with Mingyu. " He said simply. " But you were in love with him. You still are. Aren't you?" Tae closed his eyes.

He took a deep breath before deciding to be honest. It was the right thing to do after all. "I don't know." He said shakily. " I... I don't know if I am. I don't know if I'm not either." Jungkook's hands curled into fists. "Right." He said gruffly. Taehyung bit his lips.

"I don't know what love is, Jungkook." He said shakily. " I've never had it in my life. Not in any form that mattered. I love Jimin yes... But I've never... " He breathed out.

" Seojoon came into my life when I was on the verge of giving up on it. He made me believe there was still good left in the world." He swallowed. " He's..." Nothing like you, he wanted to say but stopped himself. " He's very dear to me. In a way I don't think I can explain."

Jungkook turned around at that. "Why did you leave him then?" Taehyung hesitated. "I was afraid he would get hurt because of me." He said simply. " I had some clients... dangerous men. Seojoon wanted me to stop working and I... I was scared they would hurt him."

Jungkook stared at him. "So you didn't want to leave him.?" He said quietly. " You just felt like you had to. For his sake. If things were different you would want to be with-" he stopped. Tae didn't respond for a second. "I'm sorry, Jungkook." He whispered.

Jungkook breathed out at that. "No. Don't be." He said shakily. " It's nice that you found someone to take care of you. Someone who was better at it , than I was." He cleared his throat. " Don't apologise for wanting a better man than me."

"Jungkook..." "He helped you fix something that I broke." The alpha said shakily. " If anyone should be apologizing it's me." Taehyung could only stare at him, terrified of saying the wrong thing. Unsure if there even was a right thing to say.

Jungkook stared at him for a few seconds. He seemed to be considering things carefully. "It might be dangerous for him...here in Seoul. " He said carefully. " If he wants to leave the city... " He hesitated. " There's a place for him back in the pack. You should tell him that."

"I doubt he would agree. " He said quietly. " But I would be grateful if you made sure he stayed safe here. " Jungkook held his gaze for another second. He smiled hesitantly. "So, what was that like?" He whispered. " Loving someone and being loved back?"

Taehyung blinked , confused. "Because he clearly did love you. It's obvious in the way he looked at you. " He hesitated. " Like he would do anything to keep you safe. "

Taehyung hesitated before standing up. He took the few steps needed to close the distance between them. " You mean the way you would to keep me safe?" He said casually. " Because that's pretty obvious too."

Jungkook stared at him and Taehyung took a deep breath, before reaching out and fixing the alpha's shirt lapel, which had folded in on itself. He smoothed the fabric out a bit before gently flicking his chin. "Self pity looks awful on you, alpha Jeon. You need to fix that face."

"it's not a fucking competition," Taehyung said simply, " between you and Seojoon. He was there for me when I needed him. " He paused. " The same way you've been here for Jimin and I, when we needed you. You're both good men. Get that into your head."

Jungkook caught his wrist easily tugging him closer. "But if it was a competition.." he said with a smirk. " Say ...if we had to fight to the death to win your.. favor... " he grinned a little," Do you think he would win?" He shook his head. " He wouldn't stand a chance."

Taehyung stared at him for a second, before laughing out loud. "Welcome back, you cocky arrogant bastard." He muttered, breathing out. " And now... " He leaned closer. " Tell me what the fuck is Namjoon doing here ?"

"So we head back right away? " Namjoon asked curiously, watching as Jungkook packed his bags, brows furrowed in the way that told Joon that a hundred different things were running through his head at the moment. "Hmm?" Jungkook looked around and nodded. " Right."

Namjoon watched him grab his wallet and cleared his throat. "And what about Taehyung?" Jungkook didn't pause as he went back to the suitcase on the bed. "He's getting his clothes from the apartment and meeting an old friend. We'll pick him up on our way."

Namjoon hesitated another beat. "Did you really sleep with him?" He blurted out finally, curiosity getting the better of him. That made the alpha pause. "Look at me , Namjoon." He said drily. " If I got laid would I be this fucking tense?" Namjoon laughed at that.

"So you guys didn't...." "No." Jungkook said shortly. " Turns out, Taehyung has his heart set on someone else." He zipped the suitcase shut. " A cop here in Seoul. Which by the way.... We might be taking the guy back home. Hey....Did Minho call me back?" He asked casually.

Namjoon stared at him in shock. "Wait... What?" He gawked at him. "Minho..." Jungkook said casually. " I called him earlier but he didn't pick up. I'm asking you if he-" "Jungkook what the fuck... Cop? Who the fuck are you talking about?" Jungkook sighed at that.

He ran his fingertips over his temple, trying to curb the throbbing ache right under the skin. It didn't really help. "I know. But Malek thinks the guy is probably going to be in danger if he sticks around here. And like I said.. he's... Important to Taehyung."

"So we just take a stranger back to the pack? Jungkook there's protocols for things like this and we literally just heightened security across the perimeter and the council-" "I know alright?!" Jungkook shouted, eyes flashing red for a second. " But what the fuck else can I do?"

"Tell Tae that I'm going to leave his fucking boyfriend here to get killed ?! " He took a deep breath. " Because that's not happening. He..." He closed his eyes. " all these days ...He's never asked me for a single fucking thing Namjoon. But he asked me for this. I can't say no."

Namjoon stared at him for a few seconds before nodding. "Alright. You're the alpha." He held his hands up. " What you say goes." Jungkook swallowed. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to lash out. " He sighed. " It's been a difficult few days." He closed his eyes.

For some reason his mind offered him a flash of a memory. A dream he should have forgotten but hadn't been able to. Taehyung running his fingers through his hair and telling him he deserved to rest. He growled, hating his mind and the bond that thrummed between them.

“You can rest when you’re dead.” He muttered under his breath, shaking his head . His phone rang on cue and he grabbed it, almost relieved to see Minho’s name on it. He had to stay focused on things that actually mattered. It was the only way he could get through this.

Taehyung knocked on the door to the tiny apartment and held his breath. He wasn’t sure why he felt so nervous. Seojoon had always brought that part of him out. Maybe it was because the alpha had seen him at his weakest.

His mind and body often went back to that night, whenever he thought of him. It was almost involuntary at this point. Across the hallway, Malek stook leaning against the wall. He gave the omega a thumbs up and a small smile.

The door clicked open and Taehyung felt his breath catch as he stared. Seojoon stood in front of him, hair ruffled and eyes barely open, a small frown on his face. Taehyung stared at the glock in his hand.

“Tae?” Seojoon looked genuinely stunned as he clicked the safety in his gun back into place. “ What are you doing here?” he stepped aside, already motioning him and Taehyung stepped into the apartment.

It was the same one he had lived in , three years ago and almost nothing had changed. He stared around for a second before finally looking at the alpha. “Seojoon hyung..” he said softly. “ I’m going back to the Jeon pack.” he bit his lips. Seojoon sighed at that.

“Can’t say I didn’t see that coming. Well, if you came here to say goodbye-” “I want you to come with me.” Seojoon stared at him , eyes wide. "What?" he blinked. " You're not serious." "Seoul isn't safe anymore. You could be in danger here. Jungkook agrees that-"

“So this is his idea then?” Seojoon said quietly. Taehyung shook his head. “No. He doesn’t know. I didn’t tell him anything except that you’re… That your safety is important to me.” he said quietly. Seojoon stared at him for a few seconds.

“You’re doing this because you know I’d never say no to you.” he said quietly. “The questions you asked were always inconsequential. Whatever you asked, I said yes. Pretty bold of you to assume I haven’t changed since then.” “Have you?” Taehyung smiled a little.

“Not really. Old habits die hard. Especially the ones you were madly in love with.” Taehyung glanced down at that, cheeks heating up just a bit. “I forgot what a shameless sweet talked you used to be.”

“It was your least favorite trait of mine wasn’t it?” Seojoon grinned. “ You hated it when I laid on the charm.” he winked. Taehyung tilted his head at that. “Really?” He considered the words. “ Why do you think that?” Seojoon shrugged.

“I had a theory about it. I wasn’t sure if it was right though.” He paused. “A theory?” “Yes.” “I’m all ears.” “I think you hated it because it made you smile. And you weren’t really ready to smile back then.” Taehyung felt his heart squeeze a little.

“Maybe. I thought I didn’t deserve to.” he whispered. “ But that didn’t stop you from trying anyway.” “I was a fool in love.” Seojoon paused. “ Still am apparently, because I am actually considering your offer…” he grimaced. " well that and I think I'm being followed."

“Followed?” Taehyung frowned. “ What do you mean?” There was a small shuffle of footsteps behind them and Malek appeared in the doorway.

“Three men have been following Mr. Park since yesterday. They’re parked in an alleyway across from here and are either here to keep an eye on him or …” he hesitated. “ Well, possibly get rid of him for good.” Seojoon gave Malek a dry smile.

“And you’re here to make sure I’m safe.” he  shook his head in disbelief. “ You have a dozen cases against you yourself. I’ve fished out bodies from the Han that I know for a fact you put in there….” Malek merely smiled.

“Yes , I’m here to make sure you’re safe. And You’re welcome.”

Malek turned to look at Taehyung, a serious look on his face. “We’re running out of time. Alpha Jeon was quite insistent that we reach the outskirts of the city before daybreak.” He turned to Seojoon.

“ You don’t have any family left do you? Its just you. So pack whatever you can’t do without and we will leave at once. ” Seojoon gave Taehyung another look before disappearing into one of the inner rooms. The silence that followed was awkward to say the least.

“So…. A fool in love.” Malek said casually. “Shut up.” Taehyung groaned. “I’m just saying, he’s not special. Most men are fools in love. If Jungkook were to fall in love with you, he would be a bigger fool than this one, I think.” Taehyung glared at him.

“Now you’re just being annoying. That would never happen because he isn’t an idiot. ” Malek shrugged. “Agree to disagree.” Taehyung groaned. “Alright fine. Yes, he’s a bit of an idiot but not in this way. And even if he did , he would never act on it.” He said firmly.

“Why do you say that?” “Because he said it himself. That he wouldn’t wish that fate on the worst of his enemies, let alone himself.” Taehyung said firmly, still a little annoyed at the memory. " He said I wasn't his type at all." Malek chuckled at that.

“He also stood in front of a crowd and vowed to protect and love Mingyu. I watched him sink a five inch dagger into the man's heart just a few weeks ago so whatever alpha Jeon tells you, I would take it with a grain of salt.” Malek grinned.

The small shelter on the side of the road, clearly an abandoned bus bay of some sort, was eerily desolate in the early hours of the morning. Taehyung stood wrapped in one of Seojoon's Jackets, still shaking a little from the cold. Malek stood a few feet off, smoking.

"So, this is it? We just get to go back there? No questions asked?" Seojoon asked cautiously, reaching for the collar of Taehyung's borrowed jacket, tugging the lapel together and buttoning it up for him. Taehyung glanced at Malek who was on the phone. "That's what he says."

Seojoon took a deep breath. "You know, the worse thing about this entire fiasco?" he said with a sigh, shaking his head. " No matter how much I hate Jungkook for the way he does stuff, I can't deny the fact that he's the reason I've managed to survive this long."

Taehyung paused at that. "What do you mean?" Seojoon traced patterns on the dirt rood with the heel of his shoes. "Jungkook signed an MOU with Seoul's administrative Wing. You know the Jeon pack is the largest exporter of fresh produce ,

Not to mention the dozens of Manufactories they run inside their borders. He wanted the administration to hire and train kids who were 18 or younger and homeless, packless for whatever reason. Remember how I told you about the recruitment drive I got selected in...

I didn't find out till a few months ago that Jungkook was the one behind it." Seojoon sighed. " I guess he's been trying to change things in his own way. Getting rid of a lot of archaic rules and laws. Fixing stuff in whatever way he can. Its hard to hate the guy."

Taehyung swallowed a bit at that. "I guess." he said hesitantly." But still you can just... not like a person right? I mean... I don't hate him. At least not any more. I just don't think I ....like him very much." he shrugged. Seojoon smiled a little at that.

"Now now.... Is that any way to talk about your mate..." he said teasingly and Taehyung grimaced. "Don't." He said firmly. " Like that means a damn thing. You and I both know all that mate stuff is just bullshit. If it was true, yours would have been by your side now."

Seojoon groaned at that. "Fair enough. I don't even know if I have one. Did you know that was a thing? Some people just don't have mates. Its pretty rare but its known to happen." Taehyung considered that. "Maybe that's what it was like for Jungkook's husband."

"Oh yeah... he's missing right? Did they get any news about him?" Taehyung went completely still at that. He stared at the other alpha for a second, willing himself not to give it away in his expression. "Um... no but... Jungkook thinks he's...."

"..... resting quite comfortably, at the moment." Malek interjected smoothly. " Alpha Jeon trusts his husband completely and he's sure that he probably merely needed some space. Right, Taehyung ssi?" Taehyung felt a little ill. He looked away quickly, nodding awkwardly.

"Wouldn't blame him." Seojoon chuckled. " The guy's a bit of a straight shooting alpha isn't he? " He laughed. " Straight to the point and almost a cut throat when it comes to things." Malek smiled wide at that. "Cut throat." he nodded. " Exactly how Mingyu would describe him."

Taehyung glared at the man , resisting the urge to stomp on his toes. Malek looked supremely entertained, eyes twinkling and a small smirk dancing right around his lips. "Where are these people? I'm freezing..." He said furiously, staring down the road for the hundredth time.

As if on cue , a dull revving of an engine sounded from a little afar, and Malek groaned ne to him. "Good God, thirteen years of begging and she finally decides to be on time , tonight?" he muttered under his breath. Taehyung frowned, glancing down the road again.

He felt his eyes go a little wide as a Harley turned the corner, a svelte figure, clad in all black perched over it, speeding down towards them. He jumped back as the motor cycle came skidding down to a stop right in front of them, less than a feet away.

He watched as the rider, tugged their helmet away, eyes going a bit wide as a curtain of raven black locks came undone, falling straight down to the woman's legs. He had to stare, because she was drop dead gorgeous, ruby red lips pursed in a pouty frown. "Good morning, husband."

"Darling, I was about to call...." Malek began but the woman held her hand up. "Save it for someone who cares. By the way , how do you like my new set of wheels." she tapped the bike. " It cost a fortune but I think I deserve it for putting up with you. Right?"

Malek didn't respond, merely smiling a little and turning to them with a wave in her direction. "Please meet my wife, So Hee." He turned back to her. " These are friends of mine. Seojoon and Taehyung." She gave Tae a once over. "Very beautiful. Very much my type.Are you single?"

"No." Malek said softly. " In fact he's actually Alpha Jeon's mate and you know how he gets. So unless you want me to fish you out of the Han, stop hitting on him." He said with a smile, although his gaze was fixed on Seojoon.

Seojoon seemed completely oblivious to the veiled threat however and So Hee merely grunted. "You're no fun." She rolled her eyes. " Also, why did you want me to pick you up here in the middle of the night." "It's almost six in the morning." Malek said drily.

( I need to go now ... Be back tomorrow with a longer update I promise. Meanwhile brace yourself for the most awkward, passive aggressive, immature road trip of the century )

Before So Hee could respond, the sound of an approaching car made all of them glance up. Taehyung watched as the jet black vehicle drew closer, and he hesitated. Seojoon was moving next to him, reaching for his suitcase, while Malek grabbed Taehyung’s bag.

As the car came to a halt right in front of them, Taehyung felt an odd sense of relief flooding his body. It was hard to admit to himself, let alone out loud, but he had been a little worried that Jungkook was running late.

The sight of the alpha on the passenger seat up front, made him sigh, and almost unconsciously, he reached up for the lapels of his jacket, tugging it off himself in a second , pressing it back into Seojoon’s arms. The alpha looked surprised by the gesture and Taehyung shrugged.

“The inside of the car is heated. I don’t need the jacket” He explained quickly. Seojoon nodded while Malek gave him a sly grin. “Look at you being considerate of your favorite man child.” he teased and Taehyung glared at him again.

“I was going to tell you, I would miss you… But you know what I won’t miss? This snark.” he said quietly. They watched as Jungkook got out of the car, closing the door behind him before walking up to Taehyung.

The omega stayed still while the alpha frowned, hand coming up to tap his nose. “Why do you look like rudolph the red nosed reindeer?” he muttered under his breath , before reaching for the scarf wrapped around his own neck.

Taehyung watched as he unwound it, before reaching over and wrapping it around Tae’s neck a few times, till his face was almost buried in the alpha’s scent. Seojoon who was helping Namjoon load the bags into the boot space at the back, gave Taehyung a look. The omega groaned.

“Well, I wouldn’t be cold if you could have been bothered enough to be on time.” He snapped, before brushing past the alpha and making his way to Malek instead, surprising the alpha by giving him an awkwardly gruff hug.

“Take care of yourself.” Malek said kindly. “ Till we meet again.” Taehyung nodded before turning to So Hee , who had her eyes glued to Jungkook’s butt. He cleared his throat and she glanced at him. "Ah, yes. We didn't get a chance to properly know each other, but yes.

If you and Jungkook ever feel the need to include another couple in your bedroom, Malek and I..." "That's enough of that..." Malek cut her off with a palm over her mouth, bowing to Jungkook. " Apologies, alpha Jeon." Jungkook chuckled at that.

"No offence taken Malek. Always a pleasure , So Hee." He leaned over and kissed the girl over her cheek. So Hee sighed dreamily before shaking her head and glancing back and forth between Taehyung and Jungkook.

“There should be some rule against two people that hot being together,” she muttered under her breath to her husband. “ Like seriously.” “We’re not together.” Both Jungkook and Taehyung said at the exact same time.

Malek looked amused before bowing to Jungkook again. "When all of this ends, we will have a drink together, Alpha Jeon , you and I. The most expensive one in my collection. The one you've been eyeing for years. " He winked. Jungkook chuckled. "I'll hold you to that."

Taehyung stood by the door , watching Jungkook give Malek a half hug of sorts. The older alpha moving away to get behind his wife on her motorcycle. So Hee revved the engine playfully as he was climbing on , nearly throwing him off and the alpha swore. "So Hee I swear to God..."

Jungkook grinned as the pair rode away, before reaching out and holding the door open for Taehyung. As the omega crossed by him, Jungkook leaned in, sniffing suspiciously. "Why do you smell like someone else?" Taehyung glared at him. "Because I fuck people for a living."

Seojoon and Namjoon laughed and Jungkook held his hand up. "Talking to you...it's like trying to brush a great white shark's teeth." He muttered. " Fine, just get in. " Taehyung did but before Jungkook could get in after him, Seojoon had climbed in from the other side.

Namjoon cleared his throat. "It would probably be better if you rode up front with me , Jungkook. Especially when we enter the pack borders." Jungkook was staring at Seojoon, who had settled next to Taehyung with ease, smiling softly as he pressed up against him.

Taehyung didn't flinch away the way he did with Jungkook. Instead the omega seemed to almost lean into him, smiling back as they asked each other if they were comfortable enough. Jungkook felt his hackles rise when Seojoon's hand went up to the scarf around Tae's neck...

But the alpha didn't try to take it off. Instead, he merely fixed the fabric so it wasn't too tight. Jungkook felt something wilt inside him at the sight of it. He felt oddly proprietary with Taehyung, but it was obvious Seojoon didn't feel that way at all.

To Seojoon, all that mattered was Taehyung stay comfortable. He felt his mouth go a little dry at the realisation, not sure what to feel. Tae looked happier with Seojoon, some part of his mind whispered inside him and he couldn't help but feel a little nauseous at the thought.

"Jungkook?" Namjoon prompted, shaking him out of his thoughts. "Oh...Yeah... I'll be right there." He muttered, closing the door careful before moving to the front of the car. He heard a soft chuckle from Tae as he buckled his seatbelt in, laughing at something Seojoon had said.

Namjoon reached out and gently squeezed his wrist. "You okay?" The alpha asked gently and Jungkook managed a weak smile. "Does it even matter if I am?" He said tiredly. " Let's just go."

Although it wasn't a very long drive, the highway was teeming with large trucks, carrying goods from different packs , to and from Seoul. There were so many patrol points and checks that Taehyung lost count of them. And it was clear that Namjoon was getting exhausted.

"I can take over for a while," Seojoon offered, when the alpha had to pull over just to splash his face with a little water, fighting exhaustion and sleep. Taehyung knew Jungkook couldn't drive because his shoulder still stung from earlier. "Can you?" Namjoon looked relieved.

Tae stayed still as Seojoon moved to the driver's side, fully expecting Namjoon to take his place. But Jungkook climbed out instead , moving to the back seat . The omega stared at him and he groaned. "Namjoon has motion sickness alright? No need to look at me like that."

Taehyung bristled a bit at that. "I wasn't looking at you in any way." He snapped, crossing his arms and looking away. Jungkook stared at him for a few seconds. And then he cleared his throat. "Which pack are you originally from, Seojoon ssi? " He asked casually.

Tae went completely still next to him. He turned to glare at Jungkook. "Why are you asking him that?!" He demanded and Jungkook frowned. "Because I'm taking him into my fucking territory." He growled. "It's a simple question... there's no need to-" "It's okay, alpha Jeon."

Seojoon said quickly. He seemed to hesitate for just a while. "I was born in your pack actually. My father passed when I was five years old. It was just my mother and me. When I was 15... We were sent out of the pack by the council. " He paused. " My mother died 6 months later."

There was a ringing silence that followed. Jungkook sighed deeply and Namjoon groaned. "Those bastards were ruthless back then." He muttered. " I swear to God I want to wrong their fucking necks." Jungkook stayed quiet for a second. "How did you meet Taehyung?" He asked.

"Jungkook...." Namjoon said warningly and the alpha swallowed. "Alright. We need to have proper documentation to get you into the pack borders. If there's a record of you being sent away, might be hard getting you back in. How do you feel about identity theft?"

Seojoon frowned at that. "How do I feel about - what?" He asked in confusion. Jungkook hummed before reaching into a small satchel on the side of the door. He pulled a few laminated cards out. Taehyung stared at them. Forged identification cards he realised.

"Do you have a picture of yourself in your wallet or something?" The alpha asked casually. Seojoon nodded hesitantly. "Yes but why..." "Hand it over.." Taehyung watched as Jungkook got to work, carefully forging a new identification card for the alpha. He could only stare.

"What exactly are you doing right now?" The omega whispered, eyes wide as he watched jungkook use a switch blade to carefully remove the outer laminate. "Baking muffins." Jungkook said drily before giving him a look. " What does it look like I'm doing?"

Taehyung glared at him. "You're forging documents to enter your own territory. Does that not seem insane to you? You're supposed to be the one stopping people from doing stuff like this.." And you're supposed to be mine, Jungkook thought petulantly, staying quiet.

"It's not easy getting into the Jeon pack... especially through the northern borders." Namjoon explained carefully." We've tightened security and we don't really want anyone raising suspicions. So we need to get him in without anyone noticing. Since Jungkook is with us...

"...chances are they aren't going to pay too much attention. The identity cards are just a back up. I doubt the patrolmen are going to ask too many questions once they see Jungkook." Taehyung stayed quiet, watching the alpha work quietly. "Is that true? " He swallowed.

Jungkook paused , glancing up at him. "What?" " Bringing Seojoon here... Does that make things more difficult for you?" Jungkook sighed a bit at that. "Does it matter? You wanted him here. He's here. That's it." Taehyung bit his lips. "He's important to me."

Jungkook glanced away. "Yes. You mentioned that. More than once." He muttered under his breath. " I understand." "Let me finish..." Taehyung sighed. " He's important to me but not so important that I would risk bringing harm to you.... It's not going to harm you right?"

His voice was low, barely a whisper. Seojoon wouldn't be able to hear him at all. Jungkook smiled a little, glancing up at Taehyung's face and letting his gaze dance over his features. "You look more worried for me than you did for him..." He grinned. " That makes me happy."

Taehyung groaned. "I told you it's not a competition." "And I told you, if it was... I would prefer winning."

"That's exactly how you end up losing." Taehyung retorted. Jungkook grinned but didn't respond. After a beat of silence, Taehyung took a deep breath, before reaching out and touching the sleeve of his jacket. "You can't get hurt, Jungkook. You know that right?"

Jungkook hummed at that. "Actually I can. I have plenty of scars scattered all over my body that are proof that I can in fact get hurt." He winked. Taehyung didn't smile. "I'm serious. Nothing is worth losing your life over. Not even your pack. I need you to know that."

Jungkook reached for a tiny case in his satchel and Taehyung watched as he finished using hotglue to fix the edges of the card again. "Everyone gets to choose what they would die for." He said casually. " And I've already chosen mine. You can't change that."

Taehyung stared at him. "Jungkook..." "We're different people." The alpha said softly. " You and I.... " He sighed. " Maybe in a different world..." He shook his head. " Well, it doesn't matter either way. Because this is the world we're stuck in. " He chuckled.

Taehyung breathed out. "Can I ask you for something?" He said quietly. Jungkook hesitated. "If this is about Seojoon -" "It's not. It's about you." Jungkook stared at him. "Alright, what is it?"

"Will you promise me that if there's a situation where you're in a lot of danger , you'll use that ridiculously smart, but inherently annoying brain of yours... To try and survive whatever is coming." Jungkook stared at him. "Why?" He said softly. Taehyung blinked. "What?"

"Why is it so important to you that I stay alive?"

" Because powerful people like you are the only ones who can make the world a better place for the helpless ones ." He said softly. " You should respect your life because it's not just yours. It also belongs to the people you're meant to protect. People like me."

Jungkook stayed perfectly still, the words sinking in slowly. Against his own will, they made him pause. He had never given much thought to his power. It was just something he had been given. Something he tried to do justice to. He had never considered it a responsibility.

"So you're saying.." he said carefully, tone a little teasing because he knew that would piss Taehyung off, " that the big strong powerful alpha should stick around to protect his sweet, gentle omega?" He grinned. Taehyung groaned, turning away in disgust.

Laughing Jungkook reached for him, wrapping an arm around his shoulder and tugging him closer. "Alright alright..." He said with a small smile. " If I'm in mortal danger, I'll make an effort..." He paused," to come back to you." "That's not what I -"

Jungkook pressed a finger to his lips, shushing him gently. "For once just stay quiet and don't ruin this for me." He muttered. Taehyung blinked for a second and then relaxed, sinking into his side. The scarf was warm around his neck. But Jungkook somehow was warmer.

( be back tomorrow)

Namjoon was right about Jungkook's presence in the car giving them a bit more of a leeway when it came to passing through the borders. None of them were asked for any kind of identification, and the patrolmen stood in a line, bowing respectfully. Taehyung could only stare.

Jungkook had always treated him as an equal , he realized then. He had completely forgotten just how powerful he actually was. The head alpha of the biggest pack in the country. Clearly revered by every wolf in his pack. Someone they looked up to, and admired.

Also, someone currently snoring gently, while a little bit of his drool soaked the front of Taehyung's shirt. Taehyung had tried to bear through the weight of the man on him, for the better part of the hour but now his arms were numb. He elbowed him sharply. " Get up."

When Jungkook didn't budge, Taehyung felt a little bit of pettiness seep into his skin. He leaned closer, and lightly flicked the man, right on his nose. Jungkook startled awake, eyes wide and hands flailing just a bit. "Wha-" he groaned, groggy. " Did you just flick my nose?"

Taehyung gave him a beatific smile. "I have no idea what you mean. But since you're awake. We're already here. "

Jungkook sat up straighter at that, and Taehyung watched as he fixed himself very quickly, straightening his shirt and running a hand through his hair. He also arranged his face into something somber and Taehyung frowned. "What are you doing?" He whispered.

But he was already climbing out of the car, holding the door open for Taehyung to get out as well. Taehyung saw three men waiting on the curb, along with the young Shaman from earlier. Hoseok looked at him and smiled wide.

"Ah you're back. " He nodded, smug. " Sometimes the pull is too strong is it not, omega?"

Taehyung felt annoyance build at the words. He hated the man. Truly. "Who are these strangers? " One of the other men demanded, eyes narrowed on Taehyung and Seojoon. "They're guests." Jungkook said shortly. " Where are the rest of the council elders? I need to meet with them."

He turned to Namjoon. "Make sure Seojoon is well settled in the pack house. " He turned to Taehyung. " And take Taehyung to Jimin. "

Tae felt something jump inside his chest at the words and against his will his hand shot out, gripping the alpha's hand before he could stop himself. Jungkook stiffened at once and Taehyung felt everyone's gaze shift to him, eyes fixed where his fingers curled around Jungkook's.

He pulled back at once, something sick twisting in his stomach as he took a step back, clearing his throat. "Where are you..." He said hesitantly, stopping when he saw the look on Jungkook's face. It was blank, almost hostile as he looked at him. Taehyung felt his skin go cold.

Next to him , Namjoon cleared his throat. "This way Taehyung... Jimin's really been looking forward to meeting you." He said gently, hands curling around his arm, tugging him around. Taehyung took one last look at Jungkook but the alpha had already turned away.

They rode down to the farmhouse in silence. Taehyung kept his gaze out of the window, while Namjoon stared right ahead. "He missed you a lot." The alpha said carefully. " I know you guys spoke everyday but... " He trailed off. Taehyung didn't respond.

After another beat of silence he turned the music on. Something low and soft came on, the singer's sultry voice crowning about a love that was wrong, something forbidden and ultimately unhealthy in every way. Tae clenched his fists. "Shouldn't he be meeting his son first?"

Namjoon chuckled lightly. "Shouldn't you be a little less judgmental of him, considering everything you've seen of him so far?" He responded. " And to answer your question, yes. He should be. And he will. Juwon is there at the pack house which is where Jungkook will be going."

Taehyung linked his hands together at that , fingers twisting as he tried to quell his pulse a bit. The feeling of unrest merely grew stronger and he tried to suppress it but he couldn't. "You're upset." Namjoon said with a frown. " It's in your scent. Why?"

I don't know, Taehyung thought miserably. "It's nothing." He said curtly, looking away again. He breathed out carefully, trying to get his head on straight. "Does the bond tell you you should be with him?" Namjoon said hesitantly. Taehyung froze. "What?"

"I know what that's like." The alpha said with a sigh. When your instincts go against your heart. And your heart goes against your mind. " He hesitated. " It's not a fun feeling. But you can't be with him now." He paused again. " It's not safe."

Taehyung felt a sick feeling of foreboding inside his chest, like something trapped in the depths of his chest, a ball of fear and apprehension, a noose around his neck that made breathing difficult. It took him a second to realise that it wasn't him. It was the bond.

Jungkook's emotions were always so muted, so impossible to read. Taehyung had tried turning into them sometimes but the alpha had a vice like grip on them, keeping them under control with ease. The fact that he could feel them now, meant they were too strong to be contained.

"Is Jungkook going to be alright?" He blurted out, trying to get his pulse down to a normal level... Taking deep breaths. Namjoon glanced at him through the rearview mirror. "Why do you ask that?" He asked casually. He's frightened, Tae thought. And I'm frightened for him.

"He's going to be fine. He's meeting the council of elders. A few things needed to be hashed out. About Mingyu and everything else. We weren't going to go into it right away but the elders wanted it done today." "Why?" Taehyung frowned. " Why the rush?" Namjoon shrugged.

"I don't know. Only the alpha and his mate get to sit in at these meetings." He sighed. " And of course the five elders. You saw three of them earlier. " Taehyung nodded absently, mind already racing. "He's not going to get hurt, right?" Namjoon didn't respond.

The silence felt eternal. "Why aren't you responding?" He demanded. " Wait why are you stopping the car?" Namjoon took a deep breath. "You're very distressed right now. I can feel it. It's coming off you in waves and I'm sorry... You can't be that way with Jimin."

Taehyung wilted at once. He knew Namjoon was right. Jimin would pick up on it at once. And it would be bad for him. And the pup. "Can I go back?" Taehyung whispered. " To Jungkook?" Namjoon turned to look at him. "Back to the pack house? Now? Really?"

I just need to see him, Taehyung told himself firmly. And maybe knock him on the head bit for scaring me. Just let me see him and know he's alright. "Would that be alright?" Namjoon hesitated. "I can call him and see. No one's going to hurt him inside the pack, Tae."

" Nobody in the Jeon pack would hurt their own.." "if there's one thing I know about this fucking pack, it's that they hurt their own, all the damn time." The omega retorted," Now turn the damned car around."

Taehyung wasn't entirely sure what he expected when they drove up to the large manor-like pack house, but it certainly wasn't the sight of Jungkook on the lawn, talking to Juwon, arms around his son. Seojoon stood by , watching. He felt all of a sudden quite foolish.

Jungkook glanced up at the sight of them. He leaned down to whisper something into Juwon's ear and a second later the child took off at a run, making a beeline for Tae and throwing his arms around him in a hug. Tae was too stunned to respond. "Thank you for saving my dad."

Taehyung glanced up at Jungkook who gave him a smile and a shrug. "Juwon heard the story about how your hunch that I was hurt was the reason they found me on time... You know..when I got..." Jungkook made a stabbing motion with his hand. Taehyung sighed a bit.

He patted the boy on the head awkwardly and Juwon pulled back to smile at him before running back to Jungkook's side. "Take him home." Jungkook said quietly, motioning to Namjoon who nodded and went towards Juwon. Taehyung watched the pair walk away before turning to Jungkook.

"We need to talk." He said sharply and Jungkook winced. "Sounds serious." He chuckled. " Can it wait till I get Seojoon here to his room. Which, by the way.... We only have the one spare room at the moment. Would the pair of you be okay, spending the night together?"

Taehyung was pretty sure his jaw had hit the tarmac under his foot. "You... What?!" He exclaimed. "What?" Jungkook glanced between them."You guys lived together for nine months didn't you? It's one night. I'm sure something will clear up tomorrow. It's pretty late you know."

"Let me get this straight... You want me to spend the night in the same room as Seojoon?" He demanded, eyes narrowed. " Really?" Jungkook turned to Seojoon. "Buddy, if I were you, I'd be a little offended right now by the look on his face." He said softly.

Seojoon chuckled good-naturedly. "If it makes you uncomfortable, I would gladly sleep on the couch or the floor." He said brightly. "Of course he doesn't make me uncomfortable, alpha Jeon .." Taehyung snapped glaring at Jungkook." He isn't you. "

"well that's settled then..." Jungkook said briskly before turning around and waving to one of the men standing close by. Taehyung watched as the men came over, grabbing their bags for them. " Seojoon why don't you head on up . I'll bring Taehyung over to you in a minute."

Taehyung waited till the other alpha was out of ear shot before grabbing Jungkook by the arm, nails digging into his skin with enough ferocity to make the alpha wince. "Fuck, you little hellcat, let go of me!" The alpha hissed, trying to pull away but Taehyung growled.

"Not until you tell me what the fuck you're upto..." He hissed. " Just ten minutes ago you were terrified out of your mind. I could sense it...and now you're here acting like you're sending me off to my wedding night with Seojoon. What the fuck is wrong with you?"

Jungkook glared back at him. "I was just making space for you to rest with someone you trust. You arrived at the whole wedding night thing on your own. " He grunted. " Stop projecting your fucking fantasies onto me." "Bullshit. So what were you so terrified of?"

Taehyung demanded and Jungkook stared at him. "A bug." He said simply. Taehyung stared at him. "What?" "I saw a bug earlier. On the grass. It almost claimed on top of me. I got really scared. " He said evenly. "You were almost petrified by a bug?" "It was a pretty big one."

Taehyung let his hand fall away from the alpha. "You know, you act all fucking cocky and arrogant with me but I know you care about how you make me feel." He whispered. " So I'm telling you now. You're making me feel pretty awful, Jungkook." Jungkook swallowed at that.

"How so?" He said casually although his voice shook a little. "By not trusting me." He whispered. Jungkook looked away at that. He didn't respond and Taehyung sighed. "Tell me what's going on.." he said quietly. " Please I don't know if I can help but I can listen."

Jungkook stared at him for a few seconds and then he reached out, cupping Taehyung's face with both hands and tugging him forward, pressing a firm kiss right on his lips. Taehyung's eyes went wide but before he could process what had just happened, Jungkook pulled away.

"do you trust me?" He asked shakily. " And be honest. " He swallowed. " Please." Taehyung groaned. "Yes." He said sharply. " Yes I do... So please.." "Then go to him. Seojoon. Go to him and don't leave his side. Do that for me." Taehyung stared at him. "Jungkook.."

"Alpha Jeon..." A voice said right behind them. " The council is waiting for you. They've gathered at elder Hwang's place , on the northern border. We need to leave right away." Jungkook nodded at that. "Of course. " He turned to Taehyung. " I need to go."

Jungkook stared at him for another second. "God... This sucks..." He muttered before reaching for him again, this time pulling him into a hug, so tight Taehyung could barely breathe. " In case I don't get to say this later... I'm sorry. For everything."

He pulled back. "Also you're right. I'm nothing like Seojoon...." He grinned. " For one, I would never sleep on the floor if the other option was sharing a bed with you. He's a dumbass." Before Taehyung could reply Jungkook turned on his heel walking away.

( be back tomorrow )

Jungkook kept his stance as relaxed as he possibly could, glancing around the pathways nonetheless, just to be sure. Namjoon would be there at the entrance to the drive way he knew, and the council elder walking next to him had been one of his father's trusted men.

"How are we getting to Elder Hwang's home, elder Hwasa?" he asked casually, glancing at the man next to him. The stoic, empty look on the man's face would fool no one. Jungkook could feel the anxiety radiating off the man in waves. Which was why , one of the first things

he had asked Hoseok to teach him was how to mask his emotions completely. He had learned to do it so well, he barely knew what he was feeling himself. "We'll be taking two cars, Sire." The elder said carefully. "Elder Tsuke and Elder Suho will be in the other car."

Jungkook didn't respond, hand moving involuntarily to his waist, where the leather scabbard of his dagger dug a bit into his skin. He gave Hwasa a look. "You look a little tense. Is everything alright?" The man went stiff at that. "Of course it is..." He laughed nervously.

The driveway came into view, and Jungkook saw the two SUVs , almost identical to look at, parked right in front of the entrance. Namjoon stood leaning against the cars, smiling at him. Jungkook gave him a meaningful look and the alpha nodded gently. "I'll be riding with you."

Namjoon said briskly. " Elder Suho and Tsuke will be here too. Juwon is in bed. Yoongi is with him." "That's good." Jungkook hesitated. " Did you kiss him goodnight for me?" Namjoon gave him a small smile. "Yes." "And the others... Taehyung and..." Jungkook hesitated.

"... Seojoon..." Hwasa said almost absently, as he moved to one of the cars, opening the door and climbing in with ease. Jungkook stared at the man in amused disbelief. Brid droppings for brains, he thought , shaking his head. " Ah yes... They're settled in too.?"

Namjoon stepped closer, till only Jungkook could hear him. "Yes. And I heard you kissed him goodnight too." He muttered under his breath. Jungkook rolled his eyes. "He enjoyed it, don't worry. Also.. did you notice..." "Hwasa recognized Seojoon...yes. He knows him."

Jungkook sighed. "We need to get smarter enemies." he said softly. " This is almost too easy." Namjoon shook his head before turning away.

Jungkook paused in front of the car. " This is the one you want me to get into?" He called briskly and Elder hwasa, settled into the leather seats, nodded frantically. "Yes , Sire. Please..." he beckoned him closer. Jungkook nodded, before climbing in and closing the door.

Up ahead, he saw the other two elders step out for the pack house, heads together as they talked in whispers. He watched them step closer to the car up front and pause, before glancing right at him through the windshields. He watched as they made their way over to him.

Tsuke paused in front of the window. "Alpha Jeon, are you comfortable?" The man asked carefully. " The other elders are at Elder Hwang's home already. We should be there in an hour at the most." Jungkook bowed his head at once. "I understand." he said casually.

He watched the drivers climb into the cars ahead of them, and then watched as Namjoon climbed into the passenger seat of their car, closing the door carefully behind him. "Should we leave then?" He asked cheerfully. Hwasa nodded quickly. A few minutes later they were on the way.

Jungkook kept his conversation with Namjoon casual as the cars wound their way through the steadily darkening roadways, into the more deserted parts of the pack. He didn't miss the way Hwasa's fingers twisted together on his lap. He reached out and placed a hand on his shoulder.

He squeezed gently, reassuring. "You seem quite worried. And I'm worried for you... Is your health alright, elder Hwasa?" The man was definitely a little green now. "Yes... Yes of course... alpha Jeon... I...." The car lurched forward, skidding for a second.

The driver brought the car to a halt. Up ahead of them , so did the SUV with the other two elders. Jungkook blinked. Oh, this he hadn't anticipated. "What's wrong...?" "Something blew the tyre out..." The driver said casually. "Let me take a look."

Jungkook watched as the man climbed out of the car . Except, instead of looking to the tyre, he took off at a run, making a beeline for the other SUV, parked a few dozen meters away. Namjoon growled but Jungkook stayed still, as Hwasa pulled out a small remote, eyes wild.

"Your tyranny ends tonight, alpha Jeon!" The man hissed, pressing himself up against the opposite door, thumb hovering over the small red button right on top. " You think you're God, choosing who lives and who dies... Well guess what... Your life is in my hand now.."

He smirked, holding the detonator up. "There's an explosive under the car..." Hwasa laughed out loud. " And this is the detonator. The moment I press down on this.... the car blows up... And you die..." Jungkook stared at the man in disbelief. "I see. But... so would you? Right?"

"yes." Hwasa said with conviction... " But I die for a good cause... I die to protect my people from the likes of you..." Namjoon sighed. "They really got you good with the brainwashing huh?" He muttered. Jungkook glared at the other alpha. "Elder Hwasa... Listen to me..."

"Neither of us has to die tonight. I don't think you're a bad man. Misguided, maybe. But definitely not a bad man. I don't want you to die. And I think, deep down... you don't want to either... The two men up there... They're the ones who deserve this fate. Not us."

Hwasa laughed out loud at that. "Such lies. Everything that comes out of your mouth is nothing but a lie. You come here and you question centuries of traditions and values. You bring changes that benefit you and no one else. You're a selfish arrogant man...."

"And you deserve death ." Hwasa finished, before bringing his thumb up and pressing down on the red detonator. Jungkook closed his eyes, gripping the seat next to him , bracing for the inevitable. Fucking hell, he thought. The force of the explosion rocking his world.

The knock on the door woke Taehyung up with a start. Except it wasn't a knock. It was a hammering of fists, right against the door, so fast his heart pounded tot he rhythm right away. Loud and jarring. He barely stumbled up but Seojoon was already at the door, gun cocked.

"Where did you get that?" he hissed, staring at the pistol. "Jungkook gave it to me before he left." Seojoon snapped, " Stay back." The alpha kicked the door open, revealing an ashen Yoongi with a trembling Jimin right next to him, Juwon in his arms. "Tae!" Jimin cried out.

"What....What ..." Taehyugn stared as Yoongi stepped in, locking the door behind him. "There was an explosion in one of the cars that left." Yoongi stuttered out. "The local men there think it was the one with Jungkook and Namjoon in it..." Taehyung felt a ringing in his ears.

He felt the bond throb to life inside him, and a flood of emotions bursting through. Relief, Relief, Relief. "No." he said softly, the emotions seeping into him as well. " No.... Its not him..." Yoongi stared at him. "What...." Taehyung breathed out, almost dizzy.

"I..." "It is..." Yoongi said sharply, his eyes narrowed to slits as he stared Taehyung down. " It was him." Taehyung blinked. "What .... but... I...." More men rushed in, before he could respond. "Is it true? About alpha Jeon?"' Yoongi bowed his head at that.

Seojoon's face had turned an ashen color. He went straight to Taehyung, who had both arms wrapped around a sobbing Jimin. The omega could only stare as Seojoon brushed his hair back. "Taehyung... I'm so sorry... I'm so very sorry..." And all he could think was....

But....he's still alive, you fucking idiots.

"See, if you'd listened to me for a second, this wouldn't have happened." Jungkook said softly, wincing as he felt he cut on his forehead sting a bit more. The impact had thrown him back against the rearmirror and had sent their own car spiralling a couple of times.

He had a feeling he'd dislocated his fucking shoulder. It definitely hung a little funny than before. But poor elder Hwasa had taken the major brunt of it, head going straight through the window, the glass shattering on impact into tiny slivers, now sunk in his face and one eye.

Joon was outside already, having limped his way over to the other car that was pretty much just cinder. The driver who had run out of their car had succumbed too, Jungkook could recognize the shoe on the ground next to the burning rubble, a part of the foot still attached to it.

" How.... How...." The ma kept repeating and Jungkook decided to take pity on him. "You guys didn't make it a secret that you wanted me in that particular car. I just had Namjoon switch the number plates and park them in opposite places." He said casually.

"Are we getting rid of him?" Namjoon asked casually, leaning against the dented door, and wincing as he gripped his thigh. " Fucking hell, I think I shattered my fucking knee, Kook." Jungkook hummed. "Did you call Malek?" He asked quietly. " Is he on the way?"

"Yes...." Namjoon said quietly. " He'll be here soon." Jungkook turned to look at Hwasa. "You know, you're lucky that I met someone who taught me that people are more useful alive than dead. Or I'd sink this dagger into your heart myself." he sighed.

"Where's the nearest settlement?" "Three miles from here. They probably heard the explosion... They're going to be here soon." he said quickly. "We leave before they get here." Jungkook said simply. "As far as the pack is concerned, alpha Jeon is dead. Alright?"

"Anything you say, alpha Jeon." Namjoon smirked and the alpha laughed. "I missed this." Jungkook grinned. "Dying?" Namjoon teased. Jungkook shook his head. "No.... Surviving against all odds." he winked.

"Taehyung you need to come with me..." Yoongi said briskly, "Seojoon you stay with Jimin and Juwon alright?" "What is going on?" Yoongi paused. "Jungkook is...." he gave him a pointed look. "Dead." Taehyung said blankly. " Yes. I understand that is what you all want to believe."

Yoongi barely managed to stifle the smile that threatened. "I know... its frustrating when you're tied to men who have zero regard for your mental health or their own physical health." he grimaced. " But being tied to someone like Jungkook comes with some responsibilities."

Taehyung frowned. "I am not tied to him." he snapped. Yoongi laughed out loud at that. And then he stopped when he looked at Taehyung's face. "Oh, wait... you're serious?" he blinked. " Jungkook didn't tell you?" Taehyung felt his heart drop a bit. "Tell me what?"

"He named you his mate in every official record of the pack." Yoongi said softly. " You get custody of his son and now that he isn't here....You will sit in for him at the council gathering." Tae felt lightheaded. "No.. I can't... How can he do that without my consent?"

"It does have your consent. You've signed here, haven't you?" Taehyung stared down at the paper. He recognized it. "He told me this was something I had to sign to get into the pack borders last night..." he hissed. Yoongi blinked. "Oh. Sorry about that,Tae."

"But also , word of advice when it come to alpha Jeon....Always read the fine print." he grinned. "You know I'm glad he's not dead." Tae said under his breath. "Because I'm going to kill him myself."

( anyone else looking forward to the next time taehyung sees Jungkook? :D ) be back in a while....

"I'm nervous." Taehyung said quietly, voice low and trembling just a bit as he sat in the car, eyes fixed on the floor as he tried to make sense of everything he had just heard. Yoongi had spent three hours trying to explain the ins and outs of how the Jeon pack was run..

But the truth of it was, Taehyung didn't understand a damn thing. Neither did he want to. All he felt was a deep boiling rage somewhere in the pit of his stomach, a feeling of helplessness that hadn't filled him in a long time. The last thing he wanted was to be associated

with the pack that had destroyed his life. But of course, that didn't really matter much to Jungkook or to any of the people around him. All that mattered was the fucking pack. "You don't have to do or say a thing. Just follow my lead. Everything will be fine."

They rode in silence, the car winding through the head alpha's pack estate, and Taehyung barely took in the grandeur of it. All of this belonged to Jungkook exclusively and now, because of that damned piece of paper, it would belong to him. It made him want to throw up .

He watched as the SUV pulled up in front of the largest building, the concrete awning over the lawn inscribed with words Taehyung could barely read, let alone understand. "Taehyung." Yoongi said quietly, " I know this isn't what you want, but trust me... you won't regret it."

"I already do." Tae muttered under his breath as he climbed out of the car. He blinked as one of the men outside stepped closer, flanking his side. He glanced at Yoongi who cleared his throat. "This is Elder Kilon... He will escort you in to where the rest of the council is."

"What about-" "I'll be right behind you." Yoongi said firmly. Taehyung breathed out, before letting the man take his arm. "I hope you're aware that Alpha Jeon's mate, Mingyu is on his way ." Kilon's voice was low and a little angry. " Your little charade will end soon enough."

What now? Taehyung blinked ahead, but stayed quiet. A pack full of lunatics, he thought in disdain and he was caught right in the middle of them. He could hear Yoongi right behind him, his footsteps sure. As they turned down a hallway, he saw Seokjin and Hoseok.

"As Namjoon's mate, Seokjin will stand in his place today." Kilon said firmly, voice stoic. " Come let us enter." The large bronze doors opened ad Taehyung felt himself being shuffled in, his eyes going wide as he saw the large, empty almost throne like seating up ahead.

Two smaller seats sat on either side. A large circular table made entirely of marble lay right ahead of it and Taehyung counted seven seats, six of them filled. "That seat belongs to the head alpha and his mate. Since Jungkook is no longer with us, it's yours." Yoongi said.

"Not so fast." One of the men stood up " Need we remind you that the head alpha can only take another mate in the event of his true mate's demise? We have received word that Mingyu is alive and well, and on his way here at this moment." he smiled.

"Is that so?" Yoongi said. "Yes... Which is why, considering the unique circumstances, the council will nullify the four votes rightfully due to Alpha Jeon and his mate. The remaining votes will be from Alpha Jeon's advisors, and the council members, only." He said firmly.

Tae tried to remember what Yoongi had said about how the voting system worked at the council. The seven elders would each receive one vote. As Jungkook's advisors Yoongi and Namjoon would receive one vote each. As the head alpha, Jungkook and his mate would have 2 votes each.

"So what do you suggest elder Hwang?" Yoongi said casually. "I suggest we hurry up. As you can see, Elder Suho and elder Tsuke are still in a lot of pain from the events of last night. It is imperative that we appoint someone to take Alpha Jeon's place as soon as possible."

"It should of course be Elder Hwang..." One of the other men stood up. "Yes... It should be Elder Hwang..." Kilon chimed in as well. " He is the oldest here. He has stayed true to our traditions and values. He is trust worthy." Hoseok made a small sound of amusement.

"Three votes for Elder Hwang.... Four if Elder Hwang accepts this honor..." he gave the man in question a look. Taehyung watched as the old man bowed low, a greasy smile on his face. "It is indeed an honor to be trusted by my people. I humbly accept."

"I refuse..." One of the other men stood up. " If Alpha Jeon has picked this omega as his mate he must have had his reasons. I don't think it is right to dismiss his decisions like this. And Forgive me but I do not place my trust in you sir." he snapped.

"You would need two more votes to seal the deal, so to speak.." Hoseok said with a small smile. "Elder Suho and Elder Tsuke have been on my side at all times. I believe they will support me now as well." Elder Hwang said firmly. Taehyung watched as every one turned almost as one.

The three figures that had stayed hunched through the entire time straightened just a bit. "Elder Suho.... Do I not have your support?" Elder Hwang said firmly.

"I'm afraid Elder Suho has taken a little trip down to hell last night .." a very familiar voice said softly. " But the good news is you can ask him that yourself when I send you there as well ."

( be back in 30 mins... And yes. It is indeed alpha Jeon)

Taehyung breathed out as the long dark cloak over the figure fell off, revealing a very battered and bruised Jungkook clearly hurt but apparently in very good spirits judging from the asinine grin on his face. Taehyung had never wanted to punch someone so badly.

"What ?" Elder Hwang hissed, stepping back , but before he could move , two of the men near the doorway stepped closer, blocking the exits. " Jungkook?" "That's Alpha Jeon to you." Namjoon straightened next to him. " Now where were we?" He leaned in.

"Elder Hwang here ..." Jungkook said casually before levelling his gaze on the two other men next to him, " And Kai and Kiron were just in the process of trying to usurp my throne. " He gave the other man a thumbs up. " Jinho... Your loyalty to your alpha will be remembered."

"What is this..." Hwang began but Jungkook growled. "Oh save it, you old fool." He hissed. " You should know better than anyone else how easily loyalty is bought. Did you really for a second think there wouldn't be men here in my fucking pack who wouldn't die for me?"

"Suho and Tsuke are dead. But Hwasa...." Jungkook nudged at the third figure slumped on the chair next to him. " He's alive. Alive and willing to testify against you." "Against me?" Hwang laughed in disbelief. " What exactly are you accusing me of Alpha Jeon..?!"

" Conspiring with one of the biggest drug lords in the country. Trying to destroy everything that the Jeon pack has ever stood for...all because of your greed for money..." Namjoon said sharply. " You almost sold our pack to a bunch of criminals. That is treason. "

" We know nothing about what conspired last night. If it is indeed Elder Hwasa who set off the explosion, it is him that should be held accountable and not-" Jungkook scoffed a little at that. "I don't think you realise how much trouble you're in Elder Hwang. "

"But before that... Tell me... The men you sent to kill Mingyu...They never found him did they?" Jungkook said softly.

Hwang went completely still at that.. A haunted look came into his eyes. "What are you..." "My husband was a monster. " He said softly. " But he wasn't an idiot. Every conversation you had with him he recorded. Did you know that? "

Hwang straightened up at that. "Your husband was ill. He was sick in the head and losing his damned mind. Did he not try to stab you himself? As if any conversation with him would prove my connection to some drug lord... You are out of your mind. " He hissed.

"But Wooyoung isn't just some drug Lord....is he Elder Hwang?" Jungkook said casually. " You know I found it very curious when my men jn Seoul couldn't find a thing about him before he turned up there a few years ago. No past at all. No trail. Nothing. And it made no sense.

How did a fucking nobody just turn up in one of the darkest parts of the country, the hub of crime , take over men with more money and power in a matter of months and become someone who instilled so much terror?" He shook his head. " Where did he come from?"

And then I realised the reason I couldn't find Wooyoung's past in Seoul was because it wasn't where it was. No... The whole time .... Wooyoung was one of my own. A wolf from the Jeon pack. Not just a wolf though, but the oldest son of one of the most respected councilmen."

Hwang bristled in disbelief. "My son died when he was fifteen...He was killed in a raid and...." "And his body was never recovered. Yes. I'm aware of the sad little story you've fed us all. The one that earns you so much sympathy."

"And while we were here mourning with you and offering you comfort... You used your son to scope out the packlands.... All the places where the guards were vulnerable...the way our patrol systems worked... Every last detail....Just so he could use that information later..."

"You know what's funny though..." Jungkook said with a smile. " I never would have made the connection if your son hadn't opened his stupid fucking mouth and told me that he met my mate..." He chuckled. " Mingyu has never been to Seoul without me or Namjoon. "

"So when he told me he had met Mingyu and how insane he was... I realised he had met him here in the pack... And not in Seoul. And I think your son realised that I was getting closer to the truth. Which is why I had to go. As soon as possible. Well... Too bad."

Jungkook straightened stretching his arms out. " Guess what?" He leaned closer," I make the rules here...And no greedy, selfish son of a bitch can bring filth into my territory . Because as long as I'm alive... The Jeon pack is mine. And I'm the alpha."

Taehyung felt something brush against his shoulder and he bristled, almost stumbling in surprise. A hand shot out, steadily gripping his waist and keeping him upright. "I think he gets off to it." Malek's voice was low and a little amused. " The drama and the corny dialogues".

"Well that makes one of us.. " he said sharply. " Because there is nothing even remotely attractive about..." "No point lying to me , Taehyung. I can literally smell it on you. " The alpha grinned. " But don't worry. Your secret is safe with me."

"Tae...." Jimin's low , timid voice made the taller omega glance up, his stiff posture relaxing just a bit as he stood up, an instinctive smile cropping up on his face, faint but still reassuring. "Jimin.... What are you doing here? Yoongi told me you were going home.."

Jimin didn't respond. instead he made a beeline for him, wrapping both his arms around him and hugging him close. "Don't call it home. Its not my home." he said softly, voice muffled into the fabric of Taehyung's sweater. The omega smiled a little at that. He sighed.

Yoongi had herded him back to the packhouse after the confrontation with the elders and that had been many hours ago. Namjoon, Yoongi and Jungkook were doing whatever it was that they were doing. Seojoon was in Juwon's room watching over the child. Malek sat a few feet away.

"So much for finding the baby a peaceful place to grow up in, huh?" Jimin said jokingly, although he looked a little pained. " Is Alpha Jeon going to be alright? He looked hurt." Taehyung sighed again, before brushing the hair off from Jimin's place.

"You know, if you've changed your mind about this place, we can find someplace better." he said hesitantly. Jimin blinked. "What... I... No... Of course i haven't changed my mind. Yoongi is... He's such an amazing... He ...." Jimin bit his lips. " He's a good man. They all are."

Are they really? Taehyung wondered. "But Tae.... this thing with Jungkook... Did he really name you his mate.... That's... " "Insane?" Taehyung said drily. " Yes. It is. And so... unfortunately, is he. So really, its not surprising at all." Jimin stayed quiet.

"A lot must have happened between you and him. These few weeks." Had it really only been a few weeks. It felt like years. It felt like a lifetime. And he wasn't sure if it was a good thing or a bad thing. "Well... we're here now." he said shakily. Jimin reached out again.

"I didn't know you were in touch with Seojoon... Or that you were bringing him back to the pack." Taehyung closed his eyes. "Its complicated." he rubbed at his forehead. " I... He might be in danger. Back in Seoul." "So Jungkook brought him here? That was nice of him."

"It was convenient." Taehyung said sharply. " It was convenient for him. There's.... There's a difference. Jungkook doesn't do good things because he's nice . He does them because its convenient to whatever nonsensical plan he has going in his head. That's all he does."

Jimin recoiled a bit at the tone and Taehyung winced. "I'm sorry, Chim... I'm just... I'm a little tense. You should be resting. Do you want to lie down with me? We can cuddle...." "No... I...That's fine." Jimin said quickly. " I... I sleep better in Yoongi's bed..."

Taehyung stared at him. "Its just his scent.... " Jimin said hesitantly. " It calms the pup a lot." He paused. " He's building a crib for the pup." he laughed a little. " Its eggshell white and has a baby blue awning all around it. Its... " he bit his lips. " Really pretty."

Don't get used to pretty things, Tae wanted to tell him. But he didn't. Instead he smiled softly. "I'm glad that you like it here. i was worried about you, you know." Jimin smiled. "I was worried about you too. Yoongi told me Jungkook would never let anything happen to you."

Jimin glanced at Malek. " And I see he took that responsibility pretty personally." Taehyung sighed again shaking his head. "Don't worry about me. I'm alright." he said softly. Jimin smiled again. "So... how long is Seojoon going to be here?" Taehyung frowned. "Why?"

Jimin chuckled a little. "I mean... It could be weird right? You... I mean.... You had some pretty strong feelings for him back then... But now there's Jungkook... " "Wait.... hold on. I'm going to stop you right there. Those two things have no connection whatsoever."

" I would never in a billion years, feel the things I felt for Seo for any other man , least of all someone like Jungkook who doesn't give a damn about the people who get affected by his fucking actions." he said sharply. Someone cleared their throat by the door.

"Always a delight to hear you talking about me, Taehyung ssi." Jungkook said drily.

Jimin's eyes went wide. "Oh my God... Alpha Jeon... he didn't mean...." " I did." Taehyung said quietly, curtly. " I meant every word I said." Jungkook stared at him for a second before smiling lightly. "I know. Unlike me, you don't say things you don't mean."

Jimin looked back and forth between them. "I think... I'm going to go home now." "Malek, please drop Jimin off at the farmhouse I showed you earlier." Jungkook said quietly. There was silence as the room emptied out , until it was just the two of them. "You're mad at me."

Taehyung scoffed, before shaking his head and turning away again. Jungkook breathed out. "If it makes you feel better , what I did with the contracts. Naming you my mate ... the custody of my son... none of that would have actually meant a thing. It was just...." "Convenient?"

"Yes." he said finally. " I did it Because I knew it would throw the men in the council off and they would maybe make a few mistakes that would perhaps work out in my favor. So yes. It was convenient." Taehyung shook his head in disbelief. "And your son? What about him?"

"It goes without saying , he wouldn't have been your responsibility or-" "You know damn well that's not what I meant." he hissed. " What explanation would he get if you ended up dead last night?" Jungkook didn't respond for a long time. "I didn't die." he said quietly.

Taehyung stared at him in disbelief and then he shook his head. "Jungkook, you didn't know that when you went into this last night. I could literally feel your fear through that fucking bond you guard with your life. It seeped through because you were frightened. Admit it."

Jungkook clenched his fists but looked away. Taehyung breathed out again, and shook his head. "You know Seojoon tells people that we met when he arrested me and Jimin. But do you know the first time I saw Seojoon?" Jungkook swallowed. "Taehyung..."

" I saw him crouched over me, his hands digging into my chest, pressing down... His lips taking in deep breaths of air, so he could blow them into my lung, get enough oxygen into them so my heart could start pumping again. I was hovering over that line, the one you don't

get to come back from... You know, the line you seem to enjoy dancing over , so fucking much.... that line. He was there with me and he was so fucking terrified that I would go over. Me. A fucking stranger he had never met before. He looked like if I died, he would die too."

"He looked at me like I was the most important thing. Like saving me was his only purpose , the one thing he couldn't fail at. He looked at me like I fucking mattered to him.... I saw it in his eyes and this may sound ridiculous to someone like you who doesn't give a damn about

human lives but that look in his eyes.... It made me change my mind about wanting to die. It made me think.... if someone can be so desperate to make me live maybe I'm not supposed to die after all." He swallowed. "You play with your life like its a fucking toy. How?"

The omega shook his head. "You know, Malek is right about you. The danger, the cocky arrogance.... You get off on it. You enjoy it. You do it because it thrills you. You're out here trying to keep drugs from getting into your pack but what about the one running in your veins?"

Jungkook went stiff at that. "Taehyung..." "You're so addicted to being the perfect pack alpha, you don't care at all about the people who actually care for you and that makes me feel sorry for them. You care about your son being trained to be your successor

you make all these arrangements in case things go wrong.... But did you even talk to him about the parent he just lost? Yes, he deserved to die. But what about your son? What about Yoongi who spent last night , watching his husband walk to what could be his death?"

"Did you ever for a second stop and think about the people who cater your every whim and fancy, who risk their lives for you? "

"When you stepped into that car, you didn't know if you were going to make it back. You stepped into that car, knowing you could've died. And that makes it hard for me to look at you now and feel anything but anger. Because the people who need you alive deserve better."

".....And let me guess, you don't think I can be better." Jungkook said softly. Taehyung didn't respond. "I don't know you well enough to answer that." He said stiffly. " No but you're glad that you're not one of those people.." Jungkook smiled and nodded.

"Well that's a fuck out of my face if I ever heard one." he said with a grimace. " Uh... I wanted to tell you that you can have a room to yourself for tonight if you like or..." "I'd rather just stay with Seojoon." Taehyung said stiffly. "I'm more comfortable there."

Jungkook hesitated .He seemed to fight with himself, clearly struggling to decide if he should say something or not. In the end he stepped closer. "I don't take pleasure in killing people." He said quietly.

" And I do know that my people deserve better." he paused. " I just don't know how to be better. So I guess they're stuck with me. But hey... at least you got away right? Good for you..." Tae watched him leave as quietly as he had come in.

Pick the next scene

Taehyung didn't go back to Seojoon's room. He stayed sitting right where he was, watching the sky grow steadily darker. He could hear people outside, walking around, talking, sometimes very loud , sometimes in hushed whispers. He knew a few of them were curious about him.

He didn't forget the look of disbelief and distrust on everyone's face when Yoongi had told them that Jungkook had named him his mate. And now, it didn't matter much that Jungkook was alright. The pack was aware of Taehyung's existence. He had registered on their radar.

Something he had never wanted.

He closed his eyes , breathing in deep. He wasn't sure why the idea of it was so distasteful to him. But when Yoongi had told him that Jungkook had named him his mate, he had wanted to claw his own skin off. He would never forgive Jungkook for springing that on him.

He stared out into the courtyard, where Jungkook's men, every single one probably loyal to their alpha milled around. He was supposed to be one of them, wasn't he. No matter how much he hated the place once, this was still his home. The place where his wolf was rooted.

And yet, sitting here and staring out into the dark night, all he felt was empty indifference and exhaustion. Jungkook's love for his pack was touching and admirable, of course....but it was also his own responsibility. And Jungkook had no business dragging him into it.

He breathed out. He wasn't sure why it was hard to keep his hatred towards the Jeon pack separate from his feelings towards Jungkook. But he couldn't help it. Jungkook was willing to die for his pack. The same pack that had almost killed Taehyung. It was hard to digest.

A small knock on the door made him glance up. Seojoon stood leaning against the door, looking quite exhausted. "Jungkook's with Juwon now. He told me to go rest but you weren't there in the room so I thought I'd come find you first. Are you alright?" The alpha asked carefully.

Taehyung had to blink a few times to clear his head. He managed a weak smile before waving the alpha over. "You got caught up in all this as well. Are you alright?" He asked hesitantly. Seojoon nodded. "Alpha Jeon is incredible isn't he? Yoongi told me what happened..."

Seojoon shook his head. "Imagine being so greedy for money you would do something so vile and evil to your own pack. So there's going to be a tribunal. The elders will be tried for treason. Punishable by death. Well deserved I think." He sighed." Alpha Jeon must be exhausted."

Tae hesitated. "Why do you say that?" "I mean isn't it obvious? He's spent his entire life trying to fix everything that's wrong with this pack. And now he finds out there are men in his own council conspiring against him. If you can't trust your own, how do you even live?"

Seojoon stepped around to kneel infront of him, before taking both his hands in his own. He squeezed lightly before laughing. "Oh... Cold." He gave a small playful shiver. " How long have you been sitting in front of this window. We need to get you into a warm bed."

Taehyung however had gone still at the alpha's words. He had been a little too caught up in everything that had happened, he hadn't really thought much about how Jungkook must be feeling about this entire thing. He felt a little nauseous, pulse quickening.

But before he could process his own thoughts, Seojoon was tugging him up into his feet. Taehyung stumbled a little and the alpha laughed, wrapping an arm around his waist to steady him. "You alright? Do your legs still fall asleep like they used to....? " He grinned." Cute."

Taehyung hesitated before putting a little distance between them. "Is Jungkook with Juwon now?" He asked hesitantly. "Are you sure?" Seojoon nodded. "Yes, the alpha carried him out himself. He said he'll be taking him home. I think he has a bungalow to himself on the estate."

Can you take me there? Taehyung almost asked out loud . He had to shake his head to tamp down that thought. What was even wrong with him? He had spent the entire night coming up with that speech of his. Telling Jungkook had exactly what he felt about his reckless actions.

And he had only told him because someone had to. Jungkook acted like he was dispensable when it was the exact opposite. He was supposed to make an effort to keep himself safe instead of throwing himself to the lions at every chance.

And Taehyung had told him that, over and over , a number of times. Wasn't that what they had been doing together back in Seoul? They had been a team. Or at least it had felt that way. And Jungkook had trusted him, confided in him, made him believe his opinions mattered.

Only to turn it all around the moment they got here. Taehyung couldn't forget that split second of pure horror that had seeped right into his skull and bones when Yoongi had knocked on that door that night, telling him that the car Jungkook had been in had exploded.

And sure, the bond had thrummed alive and let him know the alpha was alive. But it hadn't told him anything else. Taehyung didn't know if he was injured , didn't know if Namjoon had survived too. He hadn't known a damn thing because Jungkook hadn't said a word to him.

He closed his eyes as he remembered the look on Yoongi's face as he had told him about Jungkook making him his mate. The other alpha had been completely certain that Taehyung would have known about it. And he was right. Tae should have known. Jungkook should have told him.

It was the least he could have done. "Tae?" Seojoon's voice was soft and hesitant, " Are you alright?" Taehyung breathed out again. "Not really, no." he said with a small laugh, shaking his head. " Everything is just... too much. I.. i need to lie down."

Seojoon nodded at once, shrugging off his coat and wrapping it around the omega's shoulders. "We'll get you to bed. Come on."

"We have enough evidence to prosecute all three of them. And you were right.... The plan was to kill Mingyu as well. Possibly Juwon too. A clean start." Namjoon said softly. "The question is why did Mingyu even agree to all of this? Literally what did he get out of it?"

"Because he needed their help getting rid of Taehyung." Jungkook said quietly. " Back then Only the council got to decide who would be banished from the pack. They helped him get rid of my mate and in return he helped them get access to my private records and plans."

Yoongi groaned. "Speaking of which.... Making Taehyung your mate on paper.... That was a shitty move." Jungkook brushed him off. "It was for a few hours at the most. I needed to throw them off a bit..." "Thats what makes it such an awful thing to do, Jungkook."

Namjoon sighed at that. "I did tell you it was a bad idea." he said quietly. Jungkook threw his hands up into the air. "Nothing would have changed alright? Even if I had fucking died, its not like any of you would have forced him to stay here and raise my son or something!"

"And what else would he have done?" Yoongi snapped. " Walk out of this pack and go back to being a hooker , when the entire world knows you named him your mate?" He leaned closer. " Words already out about what you did , Jungkook. The pack knows. And their confused."

Jungkook paused at that. "What are you talking about...." he muttered. "Jungkook you can't be this naive. You spent a decade building this persona of being the perfect pack alpha, madly in love with his mate, with a beautiful pup as well. And now your mate goes missing

and you come back here and announce some strange packless omega from Seoul is your new mate. Which by the way, isn't even lawful. Not until you can prove beyond doubt that Mingyu is dead. You pull something like that and you think people aren't asking questions?"

Jungkook swallowed at that. "He's not some strange packless omega , he's my mate." he muttered. Yoongi groaned, turning away at that. "You're fucking with me now..." he muttered. " Jungkook nobody, I can guarantee you, nobody in this pack is going to believe that."

Malek, who had been standing by the door cleared his throat. "If I may speak..." he said hesitantly, " I think what alpha Jeon wanted to do, was return to Taehyung what he believed was rightfully his. You don't believe in owing debts. And this was a debt you think you owed him."

Both Namjoon and Yoongi stared at Jungkook in disbelief. When the alpha didn't respond they both groaned. "Oh, tell me you weren't that stupid..." "Just shut up." Jungkook snapped. " Yes. Maybe that was part of it. He is the rightful luna of this pack so why shouldn't he-"

"Because by thrusting that responsibility onto him , against his will, you did almost the exact same thing that the council did to him all those years ago. You took away his autonomy. And now, he's going to have to pay the price for your decisions." Yoongi said quietly.

"There is no fucking price." Jungkook said sharply. " No one is going to say a word against him. I'll make sure of that. And about Mingyu... " He turned to Malek." We have proof that the men in the council conspired to kill him. It won't be difficult to show that they succeeded."

Before they could respond, Jungkook stood up. He winced a little, hand coming up to lightly touch his bandaged shoulder. "I'm going to get some rest. And if anyone in the pack has any questions about why I made Taehyung my rightful mate they can come talk to me themselves."

Yoongi and Namjoon stared as the alpha stalked out of the room slamming the door shut behind him. Malek sighed and bowed reverently. "I should probably go make sure he doesn't blow anything else up." he said with a smile before backing out as well.

"Are you alright, alpha Jeon?" Malek said carefully, watching the alpha as he sat cross legged on a flat rockface, tossing pebbles into the still waters of a crystal lake. Jungkook groaned. "How did you find me?" he said softly. "I've been here the whole time."

Jungkook flinched at that. "Ouch." he said. " Not a great testimony to my spatial awareness." Malek hummed before reaching for the hem of his shirt and taking it off easily. Jungkook watched as he tossed the fabric on the shore before climbing out of his pants as well.

Jungkook watched amused, as the alpha climbed the nearest rock, before taking a deep dive straight into the lake. He came out a second later, spluttering in disbelief, eyes wide and haunted. "Holy fucking hell.... that is cold!!!" he hissed and Jungkook laughed.

"A little warning would have been nice." Malek muttered and Jungkook waved him off. "My father used to make me dive into it in the middle of the winter. He would cut out the ice on top and make me stay under water for three minutes every night. He told me it built character."

"No offence but your father sounds insane." Malek retorted. "He was." Jungkook shrugged. " Which is why I promised myself I would be nothing like him. I would be a rational, intelligent leader, someone who lived for the well being of his people." he quoted his own vows.

Malek gave him a look. "Which is why you're embarrassed that for once you made a decision, relying entirely on your rather sentimental heart and not your very intelligent mind." he said softly.

Jungkook went still at that. "Malek... " he began tiredly. "Its nothing to be ashamed of. We all do stupid stuff when we're trying to woo someone. Did I tell you about the time I got a helix piercing to impress Sohee? Turns out I was allergic to the metal. Nearly lost my ear."

"Okay.... "Jungkook grimaced watching as Malek swore closer to the rock face before hauling himself up onto the rock and settling next to him, dripping wet and shivering just a bit. "You're going to die of pneumonia." He said quietly.

"What I'm trying to tell you..." Malek said quietly, " Is that sometimes we can do the wrong thing, even when we have the best of the intentions. " he hesitated, " And sometimes, we don't have to set ourselves on fire just to keep our loved ones warm."

Jungkook breathed out at that. "I fucked this up didn't I..." He said quietly and Malek shrugged. "Meh." he said casually. " Its your pack. They're not going to try and cast out the omega that their pack alpha has chosen himself. Most of these people worship you."

"But" Malek grimaced. "I still think you should undo it." Jungkook stared at him. "What do you mean..." He took a deep breath. "I think you need to hear this . I've been waytching them and ...I think Taehyung is in love with Seojoon. And I believe his feelings are reciprocated. "

Jungkook went very still at that. "Wow...." he muttered. " That should not sting as much as it does..." Malek winced at that. "I'm not sure if it will make you feel better but I think you're more attracted to the idea of the perfect true mate, than you are to Taehyung."

Jungkook stood up at that , dusting himself off. He stared down at Malek for a second before giving him a kick, sending him straight back into the lake. "You're right. That does not make me feel better." he walked off.

"I really don't see why I shouldn't be in the room when you're doing this... I want to make sure you don't mess it up." Jimin was out of sight, seated on a chair outside the nursery room, but Yoongi could imagine the pout on his face anyway. He smiled a little.

"I told you already..." He called back. " Paint fumes. And what do mean mess it up? I've been building cribs for the pups in the pack for years. " "But still, this is for our pup so you need to careful." Jimin said brightly. Yoongi froze. On the other side, so did Jimin.

"I mean...not our pup as in..." The omega stuttered..." I just meant..." "I know what you meant, Jimin ah... " Yoongi forced a laugh that he hoped sounded carefree. Even as his gut twisted something fierce inside him. He closed his eyes for a second, trying to clear his head.

There was an awkward silence that descended on them, stretching for a few minutes. And then Jimin cleared his throat. "Will Namjoon be back today?" Yoongi hesitated at that. Jimin brought Namjoon up at the oddest moments, he felt. But he could blame him. "Probably not."

He sighed at that. "He has a meeting with Jungkook and a few other important people from the pack later tonight. He's probably preparing for it at the pack house." He explained carefully. "Okay." Jimin said quietly. Subdued. " I was hoping we could go see the lavender blooms."

Yoongi paused again. There was a field, out on the edges of the pack's boundaries, and the lavender plants there were in full bloom. Jimin seemed to love the scent in the air there and they had been there often. But Namjoon had never been with them. It had always been just them.

And Yoongi knew that being the pack alpha's advisor came with its responsibilities, and he had never once given Namjoon a hard time about it , because he knew what it was like. Sometimes duty came first. But the soft disappointment in Jimin's voice made him furious.

He placed the paint brush down before wiping his hands off on the soaked rag he kept to the side. He stood up quickly, reaching for his jacket. " You know what, I'm sure he can spare a couple of hours..." He said quickly. " Jimin , why don't you get ready? I'll go get him."

" The thing here is , we don't really know just how deep his men are... Or who they are... What we're going to have to do is change the entire system...the patroling schedules, the men responsible for it... We're going to have to monitor all of them. It's a lot of work."

Jungkook hummed at that. "The middle men..." He said casually. " Focus on the middle men ...the ones who have contact both with the on ground personnel and are also privy to the upper management.... They're the ones with enough useful information that could cause harm."

Namjoon nodded. "That's a good point... " He paused. " I did not see you at breakfast today." Jungkook grunted at that. " Had it in my room. Why?" "Because Taehyung was looking for you." Jungkook looked up at that. "He asked for me?" Namjoon grinned.

"No...but he made a snide remark , asking me if the pack alpha was too good to be sharing meals with the lowly slaves who worked their butts off for him."

Jungkook gripped the pencil in his hand so hard it snapped in two. "He lives to torment me, I swear to God..." "Hiding is not the solution here.." Namjoon said quietly. " You know that right?" "Who says I'm hiding? Maybe I'm just sick of being talked down to.."

"You brought him here." Namjoon pointed out. " He's kind of your responsibility...." Before Jungkook could respond, the knock on the door made both of them look up. Namjoon frowned. "I told them not to let anyone here...Hang on." The alpha moved to the door.

"Yoongi?" Namjoon blinked a few times, completely thrown. " What are you doing here?" He stepped out into the hallway, closing the door behind him. "Well," Yoongi said casually. " I tried calling you about fourteen times but you didn't pick up so I had to come here."

"Why? What's wrong... Is Jimin alright?" Yoongi scoffed. "Oh now you care about him..." he shook his head. "Yoon... What... I told you I'll be busy today... We have the tribunal coming up and we need to look into..." "I know alright? Did you forget I'm his advisor too?"

Namjoon stared at him. "I can see that you're mad about something but I don't..." "I'm not having a pup with Jimin." Yoongi said quietly, albeit sharply. " I don't want to have one with him either. I want to have one with you. Because you know... You're the man I love."

Namjoon went quiet at that. "Yoongi... I'm sorry." He said gently. " I know I haven't been there much..." "At all." Yoongi said quietly. " You haven't been there at all. And I'm alright with that for the most part... I don't mind being the one taking care of our home when

it's just me but its not just me now is it? Its me and Jimin and more importantly our pup.... You know... the child we discussed and decided to bring into our lives? And We agreed that Jimin moving in with us was so he could bond with us... The pup needs to know us both."

Namjoon stared at him for a few seconds. And then he held his hand up. "You know what,you're right. I need to do better. And I promise as soon as we get this..." "No." Yoongi said quietly. " Not as soon as you do whatever it is that you're doing. No. Now. You come with me, now."

Namjoon stared at him in disbelief. "Yoongi there's a meeting with chiefs from across the provinces in an hour, we're trying to see how far this network has seeped into the pack. This isn't something we can put off. We need to act now. You know that right? This is important."

"And when will that stop?" Yoongi said casually. "What?" "When will the pack stop being more important than us?"

Namjoon stared at him. "You can't be serious right now...." "Namjoon in the past three months , we've spent a grand total of seventeen nights together in the same fucking bed. Every other night, you've been out, god knows where , gathering intel for Jungkook while I stay home

and pray that my husband comes back to me in one piece." he closed his eyes. " I love this pack as much as you do but I want you to stop and think about what this is doing to us.Because when I got word of that explosion last night, I didn't know if you were hurt or fucking dead."

"I had to fucking run to Seokjin.... wake him up in the middle of the night and beg, just so I could have the reassurance that no, my husband did not get blown into a million pieces after all... I stayed up all night doing everything you asked me to, getting everything

ready, bloody teaching Taehyung everything about how our fucking pack runs because your imbecile of a best friend thought it was a good fucking idea to put a total fucking stranger incharge...." he closed his eyes, " And I still had to come to that fucking council meeting

and stand to the side because as your true mate, Seokjin would be the one taking your place.... Not me." He breathed out. " So tell me, how much more of this am I supposed to put up with, before you agree to take a couple of hours off for me...."

"For you?" Namjoon said softly. " Or for him?" Yoongi frowned. "What does that mean?" "Are you here because you actually want to spend that time with me or are you here because Jimin asked for me?" Yoongi stared at him. "I don't see how that should make a difference."

"Because The only reason we spent a mere seventeen nights together in our bed the past three months is because on a number of nights, I did make it back home maybe a little later only to find my husband in bed with another man and maybe , maybe that made me feel a little bad."

Yoongi clenched his fists at that. "I told you about that. Jimin has trouble sleeping sometimes and..." "And he can only sleep with you in your bed because your scent calms the baby. Yes. I understand. And I've accepted that." He closed his eyes. " Listen, I can't do this now."

"Jungkook needs me okay. And Jimin needs you." he said quietly. " I know its not ideal.... I know its not fair but it is what it is. I can't do this now and I can only promise you that it will end soon. I'm doing this because our pack needs to be protected. You know that."

Yoongi stared at him feeling all at once lost and defeated. "This doesn't make me happy. I need you to know that, he said shakily." This isn't what I want." Namjoon reached out, tugging him into a hug, arms tight around his smaller frame. " I know and I'm sorry."

Yoongi closed his eyes, savoring the hug for a few more seconds. "I need to get back." To Jimin, the words unsaid still hung between them. Namjoon seemed hesitant. "Yoongi..." he said softly. " If there's anything else on your mind , you'll tell me right?" Yoongi swallowed.

"Of course I will." he felt his pulse quicken a bit. " Just go save the world with that alpha of yours. I'll see you later."

Be back in 30 mins Vote

"They're fighting because of you, you know." The soft voice from right behind him made Jungkook pause in the middle of getting his initials in on the piece of paper in front of him. He closed his eyes, willing himself not to show the emotions bubbling up inside him.

"I don't think you're authorized to be in here." He said quietly. Taehyung shrugged, walking over and pushing a bunch of files on the table to the side, making space on the mahogany table. Jungkook watched as the omega leveraged himself up onto the surface, legs swinging.

"Why not? Apparently, I'm the head alpha's mate now. Didn't you get the memo?" He grabbed one of the sheets of paper and held it up, frowning lightly. " A treaty of amity and mutual beneficiaries of.... " he grimaced, " What does this even mean?" Jungkook snatched the paper back.

"I'm serious... You aren't supposed to be here... How did you even get in?" Taehyung pointed to the smaller door on the far end of the room. " I told Malek I wanted to see you. He let me in." "Of course he did." Jungkook groaned. " I'm a little busy right now so you should..."

"Did you offer Seojoon a job here? Managing your local law enforcement here in the pack?" He asked quietly. Jungkook stared at him for a second. "He's free to refuse." He said finally. " I mean, if the two of you want to move back to Seoul... that's ... up to you."

"The two of us?" Taehyung frowned. " As in him and I? Together?" Jungkook groaned. "Yes... Together.... Isn't that what you are? Together?" Taehyung stared at the man for a few seconds before shaking his head. "How can one alpha be so smart and so dumb at the same time?"

"Taehyung, I'm really not in the mood to..." "I told him to take the job by the way. I told him it would be the right thing to do. He could do a lot of good here. And he's loyal so, there's that." Jungkook held his gaze for a second. "Well, thank you. Now if you'll excuse me-"

"You don't get to shut me out after pulling that stunt on me, Jeon Jungkook." Taehyung snapped, eyes blazing. " Between the two of us , I have way more reasons to be fucking furious at you than you do with me! Let's get that straight." Jungkook closed his eyes.

"Really? I'd rather say that we both have just enough reasons to stay the fuck away from each other because clearly, we can't seem to have a single conversation that is even remotely civilized." He said quietly. " I'm sorry I tricked you. It was stupid of me, I agree."

They stared at each other for a few seconds. Taehyung cleared his throat. "Also, when I said that your people deserved better , I didn't mean to imply that you weren't good enough." He sighed. " I just meant that you would be more useful alive than dead."

"Its pretty sad that that is possibly the nicest thing you've ever said to me." his lips quirked up a little. " But beggars can't be choosers, so I'll take it. Thank you for your continued interest in seeing me with a pulse." He bowed lightly. " Now, leave. I'm serious."

Taehyung didn't move , however. "So Yoongi was telling me about how the pack runs and ..." he cleared his throat. " He implied that as the head alpha of the pack... you're not technically allowed to be .... single." He stopped moving his legs. " Is that true?"

Jungkook, who had gone back to sorting through the papers on his desk , barely glanced up. "Huh?" he muttered under his breath, " Wait where's the treaty with the Gwihan Pack...." "He said you had to be mated and married to be the pack's alpha and thats why you married Mingyu."

Jungkook paused at that frowning. "Well, yes and I distinctly remember telling you that myself. I told you I only married Mingyu because I had to. Its sort of a prerequisite. I need a mate. A luna." "But Mingyu's dead now. So....Once you establish that to the council..."

"Listen I know what you're worried about. You think that once we prove that Mingyu is deceased and I am in fact single, I'll try to trick you into becoming my mate because technically I would need one to continue being the pack alpha...But don't worry. You don't have to do that."

Jungkook grabbed a couple more files. "But someone else would?" Taehyung persisted. Jungkook frowned. "What?" "I mean... Someone else would have to become your mate. For you to remain as the alpha?" Jungkook groaned at that. "Oh... that... well... I suppose so. Yes."

"Yes?" Taehyung stared at him in disbelief. " That's all you're going to say... yes?! Who is this person.... What even..." "Is everything okay?" Namjoon's voice came from the other end making both of them startle. The other alpha stared at them. " Am I interrupting something?"

"Nothing worthwhile. " Jungkook said with a smile, "Just your usual, Taehyung being disappointed and disgusted with me, my pack and everything I stand for . Isn't that right, sweetheart." He reached out, grabbing the omega by the arm and tugging him down. " Out. Now."

"Jungkook just told me he needs a new mate in order to keep being the alpha, is that true?" Taehyung said sharply. Namjoon blinked a few times. "Well, not right at this moment no. But in a few weeks, once he's done with mourning Mingyu.... yes. He would have to pick another."

Taehyung stared at them both, a look of disbelief on his face. "Wow.... Unbelievable. So we're all just replaceable now? One dies and you pick another one a few weeks later..." "Nineteen days later actually." Jungkook grinned, leaning closer. " And I can pick anyone I want..."

"Oh you...." "What?! Does that bother you? The fact that I am actually a great catch? That despite me being the reckless, arrogant, cocky bastard that you can't even stand to look at , I can still get any omega I want?" he drawled. "Okay... that's enough..."

Namjoon reached over, wrapping both his arms around Tae's waist and tugging him away just as the omega made to lunge for him. "Tae its an age old tradition, alright? One that's tied to the moon goddess herself, if Jungkook doesn't agree to it, his pack will lose faith in him."

Tae went a little still at that. "Interesting that you've gotten rid of so many traditions but not this one." he said sharply. "And why does it bother you so much?" Another voice chimed in from behind them. All three of them turned. Malek grinned. " So what if he takes a mate?"

Taehyung tugged his arms away from Namjoon straightening his shoulders. "It doesn't bother me." he snapped. " Why would it bother me what this degenerate, despicable...." "You know what, I've asked you to leave enough times but since you just can't listen-"

Jungkook leaned over grabbing Taehyung around the waist before tossing him right over his shoulders. The omega yelped, legs kicking out in protest, but Jungkook merely marched over to the door, kicking it open before placing him out in the hallway.

Before Taehyung could say a word, he slammed the door shut in his face. Turning around he gave Namjoon a smile. "Now .... Where were we?"

"It's disrespectful. That's what it is. It's disrespectful and degrading and it's also incredibly dumb? Like do you guys not see the downside to doing something so outrageously ...." Taehyung paused , waving his hands in the air. "Dumb?" Jimin suggested. "Exactly!"

Yoongi who sat peeling a bunch of tangerines calmly, gave the smaller omega a look. Jimin giggled lightly before going back to his fruit platter. "It's a tradition Tae. And one involving shaman magic at that. You can't fight something like that. I don't know why you want to."

Taehyung glared at him. "Because we live here now. And this is going to be your pups home. And so far all we know is no one in this God forsaken pack can be trusted. And now they want to bring a new omega ..." He shook his head " it's insanity. Insanity!" "Tae, calm down."

"I can't calm down." Taehyung said simply. " Also him? Why would anyone trust him to pick the luna of the pack? Does history not tell us he has the worst taste when it comes to picking a mate? The last one was a deranged psychopath .." "..and the next one he picked was you.."

Taehyung turned on his heel, glaring daggers at Yoongi who held both hands up quickly.. "I mean... He picked you as his mate too so maybe his taste isn't that bad.... " He said softly, tone mollifying , while Jimin gave him a glare. "Whatever, I don't like this. " Tae snapped.

"How is he going to pick them anyway....do they all like line up outside his house or something...." "Actually .... There's a week of festivities with omegas from many packs , and different clans... There are games and different ways for the omegas to showcase their skills..."

Taehyung seemed to swell a bit at that, not unlike a bullfrog and Jimin quickly stood up, handing over a slice of apple to the other omega. "But none of that is happening anytime soon... Right Yoongi?' Jimin said softly, insistently. Yoongi paused. "I mean .. "

"Yoongi!" Jimin hissed but the alpha shrugged. "Listen, it's hard to explain some things to you people. It's not... Jungkook as the pack's alpha has ... different needs compared to other alphas. And having a mate is essential to keep him physically and mentally at his best. "

Taehyung frowned. "When you say needs.... Are you implying..." "I'm not implying anything." Yoongi said quickly. " Please for the love of God don't go tell him I said something about his ruts or..." "This has something to do with his ruts?" Taehyung gawked at him.

Yoongi went completely still. And then he stood up, wiping his hands on the small napkin cloth on the dining table. "I'm going to go out now. I would appreciate it if you pretend this conversation never happened." He said firmly. They watched him leave , quiet but quickly.

"Interesting..." Jimin said finally, after the silence had stretched out long enough. "What is?" Taehyung asked quickly, the air of indifference in his tone sounding forced to his own ears. Jimin grinned. "Your reaction to the idea of Jungkook taking a rut partner."

Taehyung squawked at that. "I did not... I have no.... " He stopped. " It has nothing to do with me. Alright?" "I know. But it's still interesting. Because imagine if he was with another omega and you could feel everything he feels through the bond. " He grinned.

Before Jimin could finish , Taehyung was out the door as well, slamming the door behind him. The omega giggled reaching for another tangerine. This was fun . .

Jungkook had just taken off his shirt, hung it up against one of the hooks on the inside of his small oak wood cupboard, when the knock on the door made him jump a little. He frowned, glancing at the small door that led to Juwon's room. The pup was still asleep.

But who on earth was it at this hour? He moved to the door, reaching for the dagger on the side table almost instinctively As he opened the door he couldn't help the wariness that seeped into him. "Oh God. What now?" He whispered, exhausted. "You can't sleep with anyone else"

Taehyung hissed right into his face, pushing him back into the room and going to his bed , tossing the sheets aside before sniffing them suspiciously. "What the fuck are you doing?" Jungkook demanded. Taehyung hesitated before dropping the sheets on the bed.

He cleared his throat. "There's no one else in your bed." He said casually. Jungkook's brows went up at that. "Astute observation." He said softly before moving to the cupboard and opening it as well. " And no one here either, in case you wanted to check."

Jungkook expected Taehyung to show atleast a modicum of regret or shame at that. Instead the omega went straight for one of the shelves, hands closing over a box of condoms and pulling them out. "Why do you have these?" He demanded. Jungkook stared at him in disbelief.

And then his eyes narrowed. " Why don't you lock the door for me sweetheart, and I'll show you exactly what I have them for..." He growled.

Taehyung turned red for a s cond before tossing the packet back into the shelf and huffing, before stalking over to the bed and sitting down, arms crossing over his chest as he glared at him. "I don't like the idea of you taking another mate." He said quietly.

Jungkook breathed out. "Let me guess. Because of the bond." "Yes." Taehyung swallowed ." That." "I don't think the bond necessarily transfers sexual feelings to the other person...And even if it did, you don't have to worry. I'm not having sex with anyone in the near future."

Taehyung stared at him. To his surprise the alpha seemed completely serious. "You just said you had to take a mate. It's tradition. You need someone to help you with your..." He cleared his throat. " Well... You need a mate. " Jungkook stared at him for a few seconds.

"not right now I don't " he said finally. " I don't think too far ahead, about such things Taehyung. I have more pressing problems to deal with and..." "... What about your rut? " Jungkook froze. "What did you just say? " "You need a partnership for your rut..."

Jungkook hummed thoughtfully. "See the thing is .... I know you're not asking this because you're offering to help me with my rut... But it's hard to think of any other reason why you would ask me that?"

"Because..." He paused. " Well... Let's just say I have my reasons." He looked away. Jungkook smiled a little. "I've spent the last eight ruts of my life alone " he said simply. " frankly I think sex is overrated. So, Trust me, you don't have to worry about it. "

Taehyung stared at him. He seemed at a loss, clearly not expecting that answer. After an uncomfortable thirty seconds the omega cleared his throat again. "Why would you spend it alone? Didn't you have a... I mean... didn't you spend it with..." He trailed off.

"with my husband?" Jungkook moved to lean back against the cupboard. "No. I didn't enjoy it. We grew distant and it was like sleeping with a stranger. We had sex sometimes but I wasn't comfortable spending my ruts with him. Ruta are a lot about trust . My wolf didn't trust him "

"So you just spent them ...alone?" Jungkook shrugged. "It was hard at first but you know... You experience it often enough even the most painful thing becomes bearable." He grinned. Taehyung turned to the door on the side. "He's asleep?" He asked hesitantly.

Jungkook stiffened a bit at that. Taehyung could almost sense his guard going up. "Yes " the alpha said curtly. "And you should be too... Out.." he pointed at the door. Taehyung didn't move. "How's your shoulder?" He asked hesitantly.

Jungkook looked a little confused at the words...like he had forgotten he'd hurt it in the first place. "Oh..." He grimaced. " Seokjin wanted me to come see him and put on a brace so I don't hurt it while I'm sleeping but... It's whatever. I'll be fine ."

Taehyung glared at him. "You know I am trying really hard to be nice but you make it so damn difficult not to kick you in the teeth."