#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.

Werewolf au Explicit Sexual Content. Top Jungkook / Alpha Jungkook. Angst / Implied Non con but not btw Taekook. Ill probably start this soon

Tags : Mpreg Prostitution/ Sex Work. Graphic Violence Hurt/ Comfort Heavy Angst Jeongguk is 4 years older than Tae. Morally Ambiguous Characters Explicit sexual content.

Note : This isn't a new Au, its from my old account ..A number of people hve me messaging me about it So i thought I'll post it here

I haven't properly started this fic but here's a snippet of it

Updating Soon Bookmark this tweet Ill be posting updates on twitter and then once the fic is over Ill update it on ao3

Hello! This is a heavy angst fic , Please interact as much as you can ! Your thoughts while reading will help me write better. Chapter 1 ~~ Akrasia. Akrasia ~ the state of mind in which someone acts against their better judgement through weakness of will.

Kim Taehyung had once been beautiful. He remembered a time when he had soft, silky brown hair like chestnut and honey, eyes a deep dark chocolate and a smile that could stop a grown man in his tracks.

He had a slender body, lithe and willowy and skin so soft and lush, it bruised at the lightest touch. A delicate little doll, they used to call him. The prettiest prettiest doll. But everyone knows that dolls are made to be played with.

Played with, broken and beaten and finally thrown out with the rest of the trash. Taehyung pressed the ice pack under his eye, wincing. The man had been drunk, angry, horny and broke. Taehyung had told him he wouldn’t suck him off unless he paid upfront.

And the bastard had punched him in the face. And now, Taehyung would be out of business for two days at last. Not a lot of men wanted to fuck a mouth on an ugly bruised face.

And Taehyung’s leg was hurting too much for him to go all the way, no matter how much they offered to pay him. A gust of wind came through the broken shards of the nearest window and Taehyung shivered.

He was in the dirty bathroom of a seedy club in some alleyway, dressed in a threadbare plaid shirt and a pair of leggings that were more holes than fabric. He had worn some of his old fishnet stockings underneath them, the cheap fabric chafing his skin.

As he pressed the icepack against his cheekbones, Taehyung let himself cry. The first few years on the street, Taehyung had thought that if he didn’t cry he could get tougher.

Now he realized crying was like a valve to release some of the pressure that kept building up behind his skull. It was an outlet. A reprieve almost. So when he felt like crying, Taehyung cried. Wherever he was. It didn’t bother him if people stared.

People always stared. Besides he always felt better afterwards, even if his circumstances never improved. Swallowing the dryness in his throat, Taehyung grabbed the crutch from against the wall, slotting it under his arm . He wasn’t completely immobile without them .

With a little effort , could certainly walk. But they helped keep the pressure off his foot. So he used them whenever he could. A social worker had got it for him after catching Taehyung curled up on a subway, unable to move because of how much his leg hurt.

The kind lady had taken him home and gotten his leg looked at and then when the doctor said that corrective surgery would cost a few million won, she had given him an apologetic smile. Taehyung hadn’t minded at all.

The lady had shown him more kindness than his own family and friends had and he was grateful . He accepted her gift of 50,000 Won and a nice hot meal, and the crutch too.

It had taken some getting used to but Taehyung had quickly learned that the best way to use crutches was by considering them as an extension of his own limbs. These days he was quick on his feet with them and he only left them at home when he was going to turn a trick.

It wasn’t easy, putting weight on his sore foot. But Taehyung shouldered through the nights because he had to. Hunger was more painful than any pain in his body. Hunger drove you insane. So he endured it.

He was usually in a lot of pain on those nights but by now, Taehyung had numbed himself to pain.

Taehyung began to find comfort in the aches that plagued him every night: his leg from the badly healed bone fracture, his hands from doing odd jobs for people all day just for a few measly bucks, his insides from letting some bastard fuck him raw in the back of his truck.

He told himself that the pain was a reminder that he was alive. They had tossed him out of the pack, thrown him out of his home, separated him from everything he knew and loved in the hope that it would kill him, but it hadn’t. They had failed.

Taehyung was alive. He had survived. Taehyung’s pain was…constant. He couldn’t escape it. It was better to embrace it. Like an old friend he could trust to always be there. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The apartment he rented with Jimin was on the first floor of a relatively nice building. They moved here after Jimin found out he was pregnant. The omega wolf had been stunned, had no idea who the father was. But they had come up with a plan pretty quick.

After two days of mourning what could have been but never would be, they had put up an ad in the papers for adoption. Pups born of pure omegas were rare and there were a lot of rich couples without kids, looking to pay good money for the chance to be a parent.

They would have to give the baby up but Jimin had told Tae that he didn’t feel nearly as guilt as he should. He would feel worse trying to raise the pup here as the child of a whore. It wasn’t an insult to either of them.

People tried to use it as such but Tae and Jimin knew it didn’t define them. They did it to survive. That’s all. It was like any other job, really. At least that’s what they’d told themselves, in the ten years they’d been together as brothers.

So it was for the best that they give the baby up and Jimin had agreed to the adoption all though his wolf ached at the thought of it. Besides, he was going to get paid for it and perhaps, with the money , Tae and him could finally move out of Seoul and go somewhere else.

Jimin spoke of a village in Busan, not far from where he was born. He said that everything cost less there and the people were kind. And Taehyung and Jimin could buy a little hut or cottage and live out the rest of their lives in peace.

Taehyung could stay at home and cook because of his leg and Jimin would work in the fields and bring home money.

It was a fanciful dream, perhaps a bit too much for two scrawny prostitutes who couldn’t afford more than two square meals a day. But dreams cost nothing, and were the only luxury and Tae and Jimin could afford to indulge in.

Dragging himself up the stairs with the crutch by his side, Taehyung was panting by the time he reached the door. He used his key to let himself in, calling out a cheeky, “ Honey, I’m home.”

As he entered. Jimin sat on the couch, a half opened pack of crisps on his lap, staring at the old laptop on the table. Taehyung had stolen it from a client.

Well, the client had left it at his place and Taehyung had acted like he’d never seen it when the man had come looking for it again. He lost the customer of course but the laptop was a huge help. Taehyung could look for jobs faster, because everything was online these days.

But he had no education so he didn’t really get any of those jobs. But still, no harm in trying right? Taehyung was sure that someday, some diner or café would hire him , even if it was to wash dishes and clean the floors and stuff. It would be an improvement.

A steady pay check. Jimin couldn’t work anymore, his scent cloyingly obvious in pregnancy and Taehyung didn’t want him to anyway, lest the baby get hurt. Taehyung felt very protective over the little one, although he knew he wouldn’t be able to keep the baby once it arrived.

But as long as the pup was with them, he would take good care of it. “I puked twice.” Jimin pouted. “ I should have just not eaten. You skipped breakfast and let me have the sandwich and I couldn’t even keep it down.” The mention of food made Taehyung’s stomach growl.

He hadn’t eaten since last night and it was now four in the evening. But he waved off Jimin’s concern. “Did you eat your prenatals?” He asked, squinting a bit to take in the sigh of his best friend on the couch.

The vision in his right eye was getting worse he thought with a grimace. Jimin nodded and held out the packet of crisps . Taehyung took it but didn’t eat any, instead rolling the bag up and using a rubber band to keep the air out.

Jimin had a lot of cravings and salted chips were one of them. He would wake up in the night wanting more. He moved to place the bag in the dented tin box with the rest of their snacks. It was woefully empty and Taehyung wanted to cry again.

The 15000 won in his wallet wasn’t going to be of much use to them for too long. “Tae..” Jimin said softly and he quickly smiled, turning to his friend.

“Yeah, Chim?” He moved to lower himself to the floor next to the boy and Jimin ran soft fingers through his hair, the touch gentle and soothing against Taehyung’s throbbing skull.

Jimin’s touch was the only gentle thing he had known these ten years and Taehyung let himself enjoy it, leaning into the older boy’s thigh, letting his eyes flutter shut. “Someone answered the ad.” Jimin whispered. Taehyung went still, heart leaping in his chest.

“What?” He gasped, staring at the boy in shock. Jimin nodded. “They’re from the Jeon pack, in Busan.” Just as quick as it had risen, Taehyung’s hopes crashed and burned, icy cold shooting up his veins as he fought to keep his composure.

The name alone was enough to send him into a panic attack, and he dug his fingers nails into the flesh of his thigh, the physical hurt distracting him from the mental anguish that filled his heart. “ The.. Jeon pack?” He whispered, the name bitter on his tongue.

Fate was a cruel , cruel mistress, he thought angry tears welling inside him. What had he ever done to deserve this. But he stayed quiet. He hadn’t told Jimin about his old pack, merely claiming to be a runaway. And he couldn’t say anything now. Not when Jimin looked so hopeful.

“Yeah. They called a few hours ago.” Jimin smiled. “ Tae do you think this is it?” Taehyung stared at him, willing himself not to start sobbing . He wanted to cry and beg Jimin to say no. He wasn’t ready. He wouldn’t ever be ready to face anyone from that place.

They wouldn’t even remember him probably. They wouldn’t even know. And that would just make it all so much more unbearable for him. To them he was nothing. He had no value . And thought he wanted to prove them wrong, he knew deep down he couldn’t .

There was nothing in him of value. And that was the truth. Trying to stave off the nausea in his chest, he exhaled shakily. “I think we need to know more , Jimin.” He said carefully, voice only shaking a little bit. Jimin nodded, humming.

“I know. But the guy sounded really nice. He had a really deep voice too and I told him the truth you know. About what I did and not knowing about the pups parentage . He said it was okay. Their pack has a shaman apparently and he can tell if the baby has any health issues.

And even if it did , they would be able to heal it in the womb itself.” Jimin sounded awed. Taehyung on the other hand could only stare. He knew all about the shaman in the Jeon pack. A liar. He had looked Jungkook in the eyes and lied to him about Taehyung.

Had called Taehyung a whore and a thief in front of the whole pack and Taehyung would never forget the look on his mate’s face when the man had said it. Jungkook had stared at him like he was worthless. And over the years many people have made him feel that way.

Many people have called him that. But the only time Taehyung had believed it so completely was when his own mate had looked at him that way. He snuggled closer to Jimin, licking his lips. There was no point, he thought tiredly, thinking of the past.

Everytime he thought of it, he relived it. And time didn’t heal wounds. Memories reopened them. It had been ten years. Jungkook had married a week after Taehyung had left the pack. Kicked out of the pack to be more precise but, well, semantics.

He had found his way to Seoul and Taehyung had sat , alone and cold and wet under the awning of some store, watching the ceremony play out on national television.

Drenched to the core and starving, he had stared at the handsome man next to his mate and all he could think was that It was supposed to be him, there on the alpha’s side. He was his true mate.

And yet Taehyung had spent that night and every night after for the last ten years, alone and cold and hungry. Punished for something he never did. Jungkook had taken a minute , one small minute to judge him unworthy and Taehyung had spent the rest of his life paying for it.

Taehyung pulled himself to the present , mulling over Jimin’s words again. “What does he want to do , next?” Taehyung asked carefully. Jimin leaned in closer. “He wants to meet us. With his pack alpha.” Of course. The pack alpha would be involved in bringing in any new member.

It was to be expected. But it still hurt him. Deeply. It was a painful ache, one mixed with a lot of longing. Taehyung had once worked in a recycling factory that recycled old books. He’s taken a lot of romance novels from there because Jimin loved reading them.

The omega despite their circumstances was a romantic. Jimin’s mate had been killed when he was just eleven. And he had run away from an abusive father. And the omega loved reading about true mates and happily ever afters.

Taehyung had read one , out of curiosity. It had left a sore taste in his mouth. All the books had the heroes groveling in apology, realizing the error of their ways and begging for a chance.

And Taehyung had fooled himself for a long time those first few years, that Jungkook would come looking for him. That he would realize his mistakes and come to set things right. And Taehyung had even imagined yelling and cursing the alpha out, but ultimately forgiving him.

Because he was his mate . the moon goddess had picked him out for him. They were meant to be together right? But the days turned to weeks. The weeks to months and the months to years. Taehyung waited and waited and waited. But Jungkook never came.

And Taehyung’s heart , that had once held the alpha in it, got whittled away into nothing but dust.

So now he would have to rely on his mind. And his mind told him that if this man belonged to the Jeon pack, he was probably wealthy and stable. The Jeon Pack was one of the most prosperous packs in the country after all. The baby would have a good life. It wasn’t about him.

It was never about him. Taehyung was nothing more than background noise in the life of people who actually mattered. Like the baby. The baby mattered . A lot.

And if giving the baby the life it deserved meant setting aside his own pain and swallowing whatever little bits of pride he had left, then Taehyung would do it. He would do it a hundred times over. “So let’s meet him.” He said softly and Jimin’s fingers stopped.

“Really?” Jimin asked eagerly and Taehyung smiled. “Yeah, let’s go meet the head alpha of the Jeon pack. “ His voice was hollow . “Do you know who he is?” Jimin asked curiously. Taehyung swallowed. “ His name is Jeon Jungkook.” And he’s the worst thing to ever happen to me.

Taehyung sat huddled against the window seat of the train, his crutches tucked in the seat underneath and a pair of sunglasses on to keep away the glare from the sun. His eyes were getting worse he felt, staring out of the tinted windows at the rolling landscape outside.

Jimin sat on the seat right opposite him, fascinated by another one of his romance novels, feet tucked under his body and one arm gently cupping his belly. He wasn't showing much, but he was really skinny and that made the little bump pretty obvious. Taehyung watched him.

He looked soft and bright in the late morning sun, his skin golden and glowing. He looked like a respectable young man, with his new shirt ( a pale mauve with tiny patterned tangerines all over it ) and his neat black slacks. His hair was neatly combed, his shoes polished.

Taehyung had insisted on all of that, despite Jimin's protests that it was just a waste of money. Money that they didn't have and couldn't afford to waste. But Taehyung knew that first impressions mattered. How many times had he been turned out of places because of his clothes?

If they were going to make this work, then Jimin would have to look good. Taehyung could only hope his own presence wouldn't be an impediment of some sort. He had cleaned up too, but there was always a cheapness to his appearance he felt. One that made him seem pitiful.

Taehyung glanced down at his feet again. He was trying not to think too much of what was coming, lest he lose his composure. He had to pretend he didn't know them. That he had no idea who any of them were. He was only there to support Jimin. No one should see him.

He stared out of the window. The train rumbled along, closer and closer to the Jeon territory and Taehyung saw the shift in the landscape. The fields looked more lush, the roads buzzing with people. There was an air of prosperity here, a sense of health and happiness.

Nothing at all like Seoul, which was neutral ground for packless wolves from all over the country. The big city was crowded and messy and full of greedy, selfish people who didn't care much about anyone but themselves. Packs were different. Packs looked out for their own.

Taehyung swallowed as his skin went a little cold at the thought. Well, most of the time they did. He saw the trees and the woods and the rolling hillocks in the background. This was home. This was the land he was born too. The place he had such deep ties to. His wolf howled.

But it wasn't joyful or even hopeful. It was a mournful tune he felt , laced with grief and despair. Tae would never again belong to anyone or anywhere. The Jeon pack had orphaned him in ways that could never be reversed. "Tae?" Jimin's voice was soft. Taehyung smiled at him.

"What is it?" he asked quietly, leaning forward and lightly touching the omega's knees. His own legs hurt from sitting for such a long time. "What if they say they don't want the baby?" Jimin said quietly. Taehyung took Jimin's hands in his own.

"Then we ask them to pay us back for the train fare and the clothes and we come back home. We put the ad up again." he smiled. " Don't worry about that Jimin. We'll find a way no matter what happens. Okay?" Jimin looked uncertain but he nodded after a few seconds.

Taehyung glanced at the book in his hand, looking for ways to distract him. "Do you like the story?" He asked brightly , pointing at the cover. The alpha's betrayal, the cover read. He grimaced. Jimin glanced at the book and sighed. "The alpha is an asshole." he muttered.

Tae chuckled. "Isn't that how they all are? in your books..." he smiled a little. " You told me you like it when they're jerks at first." "Yes, because it feels good to see them humbled in the end. Pay for their crimes so to speak." The omega grinned. Tae felt his smile falter.

"Its good that it happens." he said carefully. " In your books. Doesn't always happen in the real world, you know." Jimin nodded, running his hand over the cover. "How do you think it feels to be loved by an alpha?" Jimin asked curiously. "Do you think it feels good?"

Tae felt an odd sense of revulsion at the words. He wasn't fanciful like Jimin. Love for him would always be a bait in a trap. Very appealing to look at, tempting too , but ultimately dangerous. But he usually kept his cynicism to himself. Because Jimin wasn't broken like him.

Over the years, Taehyung had seen an innocence in his best friend, one that he fought tooth and nail to protect and keep safe. Jimin , despite their circumstances, still believed the best of people, still saw a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. "It must be." he smiled.

"People write stories about it." he pointed at the book. " They make movies out of it. They write poems about it . It must be something special." he shrugged. " Right?" Jimin's face brightened at that. "Right?" he said excitedly. " I think it would feel good too."

"And I was thinking," Jimin continued, " Even if it isn't me, the pup would find love right? If they grow up in a pack like this , with parents who love them." he smiled. " So this is a good thing right ? What we're doing?" Taehyung thought Jimin was too good for this world.

"Yes, of course." he said softly, ruffling the omega's head gently. " Are you thirsty? You haven't drank any of your water." He pointed out, reaching for the small bottle and opening it up for Jimin. The omega smiled before sipping his drink and leaning back again.

One of the overhead speakers beeped. "Another twenty minutes and we'll be reaching our final stop for this trip. Please make sure you collect all your belongings." Taehyung felt his throat go dry. He wished there was a way to prepare himself for what was to come.

There was a man waiting for them at the train station, with a small board in his hand which read, Park Jimin. Tae hung back a bit as Jimin walked over to the man, smiling wide. He already felt like he was surplus. His heart raced as he kept his head bowed. It had been 10 years.

He didn't want to accidentally meet someone's eye and see any kind of recognition there. Although that was probably unlikely. The Taehyung they had once known had been the most beautiful omega in the entire pack. He looked nothing like that now. The crutches dug into his arm.

The man was staring at him now, looking a little worried. "There's a medic room over there." he said hastily, " Would you like me to get you a wheelchair?" Tae blinked, suddenly defensive. He swallowed and shook his head hastily, shifting his weight from one foot to the other.

The man looked uncertain but turned back to Jimin. "My name is Namjoon." he smiled, twin dimples lighting up on his face. " I was the one who spoke to you over the phone. Me and my husband, Yoongi... We're the ones looking to have a pup.." Namjoon stared at Jimin's bump.

Jimin smiled and nodded. " I understand." he said brightly. " Will we be meeting him too?" Namjoon nodded quickly, reaching for the small bag they had brought along, slinging it over his shoulder. He was tall and strapping. He glanced at Taehyung. "Are you sure you're fine?"

Taehyung nodded, already starting to move towards the exit. He glanced at Jimin but the alpha was gently holding him by the arm, leading him slowly. Taehyung felt out of sorts and miserable all of a sudden, his head starting to ache. Kindness from strangers always made him wary.

Nothing in the world was free, he felt. If Namjoon was kind now, would he expect them to pay for it in some other way? He forced himself to not think that way, but it was hard. They reached the parking lot and the alpha made them wait while he got the car. "He's handsome."

Jimin said at once and Taehyung saw the twin spots of color on Jimin's cheeks. Oh, no. He gave his friend a chiding look. "He has a mate." he said carefully and Jimin flushed. " I know." he whispered, looking away. Taehyung's head ache worsened. He felt like people were staring.

He kept his head bowed as Namjoon brought the car around. It was a large black SUV and Taehyung saw the Jeon Crest, embossed into the windshield. His heart leapt a little as he saw the tiny red and olive flag stuck to the bonnet. He felt cold all over. The car came to a stop.

"Hello, welcome to the Jeon Pack." A deep and bright voice called out cheerfully and Taehyung felt his heart turn to ice as he stared at the person who was sitting behind the wheel. Jeon Jungkook was looking right at him with a pleasant smile. Taehyung stared, frozen.

There was not an ounce of recognition there.

Tae felt a sharp lancing pain right in the center of his chest. Like someone had stuck a sharp icicle, through the gap between his ribs, straight into his heart. The end dug in and twisted, turning his blood into ice and sending pain all over his body. He couldn't breathe.

He stood completely still staring at the alpha while Namjoon helped Jimin into the back seat, before returning for him. "Will you be more comfortable up front?" Jungkook asked casually, looking worried. " The seats recline and you can rest your leg." Tae couldn't quiet cope.

Jungkook was talking to him like he cared about him. Like he wanted to make sure he was alright. How was that possible? In what world was something like this possible? Was it because he didn't know who Tae was? Was Taehyung the only one who got to see the monstrous side of him?

He felt tears brim over swiftly, so swiftly that he couldn't stop them, the hot wetness spilling over his lashline and down his cheeks before he could take his next breath. And he turned away, heart racing. "No." he choked out. " I'll go back." He walked over to the back seat.

Jimin saw his face at once, and his eyes widened. But Taehyung held his finger up to his lips, shushing him gently. Namjoon held the crutches, and then helped him climb into the car, before tucking them under his feet again. "Are you comfortable?" The alpha asked, smiling.

Taehyung settled back against the seat and nodded, not quiet trusting himself t speak anymore. His lungs felt compressed, air not entering in the way it was supposed to. He wasn't sure why he had thought Jungkook at least would recognize him. Why he had been so certain of it.

He stared at the back of the seat, unseeing as Jungkook started the car and began driving again. He felt , all of a sudden , like he had lost himself completely. Like he wasnt there anymore. A nobody. He felt his throat go dry. If his mate didn't recognize him no one else would.

His head started spinning a little and he blinked back more tears. "Tae? " Jimin asked urgently. "Are you alright?" He couldn't quite say. There was so much pain inside him it was clogging his senses. He couldn't see past his tears, couldn't hear past the ringing in his ears.

"Tae..." Jimin grabbed his arm, shaking him a little and Taehyung felt the world tilt before he could get himself together, his head hitting the door next to him with a dull thud and darkness starting to creep in on the edges of his vision.

He was falling, into some deep dark abyss and he was terrified of what was going to happen when he hit rock bottom. His anxiety and fear spiked and he choked out a broken, " Jimin ah.." before his eyes rolled into the back of his head, and everything went black.

"Does he have any medical conditions? Any allergies to medications?" The healer at the medical center pressed a stethoscope to Taehyung's chest, looking worried. Jimin , pale and stricken, shook his head. "We don't go to hospitals much." he looked guilty. " its too expensive."

The head alpha exchanged glances with Namjoon , who also looked worried. Jungkook turned to the healer and gave him a curt nod. "Do you need to run tests?" he asked carefully and the healer nodded. "He's exhausted. He needs rest for now, but I have to check him out."

Jungkook nodded. "Anything you need." He turned to Jimin. " Jimin ssi, you may not be able to head back to Seoul right away. Is that alright?" Jimin looked worried. "I just want him to be alright. Can I stay here with him?" The healer shook his head. "He needs rest, Jimin ssi."

Namjoon cleared his throat. "We have a spare room in my home, Jimin ssi. If you're alright with it, you can stay with us. Its just me and my mate there. You can rest for the night and we can come see him first thing in the morning." "He's been taking such good care of me." Jimin

whispered, shaking his head, his scent distraught. "i should have been caring for him too. I didn't pay any attention.. I don't even know when he last ate..." Jungkook blinked at that. "you don't know when he last ate?" he frowned. " Does he miss a lot of meals?"

Jimin glanced up at him , and then looked back and forth between all three men. "Not everyone in the world is privileged." he said softly. " Taehyung and I work for every square meal everyday. The day we don't work, we don't eat. Its how its always been." He said quietly.

Namjoon made a small stricken sound in the back of his throat. "Fuck just..." He closed his eyes before turning to Jungkook. "I'm going to take Jimin ssi home. He's been on his feet for too long. He should be resting. Will you take care of him?" he said quietly.

Jungkook nodded swiftly. "Of course." he gave Jimin a reassuring smile. " Don't worry. I'll be here with your friend and make sure he's taken care of. I give you my word as pack alpha. You should rest well. You can visit him tomorrow." Jimin looked uncertain.

"Will you send for me if he wakes up? It doesnt matter if its in the middle of the night. I don't want him to wake up and wonder where I am." Jimin said quietly. Jungkook smiled at that. "Yes, of course. I'll send for you at once if he wakes up. But I don't think he will."

Jimin walked over to the bedside, leaning down and brushing the hair from Taehyung's forehead, gently. He leaned over, pressing a kiss to his forehead before moving back and bowing to Jungkook. Namjoon held his arm out and he took it , following the alpha out of the room.

Jungkook watched them leave and then moved to the small couch by the side of the room. He settled into it and reached for his phone. He quickly dialed his home, waiting as the call went through. "Appa!" a cheerful voice called out, making him smile. Warmth bloomed in his chest.

"Juwon-ah..." Jungkook said softly, " Shouldn't you be in class?" he asked chidingly and the five year old giggled. "I wasn't feeling too well, so Dada said I could stay home today." He explained. "You aren't well? What happened, pup?" he asked worried. "My tummy hurt."

"But Dada gave me some magic potion and I'm all better now." Juwon explained. "that's good to hear. Is Dada there?" he asked carefully. "Yes. Wait please." Jungkook smiled, glancing at the figure on the bed. The omega was still asleep. He felt a pang of sympathy.

The omega looked exhausted, with an ashen pallor to his face, body nothing more than skin over bones. He already knew he wouldn't be sending them back to Seoul. At least until the baby arrived, he would try and persuade them to stay here. It was the least he could do.

"Jungkook..." The tired voice on the other end made him sit up straighter. "Mingyu?" He said softly. " Is Juwon okay now?" There was a silence. "Is Juwon all you care about?" his mate snapped. " I told you I had a head ache when you left in the morning? Can't you check up on me?"

Jungkook closed his eyes, frustrated. "Maybe don't be jealous of your own child." he said quietly. " And you had a headache because you drank too much again. Its your own fault." Mingyu did not reply and Jungkook sighed. "I don't want to fight. I won't be home tonight."

"Why?" Mingyu demanded at once. " Where are you going?" "Nowhere... There's an omega here from Seoul. He's not keeping well and I'm going to make sure he's alright." He said quietly. The door to the cabin opened and a nurse stepped in. "Why must you watch him?"

The nurse reached for the small clipboard on the side and checked her own. She squinted. "Kim Tae..." she frowned. "yong?" "Kim Taehyung."Jungkook said clearly."His name is Kim Taehyung." There was a sharp intake of breath from the phone. "What did you say?" Mingyu asked quietly.

"What?" Jungkook asked confused by the tone of his voice. "What did you say the omega's name was?" Mingyu demanded. Jungkook frowned. "Kim Taehyung. Why?" There was a beat of silence. "My head ache isn't better at all. I think I should come there." Mingyu said firmly.

"Now?" Jungkook frowned. " What about Juwon...I'll get you something from the healer. Don't come here." "You can come home and watch him. I'll stay there . I could do with a night's rest." Mingyu said quietly. Jungkook groaned. There was no reasoning with Mingyu.

" If you're coming, bring Juwon along. Don't leave him alone at the pack house." He said quietly. Mingyu hung up without responding, and Jungkook sighed, placing the phone back in his pocket. He heard a small groan from the bed and sat up straighter. Taehyung moved a little.

Jungkook stood up quickly, moving closer to the bed. The omega was groaning, brows furrowed and his lips parted. He looked like he was in pain and Jungkook stared, worried. He reached out, almost touching him before stopping himself. Taehyung whimpered in his sleep.

He reached for the small bell on the side of the bed, the one that would alert the nurses outside, but as he leaned over the bed, Taehyung's hand shot out, gripping his arm. "No." The omega mumbled, " Don't touch me." Jungkook went completely still, his skin going cold.

The door opened and one of the nurses stepped in. "Alpha Jeon?" she bowed quickly. " Is everything alright?" Jungkook stepped aside, making to move away but Taehyung's grip on his arm stayed, tight and firm. "Don't leave." Taehyung mumbled, voice breaking. " I'm sorry."

"He's in pain." Jungkook said quietly, his own voice shaking a little. " Can you do something to help him?" "Pain... " She hesitated before reaching for Taehyung's shoulders, gently waking him up. "Taehyung ssi?" She shook him again, " Can you hear me? Are you hurting somewhere?"

Taehyung's grip on his arm stayed firm and Jungkook placed his hand over the omega's , stroking the ice cold skin gently, trying not to lose his footing. His knees felt weak and his hear pounded inside his chest. Something about Taehyung made his heart race.

The nurse began from his feet. touching gently. As she lightly gripped his ankle, Taehyung gave a shrill cry of pain and Jungkook felt his heart squeeze tight at the sound of it. He stared down at where the nurse touched him. "His leg. He uses crutches."

"Is it hurt somewhere?" The nurse frowned. " He's not wearing any cast or wraps. " She looked confused. "Taehyung ssi... can you hear me?" " Just Give him pain killers." Jungkook said swiftly. " He's not in his right mind to respond to you now." The nurse bowed.

"I need to talk to the healer first. Please wait , alpha Jeon." she moved away quickly, closing the door behind her. Jungkook sighed, leaning closer, so he could speak close to the omega. "Taehyung ssi.. We're going to help you with the pain." he said gently. " Can you hear me?"

Taehyung shuddered, his entire body trembling . As Jungkook watched the omega blinked slowly, eyes fluttering open and fixing on his own. Taehyung's eyes held so much anguish in them that Jungkook recoiled, stricken. The omega stared at him, his gaze reaching deep inside him.

"Taehyung ssi..." he tried again and the omega closed his eyes. "Don't..." the omega whispered. " my name." Jungkook frowned confused. "What?" He leaned closer so he could hear better but Taehyung turned his face away from him. Jungkook stood up, confused and disoriented.

"Alpha Jeon, please step aside. " The healer's voice made him move and he watched as the man moved to check on the omega, glancing at him curiously. "Your mate and son are here, they're looking for you. " The man said quietly. Jungkook glanced at Taehyung before nodding.

He moved to the door and peered out into the hallway. Juwon was the first to spot him, letting out a loud, " Appa " Before running over to him. Mingyu followed at a slower pace and when he reached him, the omega looked upset. "Why are you here? Come home. " Mingyu said.

Jungkook didn't respond. Instead he glanced back at the room and then at Juwon. "Did you see the healer? For your headache? " He asked quietly. Mingyu didn't respond . "Where is the omega from? " He asked gruffly. " Is he not from around here? " "He's from Seoul. "

Mingyu bit his lips. "Can I see him? " He asked and Jungkook stared, genuinely taken aback. "Why? " "Is he not a guest in our pack? Am I not your mate? I should check on him. " Mingyu said firmly. "Watch Juwon. Let me go-" Jungkook grabbed his arm, stopping him.

"That's not necessary . go get your head looked at and take Juwon home. Let him rest and you can rest too. I promised taehyung and his friend that I would watch over them while they stayed here. You can go. " He said firmly. "Do you know him? " Mingyu asked quietly.

Jungkook frowned. "What do you mean by that? How would I know him? " He shook his head. Mingyu glanced at him and then at the door again. "Has the shaman taken a look at him?" He asked quietly. "No right? " "Not yet. " Jungkook said, watching as the door opened. T

The healer stepped out and turned to him. "He's asking for his friend. " He said quietly. "I'll be right there. " He said firmly. He turned to Mingyu. "Go home now. I'll be back tomorrow. " Mingyu glanced at the door again. "If someone else can stay with him.. "

"Why are you still going on about that?" Jungkook demanded. "I told you already I'm going to stay here with him. " He snapped. Mingyu stared. "Are you getting mad at me now? Because of some omega you don't even know? Do you hate me that much? " Jungkook flinched.

After ten years, he knew better than to get into arguments like these. There were no winners and he would always be left with a sore taste on his tongue for the rest of the day. "Just go home. " He said tiredly. Mingyu gave him one last look before moving away, calling for Juwon.

He waited till they left before turning and going back into the room.

Taehyung heard the door open again and he flinched as Jungkook stepped in through the door, locking it behind him. He felt his body go taut with revulsion, his head starting to pound. The pain in his leg had dulled a little. But his chest felt like it was going to cave in.

He shouldn't have come here, he thought miserably. He should have asked for Namjoon and his mate to meet them in Seoul. What a fool he had been, thinking he could do this. He couldn't. He felt sick at the sight of Jungkook. Physically sick. "Taehyung ssi? " He closed his eyes.

His name on Jungkook's tongue felt wrong. He didn't want to hear it. But Jungkook didn't seem to sense his despair or his disgust. "Are you feeling a bit better now, Taehyung ssi? " The alpha asked, stepping closer to the bed. Taehyung wanted to throw up. He nodded.

Jungkook didn't recognize him. And he wasn't entirely sure why but he wouldn't question what was undoubtedly a blessing. Now he wouldn't come in the way of the adoption in any way. He had been worried about that. "Jimin is resting well. You should too. " Jungkook said softly.

Taehyung finally, finally turned to look at him. He took a deep breath and stared at him, taking in every single feature. Jungkook looked better now than he did ten years ago. How unfair life could be. Jungkook looked handsome and healthy. He ran a wealthy, prosperous pack.

And Taehyung? He was barely alive. There was no word to describe how miserable and lonely and hurt he was. And now, Jungkook wouldn't even feel guilty because he didn't even know who Taehyung was. How unfair and dirty life could be. The omega felt miserable.

But he stayed quiet. Because they were here for a reason. And that reason was so much more important than any twisted wish for revenge. He didn't have any high goals of vengeance. All he wanted was for the pup to have a place to grow up. Nothing else mattered.

They would go back to Seoul. And then all he would worry about was his next meal. He would go back to the streets, and he would probably die there. And Jeon Jungkook would live out his life in comfort and honor, uncaring of what he had done to him.

Taehyung shifted around on his side, turning his back to the alpha. He closed his eyes and felt angry tears burn his eyes. How unfair, he thought once again.

( that's enough for today I think. * applies soothing balm on everyone's heart * I shall return with more pain. Jungkook is.... Not a bad man. But also not a very good one. Sighs.

When Taehyung woke up in the morning, he felt hot all over, his skin burning up and his eyes watery. His throat was dry and he was really thirsty, but his limbs refused to cooperate. His legs in particular. "Taehyung-ah... Don't move..." Jimin's soft voice made him still.

He managed to blink his eyes open, but his vision was still blurry. He could make out a silhouette, vague and formless really , to his side, and small soft hands lightly holding onto his own. "Wa...ter." he managed to choke out and there was a sharp intake of breath next to him.

Taehyung felt a strong arm wrap around his torso, lifting him off the bed with ease, but he couldn't stay up, body sagging backwards. But whoever was helping him, acted quick, sliding onto the bed behind him, holding him up so he was cradled against their chest.

His skin felt like it was on fire, and his mind was very groggy, lips parting in a desperate need to take in some moisture. Something cool pressed against his lips, fresh cold water wetting them, and he gulped it down, desperate to sooth the parched dryness of his throat.

He felt his body go lax when he was done sating his thirst, his limbs turning to jelly almost. "Taehyung ah... Can you hear me?" Jimin was asking and Tae had to put all his effort into turning his head, looking at the omega. "Jim..." was all he got out. "Tae, your leg..."

Taehyung tried to focus. What was he saying? His leg? What about his leg? "I don't think he can listen now, Jimin ssi..." A distressingly familiar voice came from right behind him, close to his ear. Taehyung went still. "Taehyung ssi?"

Taehyung threw all of his strength into pushing himself away from the voice, whimpering when his body protested the movement. "Don't move, Taehyung ah..." Jimin was saying, reaching out and grabbing his arm and he felt panic build up his throat. He had to get out of there.

"Taehyung ssi...Can you hear me?" This was someone else. The voice was sweet and low. " Can you hear me?" He could. "You can? Good... I'm Seokjin." the voice said quietly, " focus on my voice." Taehyung swallowed. "Good...I need you to answer me. Did you hurt your leg recently?"

Tae closed his eyes. "Hurts..." he managed to choke out, trying to point at his thigh, but his hand barely moved. "Yes, it probably has been hurting you for a long time." Seokjin sighed. " But did you fall recently?" Had he? He didn't remember. "Okay. Its alright ."

"You have an infection in your leg. And your leg, well, an old fracture hasn't healed properly. The pain is going to keep getting worse and we need to fix this as soon as possible." Fix? Fix how? He couldn't afford to fix anything. "No." He choked out. " Can't.. "

"You don't have to worry." Seokjin continued. "We're going to do this for you. You'll be unconscious for the surgery but the pain will go away. I'll make sure you don't hurt again, Taehyung ssi. Please trust me." "Jimin ah.." "its okay.. Taehyung, it's okay.." He couldn't fight.

There was a darkness hovering on the edges of his vision, threatening to take over again and he couldn't fight that either. He felt himself being held, carefully , before being laid down on the soft bed again. His leg throbbed and then someone was pressing a needle to his hip.

The last thing he remembered were rough, calloused fingers stroking his hair, brushing the strands away. A hand that most certainly was not Jimin.

There was a field. Lush and green with tall, vibrant stalks of green grass, rows and rows of bright copper green stems and feathery leaves. Bluebells and sunflowers grew all over, interspersed between the rows of grass. Taehyung stood , barefoot in front of the field.

He glanced back up at the beautiful landscape, blinded by how clear it looked. He could see it so well. He stared down at his feet, Wiggled his toes, confused. He shifted his weight, from one foot to the other. "It doesn't hurt." he said , awed and confused.

"is it supposed to?" A voice said next to him and Taehyung jumped, eyes wide. Jungkook stepped up to stand by his side, not looking at him. instead the alpha kept his gaze on the long winding road in front of the them. The late morning sun, high on the sky. He was barefoot too.

Taehyung stared at him, feeling a sharp, sharp ache bloom right in his chest. He was supposed to hate him. But he couldn't remember why. "Why are you here?" he whispered. Jungkook turned to look at him, surprise on his face. "I don't know." the alpha said quietly.

Tae turned back to the fields again, an unbearable sadness taking over him, his fingers starting to shake and his lips wobbling. "This isn't real." he whispered, tears brimming over his lashline. "You aren't real." Jungkook's smile faded. He looked sad. "I'm sorry." he whispered.

Taehyung closed his eyes. The sunbeams falling on his face felt so real, the warmth of them heating him up. He felt a hand slip into his own, fingers linking with his own, gripping gently. "Come with me." Jungkook said quietly. " There's a valley , far over there." he pointed.

Taehyung blinked up at him. "What?" he shook his head, confused. "It has flowers." Jungkook smiled. " Pretty flowers and orchards too. Tangerines and apples and cherry blossoms and pears. I want to show them to you. Come with me, Tae." Taehyung frowned. "We shouldn't."

Jungkook blinked, looking hurt. "Why not? Its a beautiful place. I want to share it with you. Come with me, please." he begged. Taehyung felt a sense of foreboding. "No." he whispered. "I can't." Jungkook pulled away, staring down at his feet.

"I have to go, though." he whispered. " I have to go there. They're expecting me." Who? Taehyung shook his head. "I can't go." he whispered back. Jungkook looked stricken. But he nodded. "Okay, I understand. Wait here then. Wait for me."

Taehyung felt his skin go icy cold as Jungkook's hands left his own. His instincts screaming at him to hold on. He couldn't lose him. "Jungkook..." he whispered. "I'll be back." Jungkook promised. " Wait here. Right here. Don't leave, Taehyung ah.. okay?"

Taehyung felt something clog his throat. Somewhere thunder rumbled. He stared up at the sky and there, over the hillocks, black storm clouds were rolling in. "It's going to rain." he called out, desperate. But Jungkook was walking away. He turned. "I'll be back. Wait for me."

Taehyung watched him walk away, every instinct inside him screaming at him to rush after him. But he stood rooted in spot. He stayed still. And he waited.

( additional tags : this fic will have endgame yoonminjoon )

Jimin sat on a worn out rocking chair, one hand curled around his belly, the other gripping the arm rest, watching Namjoon's mate as he worked out in the yard, sawing a piece of wood into two. The alpha, Yoongi, hadn't exchanged more than two words with him and Jimin was anxious.

When Namjoon had first brought him to their home, Jimin had been in awe. The large two story house stood right in the middle of vast expanse of fields and woodlands, with a graveled pathway leading down to the main road. There was a beautifully kept yard and a kitchen garden too.

Jimin had seen the pool and the backyard and he knew right away that this was a place where his pup would be happy. Joyously so. There was so much space to run and play, and shift whenever he wanted. And then Namjoon had helped him down from the car and they had met his mate.

At first from a distance, Jimin had assumed he was an omega. He was short, only an inch or so taller than Yoongi himself, and he had clear porcelain skin. He looked very pretty, and Jimin had felt envy. But then they had stepped closer, and the scent of alpha had made him reel.

"Hello." The alpha greeted him, bowing politely. " Thank you for agreeing to see us." He had a low , deep voice. Soothing almost. In fact there was a stable, calmness to his demeanor that immediately put Jimin at ease. He smiled wide and held a hand out. "Hello, alpha."

Alphas mating alphas was pretty much unheard of and Jimin had felt a little awkward at first. It felt like a small blip in an otherwise perfect situation and Yoongi seemed to sense his discomfort. "You think its odd that we're both alphas?" he asked quietly. He didn't seem angry.

But there was a definite narrowing of his brows. Jimin shook his head at once. "That's not it.. it's just..." he hesitated, " the pup would need an omega to raise them." he gently cupped his belly, " I mean for the first few years at least, someone has to stay home and..."

"Oh, Yoongi stays at home." Namjoon said at once. " I work with Jungkook at the pack house but Yoongi will be here with the pup the whole time. Please don't worry." "You don't work?" Jimin asked, genuinely surprised. Yoongi had stiffened a little and Jimin had felt terrible.

"I didn't mean..." he trailed off hesitant. " I just... i thought all alphas liked going out to work." he felt foolish even as he said it. Yoongi cleared his throat. "I do woodwork for the pack" he explained calmly. "My workshop is in the backyard. I do work, Jimin ssi."

Jimin had nodded , too embarrassed to say more. He wanted Taehyung. Missed him terribly and his heart was still twisting in his chest from worry. Whenever Jimin worried, he knew his scent turned sour. And both the alphas sat up at once. "You should lie down for a while."

And that had been that. Now, with Taehyung in for his surgery, it was just a time of waiting. Namjoon and Jungkook were there with Taehyung at the hospital and Yoongi had driven him home so he could rest. But Jimin was sick of resting. He was pregnant not invalid.

So after lunch, he had made his way out to the patio, settling down on the chair there. Through the gap between the wooden slats he could watch Yoongi as the alpha worked on something, leaning over his work bench, long hair in a ponytail. The sun was warm today.

Yoongi had looked up at him when he had come out but he hadn't said anything. Instead he had kept working. Jimin realized it was a pattern. The alpha didn't talk much. He was meticulous, slow and methodical as he measured and cut. Jimin stared at his hands.

He had beautiful hands, with long thick fingers and the omega couldn't help but blush a little. He blamed those damned romance novels of his , and his pregnancy hormones that made him needy and clingy. But Yoongi was handsome . Really handsome. And he couldn't look away.

Yoongi seemed to send his heavy gaze. The alpha looked up at him, and his brows went up. "Can i help you with something, Jimin ssi?" he called out and Jimin turned red. "No. No..I.." He bit his lips. "I'm fine." Yoongi held his gaze. And then he reached for the hem of his shirt.

Jimin felt his eyes go wide as Yoongi grabbed the fabric with both hands, tugging his t shirt up and off his body, leaving him in nothing but his worn blue jeans, the sun catching the sheen of sweat all over his torso and his back. Jimin stopped breathing altogether.

Yoongi smirked at him, wadding his shirt up into a ball and lightly stretching his neck out, dabbing at the sweat there, licking his lips as he smiled softly. Jimin stood up so fast, he almost knocked the chair down. Yoongi chuckled softly. "Be careful Jimin ssi." The omega fled.

Yoongi watched the omega all but run inside, and felt a little bad. It was just that Jimin was so easy to tease. He had never seen an omega more transparent. Or shameless. The sweet scent of his arousal was impossible to ignore. And it was there around Joon and him.

But they were supposed to be making him feel good enough , so they could build their family together. If Namjoon found out he had done this , he would be in a lot of trouble. Sighing a little, Yoongi grimaced at his own impulsive actions. Maybe he should make a few amends?

He tossed the shirt on the large wooden tub they used to wash their clothes, in the side of the yard, before making his way over to the porch and inside. Maybe he could make it up to Jimin. He stepped into the living room and then picked his way to the kitchen.

He found Jimin hunched over the water dispenser, trying to make sense of it. "Thirsty?" he asked softly. The omega jumped. "Oh...uh... yes." he flushed, and Yoongi didn't miss the way he couldn't look at his face. Or his body. "Would you like some lemonade?" he asked gently.

Jimin watched as the alpha moved to the pantry, returning with a pair of lemons and had to grip the back of the chair to keep his knees from giving out on him. He watched Yoongi set about making lemonade for him, trying to think of something to distract himself.

"Your pack alpha is very kind." he said carefully, " Just so they could talk about something to combat the heavy silence." Yoongi looked up at him. "Who, Jungkook?" he smiled. "He's easily the best man I've ever known. He was the one who asked us to answer your ad in the papers."

Jimin smiled at that. "He has a beautiful family." he said quietly. Yoongi nodded. "Him and his true mate, they've been in love with each other since they were very young. By the time they were eight years old, everyone in his family knew they were going to be together."

"Their son is very smart too. He'll be the next alpha , and he's already following Jungkook around, all the time. He wants to be just like his father." Yoongi laughed. " Would you like sugar in it? A lot or little?" "A lot." Jimin smiled shyly. Yoongi nodded.

"What about you?" Yoongi asked carefully. " What's your story , Jimin ssi... If you want to talk about it, that is..." Jimin hesitated before shrugging. "I was around six when my true mate died." he explained hesitantly. " It was just me and my mother and well, she sent me away."

Yoongi paused in the middle of pouring the drink out. "What do you mean she sent you away.?" he demanded. Jimin bit his lips, embarrassed but also a little worried. But if he lied, the alpha would know. His scent always gave him away. "She thought I brought bad luck."

"My father died when I was born and then my mate died so she... " he hesitated. " She was old fashioned that way." "Are you saying she turned out out of the house because your mate died? When you were six years old." "She sent me to my aunt in Seoul. I..uh ..ran away from them."

Jimin didn't like talking about that. "I met Taehyung in Seoul when we were both seventeen." Jimin continued. " He said he ran away too from his pack. They were very cruel to him." "Which pack was that?" Jimin shrugged. "He doesn't like talking about them." "His leg..."

"It was messed up when I met him." Jimin explained. " He tried to get help for it but everything cost money and we didn't have any." he trailed off, taking a sip of his drink. " He used to cry a lot at first but then one day he just stopped." he looked away.

Yoongi's hands shook a little as he placed the jug down. He stared at Jimin in disbelief. "Where do you live? Both of you?" he asked quietly. Jimin smiled at that. "We rent a room over a bar. Its small but clean. It's enough." he hesitated. " But not enough for a pup."

Jimin looked up at him then. "Sometimes you look like you're scared I'll change my mind." he said softly. " I just want you to know, I won't . I can't afford to raise a baby. I can barely afford to eat myself. Taehyung has been paying for my living too but he can't anymore.

Imagine bringing a pup into a life like ours. I won't ever be able to do that. The baby shouldn't be punished just because it was born to me, right? So I will give him to you, no matter what. You don't have to worry at all Yoongi ssi." he smiled brightly.

"Why do you do that?" Yoongi asked shakily. Jimin blinked. "What do you mean?" "You say the most devastating things with a smile." Yoongi protested. " It's not... It's..." he trailed off. Jimin smiled at that too. "You don't like it when I smile, alpha?" Yoongi blushed.

He cleared his throat. "You should rest. We'll go see your friend in the evening at the hospital." He said quietly. "Can I watch you working again?" Jimin said quickly. " i don't want to lie down anymore." Yoongi stared at the omega. how did one say no to that face, he wondered.

"Alright." he found himself saying. " Come on."

"You told me you killed him." Mingyu hissed, hands closing around the old shaman's robes, shaking frantically. " You told me you killed him, you lying old fool." The shaman closed his eyes, his old age making it impossible for him to fight off the stronger omega.

There was no reasoning with insanity, so the shaman stayed quiet, curling up against the wall and closing his eyes against the onslaught. After a few more moments, Mingyu pulled back , screaming out loud in frustration. "I cannot believe he could come back here. How dare he?"

Mingyu paced the length of the room, sweat beading across his forehead. He couldn't breathe. His heart raced and there was fury building up inside him. Jungkook was his. His. No one could have him. No one else. "I want him dead." he whispered. " I'll kill him myself."

He closed his eyes ,furious. "The mate bond.." he said sharply. " Did you at least sever it?" he demanded. " Or did you lie about that too?" "Of course I severed it. Why else would Jungkook be with you all these years." The shaman muttered. Mingyu frowned. "I don't believe you."

Mingyu could feel something change between him and Jungkook the past few months. Before, they would argue, but they always made up again. Jungkook always apologized, always came back to him. But lately, he stayed away. Aloof. Something was wrong. He knew it.

And now when that dirty whore had arrived, he had seen a side of Jungkook come out that was new. Jungkook was glued to his side . Caring for him like he was his.. Like he was his mate. Mingyu felt sick. He wouldn't allow it. He was Jungkook's mate. No one else.

He had to get rid of him. He had to do it at once. But how? And then it struck him. Yes. Yes of course. He turned to the shaman, smiling. "That child." he said quietly. " The pup in his friend's belly. The one they want to leave with us. That's the reason he's here, isn't it?"

The shaman felt his skin turn to ice. He looked up at the omega in horror. "No." he whispered. " You mustn't think of such evil, child." he shook his head. Mingyu scoffed. "What evil? There's no right or wrong when it comes to love, old man. Don't you know that?" he smiled.

Yes. He could do this. He would do this. It was the right thing to do. He had to do it, to protect his family. Jungkook and Juwon. He was ding it for them. He loved them. No one could love them the way Mingyu did. He glanced at the shaman again. "This is your fault."

"If you had killed him back then, none of this had to happen, old man." He moved out of the shaman's hut, his mind already running in circles.

Tae woke up to a dark room. There was a low beeping somewhere to his right , but otherwise he couldn't make out any sound, except for the soft sound of someone breathing evenly, close by . He stared up at the ceiling, taking a few deep breaths himself. He couldn't quite move.

There was a heavy numbness in his lower body, and a grogginess in his head as well. It felt like he was underwater and he swallowed a few times, trying to get his voice out. When he finally parted his lips, all that came out was a tiny groan that was more a whimper than a sound.

He closed his eyes right after, even the small action taking a toll on him. His thoughts stayed vague, disjointed. But it went round and round, landing on the same 3 people. Jimin. He had to protect him. The pup. They had to find him a home. And Jungkook. He swallowed.

There was nothing to be done about Jungkook. Jungkook was just another pain to be endured, like everything else that had happened to him. Yes, that was it. Jeon Jungkook was just a terrible thing that happened to him. He exhaled, eyes fluttering again. He was here in Busan.

It felt surreal. He was back again in the place that he was once born. Taehyung wasn't sure what he had expected, coming back to this place. But it certainly wasn't this numbness. There was nothing inside him, just an aching emptiness, a hollow feeling of nothingness really.

Busan was no different from Seoul. Jungkook was no different from the countless alphas who had hurt him over the years of his life. For years now he had nursed a strong, burning anger for Jungkook. He had spent so many hours of his time agonizing over what the alpha had done.

But all that had changed, when he had seen Jungkook. Because Taehyung had spent ten years hurting and living in pain. But Jungkook? Jungkook didn't even remember him. Jungkook was the pack alpha, beloved and cherished. A kind man, apparently. He felt nauseous.

"Taehyung ssi..." Jungkook's voice came from beside him, low and worried. Taehyung barely felt any surprise. He was always here apparently. It was just the way things were. "Taehyung ssi can you hear me?" Gentle fingers touched his own . His skin burned. He couldn't cope.

"Its early in the morning now," Jungkook said. " A few hours to dawn. The surgery went well. Seokjin hyung said in a few months you'll be as good as new." Months? What was he saying? " it must be painful. If you need me to get the nurse, can you squeeze my fingers?"

Taehyung didn't move. Jungkook stayed quiet for a few more moments. "My son broke his arm when he was three years old." he said quietly, " he was in a lot of pain, it broke my heart." Taehyung felt his own heart turn over. Son? Jungkook had a son? He felt his eyes burn.

"I think you've had a hard time in Seoul." Jungkook continued. " I just want to say, if you're looking for a pack to take you in, we would be more than willing to offer you that." The sheer irony of it made him want to laugh. But he stayed still. Jungkook still held his hand.

The alpha began stroking the back of his hand with his thumb, a gentle gesture that was probably meant to provide comfort of some sort. Taehyung focused on the touch of his fingers, trying to see if it felt any different from the countless men who had touched him over the years.

It didn't. His body would never take anyone's touch as a sign of comfort. Taehyung had realized that a long time ago. Kisses, hugs and gentle touches meant nothing to him. No matter who was touching him or how, he felt nothing but numb and empty. It would always be that way.

It was just yet another thing Jungkook had taken away from him. The joy of physical intimacy. That feeling of being connected to another human being. Taehyung would never have that. He would never have a son he could worry about. Or a husband who would raise that son with him.

The aching emptiness inside him just grew tenfold at that.He closed his eyes, feeling miserable. Jungkook's fingers on his hand stopped moving. "You should rest well" The alpha said quietly."I have to go home in the morning but Namjoon hyung will be here instead, with Jimin ssi."

He made to move away but Taehyung gripped his hand with the very little strength that he had. Jungkook made a small sound of surprise. "Taehyung ssi? Are you okay?" He leaned over him then, close, staring into his face with worry. Taehyung stared back.

He gathered all of his energy, swallowing drily so he could get his voice out. Jungkook leaned in closer so he could hear him. "Your son.." he managed to choke out." name?" Jungkook blinked down at him. "My son's name?" The alpha smiled at that. "Juwon. His name is Juwon."

"Juwon." Taehyung whispered. A good strong name. HE closed his eyes again, letting himself relax against the sheets. He wasn't entirely sure why he wanted to know. But for some reason, the name made him feel some kind of warmth. Juwon.

Juwon who was proof that Jungkook was capable of love It was just Taehyung who hadn't been deserving of it. "I'll bring him along in the evening" Jungkook continued." He likes meeting new people." Jungkook stood by his side for a few more moments. And Tae let himself fall asleep.

The next time that Taehyung woke up, the room was bright and sunny, loud with the sound of voices chattering. His kind picked out Jimin's sweet musical voice and he groaned at once, eager to see him. He had been anxious all night. "Tae?" Jimin was by his side in an instant.

The pain in his leg had lessened, considerably and he took a few deep breaths. "Drink some water , come on..." Jimin said quietly and a second later, Namjoon was by his side , along with the doctor he had met earlier, both of them helping him sit up. Taehyung turned to the side.

And went completely still. Because there on the couch in the corner of the room, sat a man he hadn't seen in a long , long time. A man who had haunted his nightmare for years. His breathing hitched and his pulse started racing. The shaman stared back at him, eyes dark and steady.

The man was older now. So much older than he thought he would be for some reason. He looked weak and fragile and Taehyung felt the voices around him fade and dissolve into nothing but white noise, his senses focused entirely on the man as he stared at him. The shaman stood up.

"Namjoon-ah." the old man rasped out. " I want to talk to the omega. " he hesitated. " Alone." Namjoon and Jimin went still at that , surprised. They looked at the shaman, eyes wide and Namjoon cleared his throat. "Oh.. Taehyung ssi. He's the shaman of our pack." he explained.

Taehyung nodded. "Will you be okay with me waiting outside , just for a while?" Jimin asked hesitantly, squeezing his hands gently. Taehyung squeezed back before nodding. He watched Jimin and Namjoon leave. The shaman moved to the door locking it on the inside.

Taehyung stared as he moved, slowly and with great difficulty it looked like. His skin was wrinkled and his fingers shook as he gripped his staff tight, walking over to his bed side with pained looking movements. The shaman stopped right in front of his bed, staring down at him.

Taehyung stared back at him, defiant. What was the man going to say? What was he going to do? Would he threaten to reveal who he was to Jungkook? To destroy everything Tae was trying so hard to build? "You should leave." the old man rasped out." omega. You don't belong here."

Taehyung held his breath as the man moved his hand over his leg, close to his knee. He didn't touch him, merely holding his hand up, palm down over his skin, eyes fluttering shut as he hummed. Taehyung felt his skin start to heat up, pain shooting up and making him cry out.

His bones seemed to shift inside him and the Shaman stumbled a little, coughing as he lost his footing, crashing into the side of the bed. He looked pale. "What did you do?" Taehyung demanded. The shaman closed his eyes. "Leave. Tonight. Take the pup with you." he whispered.

Taehyung felt his mouth go dry, his heart starting to pound inside his chest. His leg throbbed and his body ached something fierce. "The pack alpha's mate." the man continued. " He is dangerous. Murderous. Leave tonight and save yourself." The man took another deep breath.

He reached out, grabbing Taehyung's knee and squeezing hard. Tae choked on his sobs as he felt something snap inside him, the pain agonizing in its intensity making him black out for a second. When he opened his eyes again, the shaman was on the floor, bleeding out of his eyes.

Taehyung screamed, so loud his ears started ringing and the door to the room shook on its hinges. "Taehyung?!!" Jimin's voice rang through his head, a loud desperate cry dripping with fear. Taehyung stared down at the shaman, eyes wide and mouth parted in shock. "Leave."

The man choked out, gurgling a little and Tae felt his skin crawl as he started choking, blook flowing freely out of his mouth and his nose. The door shook again. Once, twice. He closed his eyes, pressing his hands to his ears as it crashed open, coming clear off the hinges.

Namjoon rushed in stopping short at the sight in front of him. He dropped to his knees, reaching for the shaman while Jimin rushed to his side, throwing himself around Taehyung. "Tae.." The omega sobbed, sounding stricken. Taehyung could only stare at the man on the ground.

"What happened?" Namjoon choked out looking stunned and Taehyung could barely breathe , let alone speak. Nurses were rushing in now. The alpha's mate? Which alpha? Jungkook? Jungkook's mate? Who was that? Taehyung watched as they lifted the man up onto a stretcher.

Leave? Tonight? What did that mean? "Taehyung ah... Are you alright?" Jimin whispered, frantically. " What happened..." Taehyung licked his lips, his pulse pounding and his breathing erratic. "I.. Don't know." he swallowed. " I... Jungkook's mate... who is he?"

Jimin looked taken aback. "Oh... His mate? I saw him earlier. He was here to see Jungkook. Why... I think his name is Mingyu..." A face flashed in his mind. A young boy, dressed in rich robes, playing with Jungkook in the pack courtyard when they were young.

Taehyung had been to the pack house to help deliver a large cart of fruits from the orchard, The orphaned omega used to help the pack members with small tasks like that and he would always see Mingyu with Jungkook. And then he remembered the mating ceremony he had seen on TV.

Why hadn't he made the connection? Was that Mingyu? Was he the one mated to Jungkook? Taehyung felt his head spin. He couldn't make sense of anything. The pain in his legs seemed to be growing and he cried out, tears forming in his eyes. "He did something to my leg."

"Your leg?" Jimin gasped, reaching for it with shaky fingers. " What do you mean? He hurt you?" Taehyung felt his lips tremble. "I don't know..." "What happened?!" A loud voice rang out through the hallway. Taehyung froze. Jungkook. "Jungkook ssi!" Jimin cried out. " Over here."

Tae stared up at the door, watching as the alpha rushed in, his eyes wide and frantic looking. But he wasn't alone. Taehyung saw the omega standing right behind him, smaller than him, and dressed in expensive silk robes. The omega turned to look right at him and their eyes met.

Tae felt his entire body recoil in shock, every single cell inside him screaming at him to recoil as the omega stared at him, eyes dripping with what could only be called murderous malevolence.He had never seen so much hatred in someone's gaze and it made bile rise in his throat.

Dangerous. Murderous. The shaman's words rang through his skull, over and over again. He could barely breathe as the omega stared at him, lips curling back over his teeth in a sharp, vindictive smile, eerie and blood curdling. "Hello, Taehyung." Mingyu whispered, grinning.

Taehyung felt hands grip his arm, and he trembled, glancing up at Jungkook, who was staring down at him , anxious worry written all over his features. "Are you alright, Taehyung ssi?" the alpha whispered, eyes flitting all over Jungkook. And Taehyung could only stare back.

He fought to catch his breath. But his eyes fell on Jimin, dropping to his belly. The pup. From the moment they had known about the pup, Taehyung had formed an attachment. He didn't carry the pup in his body yes, but he did in his heart and now, his instincts screamed at him.

Screamed that there was danger. And Taehyung had to protect the pup. No matter what happened, he had to protect the pup,. "We need to leave.." he whispered, eyes meeting Jimin's. " We need to leave, now." Jungkook went still. "What? Leave where?" He frowned.

"He's dead." Namjoon's voice came over the roaring inside his skull. Taehyung froze. All of them turned to the alpha standing by the door. Namjoon looked pale as a sheet. "He's dead. " He repeated. " Seokjin thinks he used his magic. He was too weak to do that. It killed him."

When Taehyung looked back up, Mingyu was gone. He felt his hands start to tremble a little. Nothing made sense to him. And it scared him, this eerie feeling of being hunted. Why did Mingyu want to hurt him? Or the pup? He had no reason to. Did he think he was some kind of threat?

When Jungkook leaned over him, reaching for him again, Taehyung brought his hand up, pressing his palm to the alpha's chest, the touch gentle but firm. It was the first time he had touched Jungkook of his own volition and something flared between them, strong and electric.

Taehyung stared at Jungkook, their eyes meeting heady and strong. He felt his palm start to burn , his lips trembling as he stared at him. Jungkook looked just as stunned as he felt, staring down at him in confusion. "Taehyung..." he whispered. " Do I know you?"

Taehyung stared at him, his entire body thrumming with an energy that was foreign and terrifying. He stared at the alpha and bit his lips, shaking his head. "No." He choked out. " You don't know me. You never have and you never will."

He turned away, pushing Jungkook away from him and reaching for Jimin instead. "I want to go home. " He whispered. " We should go home. Now. " Jimin looked stunned, and his eyes went straight to Namjoon. The alpha looked stricken . "Taehyung ssi.."

"Please, Jimin... Let's leave. " He swallowed. " There will be other packs. There will be other people willing to help us. We can't stay here. " "Why? " Jimin's lips trembled. " Why do you want to leave? They've been so kind to us Taehyung. They've helped us. They helped you."

And there really was nothing Taehyung could say to that. Not like this. Not when he was surrounded by Jungkook and his pack. He felt helpless, his heart clenching in on itself as he stared at Jimin. He wanted to ask him to trust him. But he didn't think he had the right to.

There was no denying how much happier Jimin looked here. How full of hope. And that was it really. Coming here had given Jimin a taste of something they had never had, back in Seoul. Hope. Jimin who had never had more than a day's meal and a place to sleep, now hoped for more.

And really who was Tae to take that away from him? No one knew better than Taehyung, what it felt like to have happiness so close to his grasp, only to have it snatched away from him. How on earth could he possibly do the same thing to Jimin? All because of a dying man's rant?

Jimin moved then, coming around to the side, and reaching for his wrist. "What did the shaman tell you?" he asked quietly. Tae went still. "The shaman?" Jungkook frowned. " What do you mean?" "You changed your mind after the shaman asked to speak to you, right? What did he say?"

Tae turned to stare at Jungkook. He was exhausted. He was so tired truly. He never should have come here in the first place. "He said your mate is looking to kill us." He said without thinking twice. " Me and Jimin and" he swallowed. " The pup." Jungkook's eyes went wide at that.

Even Namjoon inhaled sharply at that. "Taehyung what are you even saying?" Jimin whispered, looking horrified. " Why would you... Don't you see how absurd that is?" Taehyung closed his eyes. "I'm not lying." he whispered. "My mate? My husband, Mingyu?" Jungkook sighed.

Namjoon cleared his throat. "He was an old man..." he said shakily. " None of us would ever harm you in any way, Taehyung ssi..." Jungkook nodded. "Mingyu has no reason to harm you. He doesn't even know who you are." he said quietly. Taehyung held his gaze.

He felt something simmering, right under the surface of his skin, every time their eyes met and the look on Jungkook's face told him the alpha felt it too. And there was no doubt in his head what it was. The mate bond, for some god forsaken reason was coming to life.

And just the thought of it made him want to claw into his own chest and rip his heart right out. Because there was nothing, nothing in his heart for Jungkook except a burning, sense of hatred and revulsion. And he couldn't imagine a worse fate than being bound to him.

Taehyung felt things for Jungkook that couldn't be encapsulated in the word hate. Taehyung didn't just hate Jungkook. He wished him dead. And not a quick painless death. No. A slow excruciating death , one that dragged on for years and years with no end in sight.

Just like the death Jungkook had sentenced him to, all those years ago.

Jungkook was the reason Taehyung was here now, a shell of a man, mission sight in one eye and crippled . Every single ounce of pain Taehyung had ever endured in his wretched , miserable life could be traced back to one moment and one man. And that man was Jungkook.

Jungkook who stood here now, calling another omega his mate, looking completely and utterly clueless. A fool, he thought furiously. A fool who didn't know what he had lost. Who hadn't even bothered to find out. How could an alpha not know his own mate?

He shook his head, looking away. "I told you what the shaman said." He said quietly, looking right at Jimin. " I feel the same way. I have no right to ask this of you, but if you trust me... I wish you would come away with me, Jimin ah." "No." Jungkook growled.

Taehyung frowned, turning to the alpha. "What?" "You are in no position to go anywhere." he said quietly, pointing at his leg. " Your friend as well. Who's going to take care of you, there in Seoul?" Taehyung laughed in disbelief. "How is that any of your concern?"

Jimin reached out, grabbing his arm. "Taehyung ah.." he whispered, his voice shaking. " Jungkook is right. Your leg... you can't walk. And I can't...." He bit his lips. " you know I would follow you to the ends of the earth, Tae. But I can't do this. You know I can't."

"I can walk." Taehyung said shakily, pressing his wrists into the bed and sitting up straighter. " I've been in worse pain than this for over a decade. This is nothing." he shook his head. " I can take care of myself Jimin. I promise." Jimin looked worried, shaking his head.

"You don't have to be." The omega whispered shakily. "I don't want you to be in pain, anymore. Taehyung, I... I trust Namjoon." He swallowed. " And Yoongi. And Jungkook too. They're trying to help us. And I know the shaman probably scared you but he was old and dying."

Taehyung closed his eyes as Jimin stepped closer, cupping his face with his hands. "Give me three days." Jimin said quietly. " Seokjin said that you can try walking again after 3 days. Just three days and then if you still want to leave, we'll leave. Together. You and me."

Taehyung turned to look at him, hand coming up to squeeze Jimin's wrist. "Three days." he said softly. " Just three days. And you stay by my side these three days. you don't leave my sight." Jimin smiled at that. He nodded. "Yes." He promised. " I'll be right here."

Taehyung felt the anxious knot in his stomach come undone a little, his breathing turning even again. "Okay." he whispered. He felt Jungkook shift from behind him, coming around to his side. "How can I prove to you that we mean you no harm." The alpha asked quietly.

Taehyung felt the tug inside his chest again and Jungkook's breath hitched as well. It was odd, this feeling of being tied although they were pretty much strangers to each other. And it made him sick to his stomach. He took a deep breath, fighting to keep his voice steady.

"Jungkook ssi." he said quietly, looking up at him. " I know there's this feeling inside of you, right now..." he pointed right at the alpha's chest. " Asking you to stay by my side. But that feeling is 10 years too late. So for your sake and mine, let me go."

The words seemed to hit Jungkook broadside, the alpha's eyes going wide for a second , his brows furrowing in confusion. He seemed to mull the words over inside his head, his eyes fixed on Taehyung. "Ten years..." He whispered. " Why do you say ten years?" Taehyung froze.

It took him a second to realize he had said too much. A little bit more than he had wanted to. His throat went dry and he stared at Jungkook. "Its nothing." he snapped. " I want you to leave me alone. You've been hounding me since we got here and I am sick of it."

Namjoon stepped up then, grabbing Jungkook's arm. "Jungkook he's right. You're suffocating him. Come along, let him rest. " Namjoon turned to Jimin. " Yoongi is on the way. He'll be here to spend the night with you two. Alright. Come, Jungkook." Jungkook tugged his arm away.

He stared right at Taehyung. "You've been trying to hide it since you got here. But now I can see right through you." he whispered, pointing at him. " You hate me." Taehyung clenched his fists, looking away. "Why?" The alpha demanded. " What did I ever do to you?"

And Taehyung felt it then , deep inside his chest, intense and real but also somehow foreign. A sense of confusion and hurt and despair. The emotions were strong. But they weren't his. Not really. He felt his mouth go dry. "I would never hurt someone." Jungkook whispered.

Taehyung felt the hurt intensify, along with frustration and a quiet desperation, a feeling of being wronged. He stared at Jungkook , the alpha looking stricken. "I can feel how much you hate me, right here." Jungkook said quietly touching his heart. "At least tell me why."

"Jungkook?" The soft voice by the door seemed to break the spell between them, and Taehyung turned away, his breathing harsh and his chest aching. His ribs threatening to crash in on his lungs. He felt like he was being choked. "Mingyu..." Jungkook whispered. " I.. wait."

"Juwon is all by himself. At home. We need to go." The omega whispered, looking back and forth between them. " Come on." Jungkook looked a little disoriented as he stood up. His head ached and he could barely keep his balance. Namjoon frowned, standing up with him.

Taehyung however felt his own head spin round and round in circles. He couldn't quiet understand. Was he able to feel Jungkook somehow? Sense his thoughts? Wasn't that a bit too much? And why now? And if it was true. If it was Jungkook's emotions... Why was there no guilt?

And on the wake of that thought came a more horrifying thought. Did Jungkook really not know what had happened ten years ago? He stared at Jungkook reached out for Mingyu, who wrapped his arm around the alpha, and the pair of them moved to the door. "I don't feel well."

Taehyung watched them leave, feeling sickened. He just wanted all of this to end.

Jungkook stood in front of the mirror, staring at himself. He tried to make sense of what he was feeling, but he couldn't. What was happening to him? He could feel a burning sense of hate, and a debilitating sense of hurt, deep inside him. Where did it come from?

"Jungkook? " Mingyu for some reason hadn't left his side, since they had returned from the hospital. He was right there, watching his every move and although he was his mate, Jungkook felt suffocated. He washed his face, staring at the omega in the reflection.

"I'm not feeling too well. " He said quietly. " There's this... Ache inside my chest. " He closed his eyes. " It's been growing the last few days but now it's pretty much unbearable. " He shook his head, stumbling a little. "Fuck." He muttered.

Mingyu was by his side in a second reaching for him. But the moment the omegas hand touched his own, Jungkook felt a shiver of revulsion creep up his spine. He drew back, throwing his hand away without thinking. "Don't touch me! " He snapped. And then his eyes went wide.

" Fuck, I'm sorry. " He muttered, eyes fluttering shut. " I don't know why I... " He closed his eyes. "I'm sorry. " Mingyu reached out gently gripping his arm again. "It's okay. You just need to rest. " The omega whispered. " Come on. I have something to do. I need to go out."

Jungkook nodded. He was exhausted. He needed to rest . Rest sounded good actually. "Okay." He said quietly. "Where are you going? " He asked. Mingyu smiled at that. "No where important. Just something I should have done a lot sooner. Sleep well baby. I'll be back."

The wind was so strong, Tae could barely stand. He stood by the side of the road, watching the wind bend the tall field grass in two, the storm clouds rolling in from all directions, closing in on him. He stared down the road. Jungkook had asked him to wait. Where was he?.

He stared up at the sky, watching the dark clouds as they rolled in over the fields, terrifying in their intensity. He felt the first drop of rain and his body shivered from the cold. "Jungkook! "He called out, the wind plucking the words right out of his mouth, scattering them.

And as he watched the clouds rolled up and over... They kept moving and moving... Past him... Past the fields... He stared in disbelief. The storm was heading for the valley. The valley where Jungkook was. He felt his heart turn over. No. Jungkook.

Taehyung woke up with a scream, his entire body flushed with sweat. "Taehyung... " Yoongi was by his side in a second. " What is it.. What happened.. " "Jungkook... " Taehyung choked out. " Jungkook... " "Jungkook's fine. What happened? Did you have a bad dream. "

Taehyung shook his head. "No.. He's.. He's in danger... " He whispered. "You.. I thought the storm was coming for me... But it wasn't... It's not coming for me.. It's coming for him. " "Storm.. What storm? " Yoongi looked baffled. "He's in danger... !! "He screamed.

Mingyu stood over Jungkook's sleeping form, watching him breathe evenly. What a pity it had to come to this. He sighed deeply, running his finger over the edge of his dagger. It nicked his skin, spilling blood. It was really sharp. Good. Then it would be quick.

All of this was the shaman's fault. The man's magic was what had kept the bond between Jungkook and Taehyung dormant, and now with his death, the bond was here again. And Mingyu couldn't fight with that now could he? Still, ten years. He had a good long run. He was fine.

Mingyu sat down by Jungkook's side, reaching out and running his hand over the alpha's hair. He had never loved anyone as much as Jungkook. And no one could love the alpha the way he did. Jungkook should be grateful really. He didn't want to do this. But he had to.

"I love you. "He whispered softly, right against Jungkook's ear. "But I can't bear seeing you with someone else, Jungkook" The omega moved over him, gripping the dagger tight He brought it up over his head before plunging down, watching the blade sink right into the alphas chest.

( a/n see you guys soon)

( to clarify... The dreams taehyung is having isn't actually a dream or a flashback... It's a representation of their wolves )

When Yoongi arrived at the packhouse, he was fully certain he would find Jungkook safe and sound, possibly asleep in his bed. The omega had clearly had some kind of a nightmare, but it was impossible getting him to calm down. And his anxiety was somehow contagious.

The alpha stepped out of the car, his own instincts telling him something was wrong, but not quite enough to make him rush. He walked over to the door, making note of the missing car in the driveway. Was Jungkook here? But as he stepped up to the front door, his heart stopped.

As an alpha his senses were always heightened, and as he took a deep breath, the thick heavy scent of blood made him retch, his throat clogging up with fear. Yoongi didn't think twice, drawing back quickly before ramming right into the door, taking it clear off its hinge.

He stumbled into the dark house, following the pungent odor, trying to make sense of what he was smelling, and as he reached the hallway to Jungkook's bedroom his knees gave out. The alpha lay in pool of blood, face down in the middle of the hallway , hands gripping a dagger.

"Jungkook ah!!" Yoongi rushed over to his side, his head spinning , and part of him certain that this wasn't real. This couldn't be real... How could it possibly... He grabbed his phone, calling Namjoon , even as he grabbed Jungkook's wrist, terrified. There was a pulse.

But it was faint, and Jungkook's skin was cold and clammy to he touch. "Jungkook... Jungkook ah... " He gripped his shoulders, bending close and pressing his lips close to the alpha's ear. "Jungkook... can you hear me..." "Ju..." Jungkook gurgled out, "...Won.."

Yoongi felt his heart go icy cold as he stumbled to his feet, tripping as he moved to the door on the left, leading to the young boy's room. He stared at the bed, eyes wide. Juwon was face down on the bed and for on horrible moment Yoongi was terrified.

He rushed to the boy's side, but when he rolled him over he realized Juwon was sleeping, his breathing deep and even. "Hyung..what's wrong?" Yoongi grabbed the phone with trembling fingers. "Namjoon ah... Jungkook's hurt... get here fast .." he grabbed a thick linen towel from

the side of the bed, rushing back to Jungkook's side. He rolled the alpha over and felt his eyes go wide, as he stared at his blood soaked front. He wadded the towel up, pressing it against the deep gash in the middle of his chest, but he couldn't help but feel he was too late.

There was so much blood. So much of it. Where was Mingyu? He glanced around at the blood stained carpeting and felt sick to his stomach. No.This couldn't happen. As an alpha Jungkook's body was more resilient than others. It was probably why he was still alive in the first place.

Yoongi didn't know how long he stayed there , pressing down on Jungkook's wound, watching the alpha's skin go paler and paler, his skin turning to ice under his touch. All he could think of in that moment was this : Whoever did this to Jungkook would pay with his life.

"How did you know?" Jimin said shakily. " How did you know he was in danger, Tae... And don't you dare lie to me!" The omega looked stricken eyes fixed on Taehyung, wide and terrified. Taehyung couldn't quiet speak. There was an ache in his chest. And it was growing.

"Jimin..." he bit his lips, taking a deep breath. There was no getting out of this. "Jungkook is..." he swallowed. " He's my true mate." Jimin recoiled, staring at him in slack jawed shock. "He's what?" he demanded. " What are you saying?"

"He's my mate... I... this is the pack, I ran away from." he whispered. Jimin shook his head. "Mingyu is his mate. Everyone says that..." Jimin looked confused. " What do you mean he's your mate."

"They're lying." Taehyung whispered. "I don't know why.. I... All I know is that I found out he was my mate when I presented and less than a year later, they..." he hesitated. " I had to leave. I had to get away."

Jimin stared at him. "Does he know..." He asked quietly. " Does Jungkook know?" Taehyung looked at him in despair. It wasn't a question he was ready to ask. As far as he was concerned there was only one answer to it. Jungkook had to have known.

"How could he not..." he whispered. " Of course he must've known." he looked away. "He knew but he didn't do anything about it. Because that's the kind of alpha he is. A selfish coward." Jimin looked stunned. "Taehyung why didn't you tell me this? We shouldn't have come here.."

"It doesn't matter." Taehyung whispered. " We should leave. Now." He winced as another sharp jolt of pain lanced straight through his chest. He refused to think of it. Refused to consider what it implied. It wasn't his burden to bear. "Let's get out of here."

Jimin looked stunned, staring down at his leg. "Now? Are you sure... Your leg..." "I can move it." Taehyung said softly. " The pain is barely there and look.." he moved his leg gently, carefully. " Help me up. I can walk.. I'm sure of it." Jimin nodded , moving to his side.

"What about Jungkook?" The omega asked softly. " You said he was in danger... How did you know? Did you feel it yourself?" Jimin's eyes went wide. "Wait, can you sense his pain? His emotions?" He looked stunned. " I've read about it happening sometimes with true mates!"

Taehyung shook his head. "No." he lied bluntly, gripping the edge of the bed with one hand, and wrapping his arm around Jimin's waist with the other. " I don't feel anything. He's probably fine." he muttered. " I don't want to see him ever again, Jimin ah. Let's get out of here."

Jimin nodded, helping Taehyung up. The omega moved his leg again, flexing his knees. He stared down at the limb in surprise. It didn't hurt at all. He remembered the shaman. How he had held his hand over Taehyung's knee. Had he healed him? Why? Why would he do that?

A loud commotion by the door made both of them startle. Tae stared as people began rushing about, and a second later, Namjoon appeared at the door, eyes wide and teary. "Jungkook's hurt..." he whispered. " I have to go to the pack house." Tae felt like he was going to be sick.

Jimin stepped away , looking back and forth between him and Namjoon. Taehyung felt his skin growing cold, and the pain in his chest lessened a little. He stared at the alpha who was looking at both of them with unconcealed fear. "Yoongi thinks he isn't going to make it."

Something that felt awfully, awfully like fear began to grow inside him. Tae stared at the alpha, willing himself to feel nothing, willing himself to not care. Hadn't he wished this? Wasn't that what he wanted? Jungkook deserved it. He deserved it... "I'm going to get Juwon."

Namjoon said shakily. " Someone had to take care of him . We can't find Mingyu..." the alpha trailed off, moving away from the door. Taehyung stared after him and both him and Jimin stayed still. "Taehyung..." "Its not my business." Tae whispered. "I have nothing to do with him."

He looked up at Jimin. "Jimin ah... " he laughed , shaking his head. " You don't understand. I can't..." he swallowed. " There's no one on this planet , that I hate more than Jeon Jungkook. I cannot... I..I refuse to sympathize for him. Not after what he did to me."

Jimin didn't say anything. Instead his hand moved down to his belly, cupping the soft curve there. Taehyung stared as Jimin curved his fingers, the gesture involuntary , instinct. Protective. Jimin was protecting his pup. Pup. Juwon. Taehyung closed his eyes, fists clenching.

All he could remember was Jungkook telling him how Juwon had fractured an arm when he was three years old. How Jungkook had been so worried for him. Had Juwon been there with Jungkook when he was hurt? Was he hurt too? Taehyung tried to push these questions out of his head.

But he couldn't. Because suddenly the shaman's words rang inside his head. Mingyu. Had he done that? Had he actually hurt....? No. No he couldn't have. He had no reason to. Why would he hurt the man he loved. Everyone in this god forsaken pack seemed to love Jungkook.

Jimin's hand pressed against his shoulder, making him look up at the omega. "Do you want to leave?" he asked quietly. "Before they get back? It would be easier. Especially if you don't want them to know you're... " Jimin bit his lips. " We should leave now." Yes, they should.

But as Taehyung moved to stand up he felt something pulse inside his chest, tugging on his senses , like a hook tugging into his bellybutton. It felt strong and intense and for a second he couldn't breathe. And then it dulled, fading to almost nothing. Was that the bond?

He could barely feel it. Taehyung felt dread begin to pool in the pit of his belly. The implication of it filled him with trepidation and fear. Because if the bond was weakening , there was only one explanation. Jungkook was losing his hold on life. He was dying.

Jimin reached for his arm, tugging him up and onto his feet. But Taehyung dug his heels into the floor, refusing to move. When he had first arrived in Seoul, Taehyung had spent hours and hours trying to find out why the bond between him and Jungkook had never formed.

He hadn't learned much. Books were expensive and the internet was confusing. But he knew that the only way to break a bond completely was if one of them died. And there was a time when he had been terrified that Jungkook had perhaps died. And that was why he couldn't feel him.

But then he would hear about the Jeon pack's alpha, happy and in love with his mate, running the most prosperous pack in the country and his fears had slowly dissolved into disbelief and misery and despair. And he had realized, slowly, that it was Taehyung who had died.

There was physical death that came as a release from all the pain and misery of the world, and then there was the death that his pack had sentenced him to. The one where he would be forced to stay alive with no hope of ever living the way he deserved to.

For Taehyung, death wasn't something he was scared of. It wasn't even something he would actively try to escape from. Because he had learned a long time ago that there were so many things, much worse than death. But that was him. Jungkook ? Jungkook had reasons to live.

And Taehyung felt his stomach churn with guilt. he had no right wishing death on Jungkook who had been a good father and a good husband and a good alpha. Who was he to want that for him? He stared down at his feet. "I think he's going to die." he whispered out loud.

Jimin whirled around, staring at him. "What?" he looked stunned. " Why do you say that?" Taehyung swallowed, before pressing a hand to his chest. "The bond." he swallowed. " Its fading." Jimin looked horrified. "Oh, no." he whispered. " Tae..." Taehyung looked away.

He felt empty all of a sudden. Drained. He felt nothing. He repeated the phrase again. Aloud. "Jungkook will die." he said quietly. There was no sense of loss as he said it. No relief either. Maybe because they had always been dead to each other anyway.

"Let's wait." He said quietly. " If he... he's really gone.. I .. I should at least offer my..." he trailed off. Offer his what? What did he even have to offer. There was nothing here. But Jimin seemed to understand. He moved to sit next to him.

And as he sat there, holding Jimin's hand, waiting for the inevitable, all Taehyung could think was, What a waste. What a waste it had all been.

Seokjin stared down at the man on the bed, watching his pulse, which stayed steady in a way it shouldn't. He couldn't explain it. "He's holding on." He whispered. " I don't know how, but he is." Namjoon stood with Juwon still asleep, cradled against his chest.

Yoongi stepped closer to the bed. "Something's fishy." he whispered. "Why isn't Mingyu here?" he demanded. " His mate is hurt. Shouldn't the bond bring him here?" Seokjin cleared his throat, looking away. "What is it?" Seokjin shrugged. "there's no bond between them"

Seokjin's words made both Namjoon and Yoongi still. The two alphas exchanged glances, brows furrowed as they turned back around to stare at the healer. "What is that supposed to mean?" Yoongi asked quietly and Seokjin hummed. "I just think the bond between them isn't strong."

The healer leaned over Jungkook, gently tugging the hem of his sheet to the side, revealing his tattoed arm and chest. "Look at this..." he pointed out the small mating mark near his shoulder, close to his neck. " It's not a real mating mark. You know, the kind that appears

on your skin when you consummate a relationship with your true mate." Seokjin looked up, eyes meeting those of Namjoon with a rather bitter smile. Namjoon looked away at once, and Yoongi cleared his throat. "So, are you telling me they weren't true mates?" Seokjin shrugged.

"I'm just telling you something I observed. i meant you of all people know that true mates don't mean much, when you're in love with someone else, don't you Namjoon?" he asked quietly. Yoongi made a noise of impatience. "Can you just not-" he began furiously, "It's okay, hyung."

Namjoon said quietly,giving Yoongi a reassuring smile before turning to Seokjin . "What do you mean the mark isn't real?" he asked quietly. Seokjin licked his lips. "Its a tattoo." he said quietly. " So is the one on Mingyu. I noticed it when he was here , when Juwon was born."

Yoongi looked away troubled. "Why didn't he tell us this?" he asked softly. " I mean... he must've known. There's no way he couldn't have known." Namjoon looked just as troubled. "So Mingyu doesn't know he's hurt?" Seokjin nodded. "Not unless you find him and tell him."

"We have men looking for him." Yoongi said quietly. " But I'll be honest. Now I'm worried. What if whoever hurt Jungkook, hurt Mingyu as well?" Namjoon moved Juwon from one shoulder to the next wincing from the effort of carrying the boy. Seokjin watched him quietly.

"I'll go back to the house and see if I can find something else." Yoongi said quietly. " And I'll send word to the neighboring packs too." Namjoon nodded. "I need to get something arranged for Jimin and Taehyung first. You go ahead , I'll call you." Yoongi nodded before leaving.

Namjoon waited a few moments, after the door closed behind him before turning to Seokjin. "Is it really too much for me to ask, that you respect my mate when you talk to us, Seokjin?" Seokjin gave him a rather bitter little smile.

"I have never disrespected him." he said quietly. " You only feel that way because you always have believed the worst of me." Namjoon sighed deeply. "That is not true." he said evenly. " I know things ended badly between us but-" "But nothing!" Seokjin snapped.

"You chose to do whatever you wanted, when you abandoned me for him and now, you have the fucking audacity to stand in front of me and make demands of the way I treat him? Do you have any fucking right to even look me in the eye, Kim Namjoon?!" he whispered shakily.

Namjoon didn't reply. There wasn't much he could say truly. Eighteen year old Namjoon had treated Seokjin abominably and the omega hadn't deserved it at all. He knew that. And Seokjin was right. He had no right to make any sort of demands of him. Seokjin stared at him.

"I want to move on too." he said quietly. " I want to stop thinking of you. I want to stop feeling like my heart is being ripped to shreds everytime I see him touching what was supposed to be mine." he swallowed. " I want to see you regret leaving me but, " he laughed,

"All I get to see is you loving someone in a way that you never loved me." he closed his eyes. " So yes, I'm bitter. I'm bitter and angry and I won't hide it. I won't lie and say that I wish you well, because I don't. " he muttered. " So don't ever ask me to do anything for you."

Namjoon took a deep breath. "I'm sorry." he said for what felt like the millionth time. It probably was. But there were some hurts that couldn't be forgiven. Some wrongs that could never be set right. "I'm sorry for what I did . And I'm sorry that my selfishness cost you."

Seokjin stayed still and Namjoon carefully slipped out of the room, Juwon still in his arms. Seokjin moved to sit on the small chair next to the bed. He stared down at Jungkook's ashen face "Whatever is helping you hold on." he whispered, " I hope you never lose it, Jungkook ah."

The wait to hear from one of the alphas, felt like it stretched forever. Taehyung could feel the pain in his leg start to ebb and dwindle, slow but steady. Jimin took turns lying down and walking but Taehyung could tell that he was tired. He felt restless and miserable.

When the door opened, Taehyung all but jumped, Staring wildly at the alpha who entered. "What happened?" Jimin asked urgently, moving to the alpha's side quickly. "Please be careful, Jimin ssi." Namjoon said quietly, as Jimin stumbled a little. "He's holding on for now."

Jimin turned to stare at Taehyung and then back again at Namjoon. "Taehyung ah... you have to tell him," the omega said quietly. " Tell him what you told me." Taehyung flinched at that. But Jimin was right. He had to tell him. "I... I am originally from your pack."

Namjoon's surprise was palpable, his eyes going wide. "What?" Tae took a deep breath. "I am also Jungkook's true mate," He felt a little sick saying that your loud. Namjoon looked completely stunned. "I ....left a few weeks before I turned eighteen. so our bond never formed."

Taehyung breathed out, shaking his head. "For some reason, it seems to be forming now. But just so you know, I don't want it to. I have no intention of staying here or getting in the way of anyone. This isn't my home anymore and I know that well." he swallowed.

Namjoon took a deep breath before moving to the couch on the side. He helped lay Juwon down, carefully. And then he straightened up, looking confounded. "What are you saying?" He shook his head. " I don't remember ever seeing you." Taehyung looked away. "No one ever saw me."

The weight of the words on his tongue made his head ache. It was something he had thought about a lot , in the early days, on the streets. Often times, there would be other missing children, who would turn up on the streets with him and Jimin.

But most of the time, in a week or so, there would be people looking for them, who would come there and find them and take them away. Jimin and Taehyung were the only ones who were a constant on those streets. Because no one knew or cared enough to look for them.

And Tae despite the many years he had spent in the Jeon pack, had realized that although people had treated him with kindness, he had never truly registered as a person in any of their hearts. Just like a stray you might feed once in your life and never think of ever again.

He stared up at Namjoon now, trying not to let his misery spill out into his words. "How many people live in your pack, Namjoon ssi?" he asked quietly. " Many thousands, right? Do you know all of them? Probably not. You know the ones who matter to you. If someone you love

or care for were to disappear tomorrow, you would spend your time looking for them. But if you saw some poor boy on the street, paid him a few coins to help you with some small chore, would you remember him? You might wonder, after a month of two, what happened to him,

but would you go out of your way to look for him? Or find him?" Namjoon looked pale as a sheet. "I had no parents." he said quietly. " I lived on the outskirts of the pack, close to the boundary wall and only ever came around when I had to make money to feed myself.

I suppose when I left, there was some other poor boy ready to take my place. People like me, we don't matter to anyone. So no one truly cares whether I'm there or not. So you needn't look so guilty. Its human nature to forget what isn't important. I was never important. "

Jimin moved to stand next to him, hand coming up to lightly touch his shoulder, squeezing gently. "Whatever it is," Jimin said quietly, " Taehyung doesn't want to be here. And I don't want to be in a place where he isn't by my side." he bowed his head gently," So we must leave."

For a few moments, Namjoon looked too stunned to move. The gravity of Jimin's words seemed to sink in only a few moments later. The alpha looked back and forth between them. And then his gaze dropped to the curve of Jimin's waist. He swallowed. "The baby..." he began.

"We'll find someone else to-" Taehyung quickly squeezed Jimin's hand. "If you're still willing to adopt the baby," the omega said quietly. " You can keep Jimin here till then" he said softly. " He would be safer here. I'll be back for him once the pup is born."

Jimin made a noise of disbelief. "What are you even-" Taehyung shushed him. "Don't say a word. " he said quietly. " Namjoon and Yoongi. They're good people. You can see that for yourself. And I know you want the pup to be somewhere safe. This is a safe place."

"I'm not leaving you." Jimin said sharply and Taehyung smiled gently. "No. You're not. And I won't ever let you leave either. Its just a few months. Like I said I'll be back for you. And then we'll be together again." Jimin looked ready to protest but Taehyung shook his head.

"You know we need this." he said quietly. " I can't afford to take care of you and the pup and we don't know if we'll ever find someone else willing to take the pup in. I don't want to leave either but, its not about us, right now, Jimin ah." he begged. " You have to understand."

"Is there nothing I can say , to persuade you to stay with him." Namjoon said quietly. Taehyung looked at him. And then he shook his head. "I want to leave." he said honestly. " There's enough pain in my life without me willingly seeking it out." he smiled. " I cant stay."

The knock on the door made them turn. Taehyung glanced over the alpha's shoulder. Seokjin stood over the threshold, and someone else stood right behind him. "Taehyung ssi..." The healer exclaimed, " Are you from our pack?" Seokjin looked stunned. Taehyung recoiled.

"He is." The new man said impatiently. " His ties to the land are strong. I can feel it in my blood." Taehyung watched as the young man, scarcely older than him, stepped into the room, eyes going straight for him. "It's you." he said softly. " You're the one keeping him alive."

Taehyung could only stare as the man made a beeline for him, reaching for his wrist without preamble, and before Taehyung could say or do a thing, the man held his palm up to his gaze. Taehyung watched as the man rubbed his thumb over his wrist. "You aren't hurting?"

Taehyung yanked his hand away, glaring at him. "Don't touch me." he snapped. " Who are you?" The man blinked, offering him a small smile. "I'm Hoseok." he said quietly. " Tell me Taehyung, how is it that your mate is dying but you feel nothing at all?" Seokjin gasped.

"You... You're his mate?" Seokjin looked stunned. Hoseok was still staring at him. Taehyung felt his anger swell. "I feel nothing because I do not care if he lives or dies." he snapped. " He is nothing to me." Seokjin went even paler. Namjoon pressed a hand to his mouth.

Hoseok however seemed to relax a little. "Kim Taehyung." he said softly. " You're alive then?" he shook his head in awe. " You have been alive all these years?" Taehyung stared at him. "What...What is that supposed to mean?" he stuttered. "Of course I have been alive.

I know your pack would rather I be dead, but I didn't. I lived. None of you cared about me, none of you cared to look for me but that doesn't mean I wasn't alive." he choked out. Hoseok stared at him. "Taehyung..."

"I am done talking. " Taehyung snapped. " I am done talking and re living the worst moments of my life.. Over and over again. I want to end this now. I never should have come back here. Your pack alpha got himself killed. It's not my fault. I want to leave! " He snapped.

Hoseok stared at him. "He's alive because he's holding onto the bond. The bond is strong because of your presence here Taehyung." He said quietly. " If you leave now he will die. "

Taehyung felt like a lightning bolt had hit him, the words jarring and almost debilitating in their intensity. He stared at the young shaman in disbelief. "What did you just say? " He whispered. Hoseok held his gaze, undeterred by the look on his face. "You heard me. "

Taehyung swallowed, his mouth going dry. "How is that my fault? " He whispered. " I didn't ask to be his mate. I didn't ask to be tied to him. I didn't ask to suffer because of his choices. Why must I pay for his sins? " He demanded. " If he dies, he dies. "

The silence that followed was loud. Taehyung looked around, waiting for either Namjoon or Seokjin Or Hoseok to oppose him . To call him selfish or cruel or heartless. But none of them said a word. And then Namjoon bowed. "You can leave whenever you're ready. "

Taehyung felt the fight drain out of him at that. He ignored the ache in his chest, and closed his eyes. He felt hollowed out and empty and still the world expected him to keep pouring out more of himself. He couldn't. He just couldn't. "I need my crutches. "

Namjoon nodded and moved to the door. Seokjin bowed as well, " I have to go check on Jungkook. " The omega whispered, his voice breaking a little. Taehyung hardened his heart , looking away from them. Only Hoseok stood by his side. Watching him. "What ? " He snapped.

"If you're trying to make me stay, it's futile. I don't want to. And I won't. " He snapped. Hoseok shook his head.

"Death and Birth are preordained. " He said quietly. " If Jungkook is meant to die, he will. I cannot change his fate. " He leaned in, " Just as Jungkook couldn't have changed yours. "

The words made Taehyung go completely still. He felt cold all over. "What is that supposed to mean? " He whispered.

"Sometimes, it's tempting to blame all our misfortune on one person. That way we can give our demon a name and face. And we think that would make it easier to defeat it." Hoseok smiled. " You're fighting the wrong demon, Taehyung. "

Taehyung stared at him, his hackles rising. "Well that is where you're wrong. Jungkook is responsible for my misfortune. " He snapped. " It was his fault that I suffered. He is the monster under my bed. None of your meaningless platitudes will change my mind. I won't stay. "

Hoseok nodded at that. "I'm not trying to make you stay. " He said quietly. " Like I said, I cannot change fate. What you choose to do, it's up to you. We make our own choices and we live with the consequences. " He sighed. " Fate has been cruel to you. A pity."

Taehyung bristled at the words looking away. He felt jittery and out of sorts. He had always hated the magic folk because of this. They always said things that made him feel off kilter. And most of the time they were annoyingly right. His mouth was dry.

It didn't matter. Taehyung had no use for any of these words. He didn't care. None of this would change his past or his future. He was doomed to a life of misery and of hating Jungkook would give him the strength to go on, he would do just that. For the rest of his life.

"I have your things. " Namjoon said quietly, from the doorway. Taehyung looked up, and sure enough the alpha had his bag and his crutches. "Can you get down? Try standing. " Jimin was by his side, holding his waist. Taehyung moved with ease. His legs barely hurt.

He tried walking and it was difficult. He couldn't quite get his bearings but Jimin held onto him. It wasn't pain. It was just his muscles weakened by inactivity. But Taehyung grabbed the crutches and he began moving to the door. "One last thing? " Hoseok said quietly.

Taehyung turned to him. Hoseok reached into the small tote bag that hung around his bag. Taehyung watched as the shaman pulled out a long, long necklace beaded with numerous colorful beads and jewels. Taehyung caught sight of polished jade with runes inscribed on it.

He stared as Hoseok held it out to him. "What is that? " He asked quietly, even as his own fingers started shaking. Because he knew. He knew exactly what it was.

He had one himself, in the bottom of his trunk in Seoul. A necklace beaded in the memory of someone A way to remember someone who had died. Someone important. Someone you cared about. Someone who was no longer alive. Someone you grieved. Taehyung had beaded one for his parents.

"It's Jungkook's. " Hoseok said quietly. "And I was bringing it here to give it to his mate. But, since it was made with your name on it, I think it's better if you have it for yourself. "

Taehyung stopped breathing altogether.

( don't panic ppl and think clearly. Taehyung has one for his parents who were dead. Jungkook had one for Taehyung. Connect the dots.)

Tae sat on the chair next to the hospital bed, finger tips running over the smooth, polished edges of the beaded necklace, his thumb rubbing over the small imperfections there. Seokjin stood leaning over the alpha, checking his vitals. Hoseok stood by the door, watching.

Taehyung glanced at the necklace and then back at the alpha on the bed, trying to make sense of what he had just heard. The necklace was long, layered three times over, with more beads then he could count and some he hadn't ever seen in his life. Seokjin straightened.

"He's doing better." he said quietly. " He's healing. Slowly," he sighed, " very slowly. But he's healing." The omega turned to him. "Can I get you something to eat or drink, Taehyung?" he asked gently. " You haven't eaten anything all day." The omega shook his head.

"When will he be alright?" he asked hesitantly. " I mean, well enough to talk?" Seokjin exchanged looks with Hoseok, who sighed. He moved over to stand next to him. "Sometimes the wolf protects the human by taking over. The human won't return until the wolf decides its safe."

Taehyung didn't respond. "So he thought I was dead?" the omega said quietly, before glancing at the shaman. " These beads... I don't know how often he beaded them but ....there's too many here." Hoseok hummed. "It was already half as long as this when he first bought it to me."

That made Tae pause. "When he brought it to you?" he asked quietly. "Yes. He brought it to me so I could add these." he leaned over Taehyung's shoulder, pointing out small jade slabs, interspersed between the beads. They had inscriptions on them. " They're protective runes."

Taehyung felt his head start to ache a little. "When was that?" he asked softly. "When he was eighteen." Hoseok said quietly. " I was only an apprentice back then. I asked him why he didn't go to the pack shaman instead. He said he didn't want anyone else to know."

Taehyung stared at the beads in confusion. "I was still in the pack back then." he protested. " I... he knew I was there. I was alive." He protested. Hoseok nodded. "I know." he sighed. " I don't know why he did this, Taehyung. All I know is that he mourned his true mate."

"Well clearly he was out of his mind." Taehyung snapped, furious. His throat felt dry, his mind muddled. Hoseok didn't respond. Instead he moved closer to the alpha on the bed. He reached for his wrist, and carefully turned it over, his finger lifting the blanket out of the way.

Taehyung stared as the shaman, ran his finger over the skin there. "Look at this." He said quietly. Taehyung leaned closer. He stared at the mark there. "It looks like a bird." he muttered. "A falcon." "Does it mean anything to you?" Taehyung shook his head.

Hoseok nodded. "I see." he took a deep breath. " You know Jungkook presented when he was seventeen." Taehyung swallowed. "Yes. There was a lot of festivities done in his honor." he hesitated. "And you know an alpha senses his mate on the night that he presents."

Taehyung nodded again. "Did he come find you that night?" he asked quietly. Taehyung went still at that. "Why are you asking me that?" he demanded. "Did he?" Taehyung hesitated before shaking his head. "No, he didn't." Hoseok nodded again, a thoughtful look on his face.

Taehyung took a deep breath. "That doesn't mean he didn't know I was his mate." he said shakily. " He must've known. How could he not? I... I know he did." "Did you know?" Hoseok asked curiously. " When you presented. You knew it was him?" "Yes of course I did." he whispered.

"Did you try to meet him?" Taehyung wrapped his arms around himself. "It's not right for an omega to seek out the alpha. It's the alpha who must come looking for his mate." he muttered under his breath. " If KI went looking for him, I would have been mocked."

Hoseok smiled a bit at that, nodding in understanding. Taehyung looked up at him, feeling chided somehow. "Are you going to blame this on me?" he demanded. Hoseok looked up at that.

" I'm just trying to understand why 17yr old Jungkook thought that his true mate was dead, when in fact , said mate was well and alive." he tilted his head. " And why, if he thought he was dead, did he want to add spells for his protection a year later?"

Taehyung licked his lips. "I .... I don't know what you're asking me." he said quietly. " I don't understand." "You said you've started feeling the bond after you came here ?" "Yes." Taehyung said softly. "As soon as you saw Jungkook?" Taehyung considered that. "No."

"Not as soon as I saw him... but.. a few days later.. I... It was..." he paused. " It was after the shaman healed my leg." he whispered. "Ah." he said thoughtfully. "Now it makes sense." Tae frowned. "What are you talking about? Nothing makes sense. "

Hoseok sat on the bed in front of him. "Taehyung ah.... The mate bond..." he said carefully. " Its a living, sentient thing. No shaman with an ounce of integrity would mess with something like that. Because it would be akin to going against the mood goddess herself."

"Our pack's shaman..." he glanced at Seokjin thoughtfully. " He hasn't practiced his magic for over a decade now. I've been doing the healing and the spells around here for a long time. And I used to wonder why. Now I understand. He was terrified of letting his magic out."

"Because the magic isn't our either. Its an extension of the goddess herself. The magic uses us, and not the other way around. We are but tools, helping the moon goddess wield her power , offer us protection, heal us. He must've known, that the moment he let the magic take over,

it would kill him for what he did." he took a deep breath. " And I guess it did."

"Jungkook didn't know you were his true mate." he whispered. " He thought he had lost his mate even before he presented." he sighed. " Whatever the shaman did, it must've masked the bond, enough to hide it from him." Taehyung shook his head. "I don't want to hear this."

Hoseok moved back at that. "Taehyung..." "I'm trying ... to care about what you're saying. But the truth is I don't." he said quietly. " I really don't." He glanced at the alpha on the bed. " When he wakes up, I will leave. I don't want an explanation. I don't want this either."

He gripped the beaded necklace tighter and leaned over the bed, taking a deep breath before draping it over Jungkook's head. He hesitated before lightly lifting the alpha's head,so he could slip the necklace on. Just as he pulled away, Jungkook's hand shot out gripping his wrist.

Taehyung couldn't stop himself from crying out, the shock of the alpha's action rendering him momentarily speechless, eyes wide as he stared at the hand wrapped around his own. Jungkook's grip was strong, corded muscles in his forearm flexing as he tightened his hold on him.

For someone who had just gotten stabbed, Jungkook sure seemed to be incredibly strong, the omega struggling to pull himself free. Seokjin was by his side in a second, carefully reaching for Jungkook's hand and gently prying his fingers away. "Jungkook?" the omega whispered.

Taehyung watched as Jungkook coughed as couple of times, eyes shut but squinting, brows furrowed together as he groaned. He whispered something, a few broken syllables reaching Taehyung but not quite making sense. "Jungkook? Its okay.. You're okay." Seokjin whispered.

Jungkook coughed again and this time his words were a little clearer. "Ju...won.." he whispered. Taehyung stepped back at that, throat dry as he rubbed at his wrist. He was no stranger to rough touches but something about Jungkook's touch lingered. He rubbed at his skin again.

Taehyung watched, heart pounding inside his chest as Seokjin leant over him, whispering assurances. Jungkook still had his eyes closed but he was breathing harshly and there was no mistaking the fear in his tone. He was terrified. And Seokjin's reassurances didn't seem to help.

Taehyung stared at the alpha as he shifted on the bed, tugging on the IV line in his wrist and he hesitated, before turning to the small cot on the side of the room, where Juwon was still napping. He hesitated before moving over to the pup, carefully lifting him up.

He didn't think much, merely walking around to Jungkook's side, letting the pup lie on the tiny space left in the alpha's bed, trying not to wake him up Jungkook stopped struggling, his nostrils flaring for a second before he turned his head, burying his nose into his son's neck.

He stopped struggling, his breathing evening out a bit as he relaxed, features going a little lax. Seokjin glanced at him, eyes wide. "Thank you." the omega whispered and Taehyung didn't respond. Instead he watched as Jungkook pressed himself against the pup. He hesitated.

"Why isn't he waking up?" he asked quietly. Seokjin stared at him. "He's hurt... Badly... He has to heal before..." "Not him." Taehyung said quietly. " Juwon. Why isn't he waking up?" Seokjin went still. Hoseok straightened as well. "Children shouldn't sleep that deeply."

Seokjin frowned, before reaching for the pup's wrist. He hesitated. "His pulse is a little slowed down." he muttered, before reaching for his eyes, checking his pupils. " He's asleep. But you're right. It doesn't seem natural." He frowned. "Do you think he was drugged?"

Hoseok's eyes were wide. Taehyung took a step back from the bed, wrapping his arms around himself. "Where is his father?" he asked quietly. " Mingyu ssi..." Seokjin hesitated. "He's missing. There's men looking for him." he hesitated. " I need to get him into another bed."

Taehyung watched as Seokjin carried the pup over to the door, Jungkook making a small noise of protest but settling back down a second later. Taehyung stared at the alpha. "He's fine." He said quietly. " Clearly." Hoseok hesitated before nodding. "Looks like he will be."

Taehyung glanced at him. "So I'm not really needed anymore, am I?" Hoseok stared at him with an unreadable look on his face. He didn't say anything. The omega hesitated before stepping away from the bed and moving to the couch. "I hope you find his mate." he said quietly.

Hoseok watched as the omega gathered his bag, slinging it over his shoulder. "I need someone to take me to Namjoon ssi's home. I would like to see Jimin before I leave." he said quietly. Hoseok hesitated. "I'll send for him." he said " Are you going to be alright?"

Taehyung paused at that, considering the question carefully. He would be going back to his own personal hell. There would be no Jimin to keep him sane. Would he be alright? Who knew? But that was the thing. Life happened, regardless of whether you wanted it to or not.

"I'll live." he said with a small smile. " Please send for him." Hoseok nodded , moving out of the room and into the hallway, leaving Taehyung alone with the alpha on the bed. The omega stared at him for a few seconds.

Jungkook had mourned for his mate completely unaware that he had been the one to destroy him. Wasn't that ironic? He still wasn't sure whether he believed Hoseok's theory. He wasn't sure he wanted to. He was used to thinking Jungkook had hated him. It was easier that way.

He felt the tug of the bond inside his chest, as he stepped closer to the alpha. It was a pattern he noticed. The bond felt stronger whenever he thought of Jungkook. It faded to the background when he didn't may it any mind. A living sentient thing, indeed. And he wondered.

When he left, would Jungkook feel it? Would it be a constant nagging thing, flooding his insides with crushing guilt. reminding him of his sins, of his loss and his mistakes? Or would it, like Taehyung , fade into the background of his mind, never to be felt again.

But the truly confusing thing was, Taehyung didn't know what he would prefer. A part of him hoped Jungkook would suffer, as he did. But the other part wished he would never feel a thing for him. Taehyung didn't want to be connected to him, not even in the alpha's mind.

So he stepped closer to the bed , staring at the prone figure on the bed. He watched the rise and fall of his chest as he breathed , the light raspiness in the sound reminding him that he was hurt. Probably in pain. Taehyung tried to summon some kind of sympathy.

He felt none. Instead his eyes fell on the large beaded necklace lying around Jungkook's neck. The sight of it sickened him somehow. The omega reached over, determined. He gripped the strands tight before tearing them apart, watching the beads snap and scatter all over.

His hands trembled as he pulled back, watching years of work go to waste, destroyed . It was just as well, the omega thought , turning on his heel and walking out of the room. Jungkook's grief and his runes had done nothing to protect him anyway.

Jimin stood on the porch, the wooden platform lit by the single yellow bulb that hung from the middle of the slatted roof, the flickering bulb protected by a patterned lampshade. He watched as Taehyung climbed into the car, followed by Namjoon. He felt hollowed out.

Something soft and woolen draped over his shoulders, drowning him in warmth. He glanced to the side, eyes falling on Yoongi , who had wrapped a hand knitted blanket around him. He turned away from the alpha, staring at his friend again. "We tried asking him to stay."

Jimin glanced at the alpha and scoffed. "Why would he want to stay in a place, that reminds him of the worst days of his life?" he asked quietly. Yoongi swallowed at that, looking away. Jimin wrapped his arms around himself, watching as Taehyung turned to him.

Taehyung stood by the door of the car for a few seconds, just staring at him and Jimin couldn't help the tears that brimmed over, spilling over his lids and onto his cheeks. "If you want, I can send someone to keep an eye on. Make sure he is safe there." Yoongi said quietly.

Jimin turned to him then. "Why are you so hell bent on fixing something that you have nothing to do with?" he asked quietly. " We are not your charges. I'm here to help my pup. When that's done, we won't ever see each other again. So save the concerns. We don't need them."

Yoongi didn't respond, still staring at him evenly. "I'm afraid that won't happen. You're giving me and my husband the greatest gift anyone can possibly give. And my concern for you and the people who matter to you will be the price you have to pay for that Jimin ssi."

Jimin looked taken aback by that , and he stared at the alpha, trying to tamp down the pleased happiness that bloomed inside him at the words. He was truly pathetic, he thought, aching for more sweet words, while knowing Yoongi belonged to another. Guilt churned inside him.

He turned back to Taehyung who had climbed into the car now. The omega had a brave smile on his face, waving at him through the window. Jimin waved back, hoping the dim light would hide his tears from him. He watched as the car backed away. And then turned and then left.

He took a few deep breaths just to calm himself down. Trying not to be too conscious. But there was a lump in his throat, and a crushing feeling of loss inside his chest. He tried to swallow it down but he couldn't . A sob was building up inside him. "Jimin ssi.."

the alpha said quietly. " I want to leave and give you space to process whatever you're feeling. But its cold and dark so I can't leave you out here. Do you want to come in? You can go to your room. I will bring you your dinner there." he said quietly.

Yoongi waited for a few more moments, but Jimin didn't respond. In the end the alpha sighed , making to move away so he could Jimin his privacy, in case he needed to cry. But the moment he stepped away, a small hand shot out, grabbing the sleeve of his weathered jacket.

"I don't want to go in." The omega sniffled. Yoongi felt his mouth go dry at how small and broken Jimin sounded. He had never felt any attraction to omegas growing up. But something about Jimin tugged on every heartstring in his chest. "I understand." The alpha said.

"I'll go over there and wait for you to..." But Jimin turned around, taking his other hand as well. "I don't want to be alone either." he whispered. " Please, I can't be alone when I'm scared or sad. I just can't." Yoongi felt his heart break a little. "Can you hold me?"

Yoongi stared at him, surprised. But even as his mind screamed at him that it was a bad idea, he was already reaching for him, gently wrapping him in his arms, and letting him bury his face in his chest. Yoongi felt a starburst of emotion inside his chest as he breathed in.

He hesitated before pulling away from the omega, gently leading him to the large wicker chair in the side, big enough for three people at least. He had made it for Namjoon , for cold winter nights when they would burn a fire and sit curled up around each other.

Even as he led Jimin to the chair, he couldn't help but feel like it wasn't right, letting the omega into the place that was theirs. But watching Jimin as he climbed into the floral patterned mattress, curling up there like a kitten, his heart began to pound a little.

Jimin stared up at him with wide, bright eyes. He looked expectant as he stared at him and finally, he climbed in nest to him, letting Jimin rest back against his chest. The omega seemed content, settling against his body. They sat in silence as Jimin closed his eyes.

Yoongi was prepared for heavy sobs and tears, But Jimin stayed quiet. Tears streaked down his cheeks but otherwise the omega stayed quiet and still. There was something heartbreaking about Jimin's sadness.Yoongi couldn't look away. He wasn't sure when his own eyes fluttered shut.

Jimin's scent was different from anything Yoongi had ever experienced before. It was soft and milky, gentle and arousing. It was the scent of a pregnant omega, and it tugged on his protective instincts. It made him want to drown him, in his own scent and in kisses.

But he knew he had no right to do something like that. No right to even feel something like that. His heart clenched painfully as he thought of Namjoon. How could he possibly think of something like that? Jimin shifted on top of him. Yoongi swallowed.

For now he was grateful that no one could read his inner thoughts. Not the omega in his arms, nor the husband who had given up everything for him.

They sat in silence in the car, staring right ahead into the darkness. Tae kept his eyes on the clock. The last train to Seoul would be here in thirty minutes. The time refused to move, or so it felt. Namjoon cleared his throat. "Jungkook will wake up." the alpha said quietly.

"And when he does , he will want answers." Taehyung scoffed a little at that. "I don't have any answers for him. I have nothing for him truly." He said quietly. " He has everything he needs : a mate, a child. He can live without a few answers, I think." Namjoon sighed.

"You dislike him. Immensely." he hesitated. " I understand why but..." "No you don't." Taehyung said quietly. " You cannot even begin to understand how deep my dislike for your alpha runs. Trust me. I don't understand it myself sometimes. All I know is, I can't be around him."

"He is a reminder of all of my pain, all of my suffering. Whether he played a part in it or not, that is what I think of , when I think of him. Nothing you say will change that for me." he whispered, turning away. Namjoon was quiet for a second. "I don't think you mean that."

Taehyung frowned. "What?" "I have a mate too." he said quietly. " My true mate." he paused for a second. " Seokjin ssi." Taehyung stiffened. "No matter how much we wish it didn't, the bond between us makes us care." Namjoon whispered. Taehyung sighed. "Its best if you stop."

Namjoon took a deep breath. "Jungkook would never mean you harm. I have no doubt that something happened, all those years ago and you came out of it hurt. But I just want you to know, it wasn't intentional. He isn't that kind of guy." Taehyung stared at his lap.

"And I think, deep down you know that I am right. Its why you're running now." he said quietly. " You saw him for who he is, these few days and it doesn't really fit in with the monster that he is in your head."

Namjoon watched as Taehyung clenched his fists. The omega's jaw was taut. "I have no right to ask you to stay." the alpha said quietly. " But I just want you to be ready." Taehyung frowned, staring at him. "Be ready for what?" Namjoon shrugged. "For Jungkook."

Taehyung felt his skin go a little cold at that. "What do you mean by that?" "I think you know what I mean, Taehyung ssi. " Namjoon smiled.

"I mean that there is a reason , Jungkook is loved by the pack. Its because he always tries to do the right thing. And when he finds out his mate is alive, he will come looking for you. And there's not a thing in this world that could stop him."