Walk With You Through It All

by Jungkookie_chips

Chapter 2: i remember the taste of your first kiss

Notes:

Before you continue, a little about ruts: I wrote it a bit differently than how they’re usually portrayed. An alpha becomes really really horny during this time to the point it becomes uncomfortable. To relieve themselves they can jack off, fuck, or do anything else that’ll help them reach an orgasm. They may feel more affected by their instincts and wolf, maybe a bit foggy in the head, but they aren’t delirious, nor do they only think about sex

Now back to our regular scheduled program~

Another week passes by and Jeongguk has noticed Jimin slowly becoming more comfortable around him. To most people, they might think Jimin is doing the bare minimum, but considering how he was when they first met, Jeongguk feels they’ve made a great deal of progress.

Jimin is still making sure to look at him more while they’re walking and shares his food with the younger one. At night, he no longer wanders far from their camp. Sometimes he still finds his own secluded space but Jeongguk can still see him, at least. Jimin also walks alongside him now, rather than in front like he’s nothing more than a guide. What’s most exciting is he initiates physical contact every now and then. It’s nothing more than a brush of his tail against Jeongguk’s own or his back but it makes Jeongguk beam and his omega purrs in contentment.

They’re no longer in the forest they once were. They decided to pass through a grassland — one that took two days to cross — and trekked into a new forest of a new region. Jeongguk is far from his village, much farther than he ever thought he would be. If he still had any fears of being tracked by the wolves who ambushed his home, they would be gone by now.

Nowadays, Jeongguk has been thinking about his parents a lot more. Not just in the mourning sense, either. He’s starting to realize how protective they were of him and what a sheltered life he has lived up until recently. Bloodmoon seems to be a very well-known pack and yet his parents never uttered its name once. Why wouldn’t they want him to know? Why wouldn’t any of his friends or other packmates tell him? Was it because he’s an omega?

There are other things that he hadn’t paid much attention to at the time but have now become more obvious. The pack hadn’t made him hunt or patrol as much as the others. Everyone had encouraged him to stay home and cook like the other omegas his age, or were adamant he take care of the gardens around town and spend time at the greenhouse where the omegas learned about food, herbs and healing. Which is helpful, of course, but his lack of experience in hunting is quite apparent when he and Jimin have to gather food. Seeing the latter working hard for both of them makes him feel guilty. Jeongguk is capable of catching some of their bigger meals like deer but it requires a lot more effort from him and he’s often left exhausted and weak in the legs for a while.

Despite his shortcomings and naivety, Jimin never makes him feel like a liability. He’s patient, understanding and encouraging. Although sometimes Jeongguk wonders if he’s a little too lenient with him, a little too easy. Usually, Jimin tries to bear the weight of responsibilities on his own, telling Jeongguk not to worry about anything. But that might have to do with the fact Jimin is used to being alone, so Jeongguk gently reminds him that it’s okay for him to rely on others.

“Hyung, I’ll handle the fire. Go drink from the creek and wash off,” Jeongguk insists, taking the sticks from Jimin.

After their reunion and learning about the Bloodmoon pack, Jimin gave Jeongguk permission to refer to him as “hyung”. In return, Jeongguk told the elder to speak informally with him. Given that they’ll be spending the unforeseeable future together helping each other survive, it only makes sense for them to relax around one another.

“Alright,” Jimin sighs. “If you need me, just call for me.”

Jeongguk watches him amble away before getting started on the fire. He already visited the creek so it’s only fair for him to let Jimin have a break.

Using the rather flat piece of wood with notches (courtesy of Jimin’s claws), Jeongguk twists a stick furiously between his hands to drill into the fireboard until he’s made an ember. Then he transfers the glowing ember into the kindling nest he made and blows on it gently. To his delight, the kindling starts smoking and eventually catches aflame.

Though satisfied and proud of his accomplishment, his palms aren’t thankful at all. The fast rubbing motions heated his skin and has left his hands feeling sore. Hopefully he didn’t give himself a blister.

Normally they don’t bother making a fire — their fur is enough to keep them warm when they’re in wolf form. Today, however, the weather wasn’t as nice as it usually is and the temperature has only been dropping since the sun went down. Jimin suggested they make a fire in case tonight gets too cold for them to handle.

By the time the flames are of decent size, Jimin has long since returned and is sitting in front of the fire, across from Jeongguk. The younger one sits with his knees pulled into his chest, chin resting on them. Staring into the burning wood and inhaling its distinct smell, he thinks back to all the bonfires he had with his village. The full moon celebrations were always fun, even if he didn’t have someone special to spend it with. He thinks of his friends smiling and singing drunkenly, his parents dancing together like they were young and newly-mated again, pups running rampant and making promises about the games they’ll play next full moon.

There has been a full moon since Jeongguk has been living in the wild. It had happened back when he was following Jimin with the hopes of being led to his pack. At the time, he didn’t think much of it; he was more focused on keeping up with Jimin while also staying hidden (which he wasn’t very successful at, apparently). Now that he’s thinking about it, he realizes that was the first full moon he spent without attending a celebration. He had attended every single one since he was born.

Imagining his village, however, brings forth the bad memories he’s been desperately trying to ignore. Ones of waking up in his bed to the smell of smoke, seeing fire everywhere, of almost being claimed against his will.

“Jeongguk-ah?”

Said man blinks his thoughts away and looks up to see Jimin sitting a bit closer after scooting around the fire, appearing concerned.

“Do I smell bad?” Jeongguk chuckles weakly, already knowing the answer. His sadness is definitely souring his scent.

“Not bad, never bad,” Jimin disagrees with a shake of his head. “Is something bothering you?”

“I’m just…thinking about the day I lost my pack.”

“Oh,” the alpha whispers.

“You can ask me about it, y’know,” Jeongguk tells him, sensing all of the other’s unspoken questions, probably too scared to ask them in fear of overstepping.

“I don’t want to push you to talk about something that makes you so sad. I’ll happily wait until you feel comfortable enough to tell me.”

Jeongguk watches Jimin, who’s watching the fire intently. He’s grateful that the latter won’t pressure him into discussing such heartbreaking things. And it’s because of his patience that Jeongguk wants to share those parts of him.

“My pack was attacked. I’m pretty sure I’m the only one who made it out alive,” he discloses.

Jimin’s body goes rigid, a slow, controlled exhale leaving him. “What happened?”

“My pack had always been fair and kind. So when a group of wolves showed up at our village asking for a place to crash for the night, my pack leader happily offered them rooms at the local inn and no one opposed the decision. That was our fatal mistake, though. That night…I woke up to the smell of fire. The smoke was so thick. It was difficult to breathe. The panic had me acting on autopilot so I managed to get out of my house, thankfully. The village…”

Vivid images materialize in his mind. He remembers the screams, could feel the fear in them. He never would’ve imagined he’d ever see his village like that.

“It was in a bad state,” Jeongguk continues. “Fire was everywhere. There was an orange hue covering everything — it felt like I was looking through orange-tinted glass. Some people, who I later realized belonged to the group of wolves we let stay, were walking around with torches igniting homes. My packmates were running aimlessly from the same people. I’m sure some fought back, but they all seemed to meet the same fate, unfortunately. I wanted to go find my parents but—”

Jeongguk’s throat constricts. He doesn’t want to relive these memories, but...he wants Jimin to know. He wants to share every part of himself with the alpha. And even though he knows it’s hard, talking about what happened is part of the healing process. It won’t be good for him to keep his experience a secret forever.

XXXXX

“There was an alpha who cornered me,” Jeongguk whispers. Jimin’s head jerks abruptly, turned towards the omega. “He- he said crude things, called me terrible names. It was hard for me to get away from him. I couldn’t stop him from- from scenting me.”

An explosion of anger permeates Jimin’s scent and nearly knocks Jeongguk onto his back. It almost smells toxic from how much rage there is, so strong Jeongguk can hardly smell the fire anymore.

“Is he the one who did that to your shoulder?” Jimin asks in a low voice.

Jeongguk nods. “He said he was gonna claim me and…force me to take him. Before he could bite my neck, I moved and he got my shoulder instead. I hurt him, knocked him out, and escaped.” Memories of punching the alpha in the face repeatedly flit through his mind. “I-I didn’t- for a while, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to get away. I thought the alpha would…do what he said he was going to.”

XXXXX

Jeongguk’s voice has gradually become more watery. He notices Jimin make a move to come closer, hand outstretched, but then he decides against it and retracts his hand. It sends a pang of rejection through the brunet, scent wilting, and an embarrassing whine slips out of him. He wants Jimin close so bad, as does his omega.

The alpha seems to sense his needs, realizing it would be okay for him to offer comfort through touch. “Is it okay if I move cl—”

“Yes. Please,” Jeongguk begs, vision becoming distorted due to his tears.

Jimin slides closer without an ounce of hesitation, angled towards him in a cross-legged position with one knee grazing Jeongguk’s hip. The physical contact — despite how little and insignificant it seems — is Jeongguk’s breaking point. Shaky sobs pour from him as he buries his face in his knees, tears squeezing out of his shut eyes to wet his skin. Fingers trace down his spine which only makes him cry harder, so desperate and greedy for comforting touches.

“I- I was so scared. He was so suh-strong and when I truh-tried to fight back, I just- I- I was too weak. I thought he- he was gonna claim muh-me and just use me over and o-over and over again. What if I hadn’t moved and he—”

“Jeongguk-ah, don’t think about that,” Jimin murmurs, resting his hand over Jeongguk’s lower back and rubbing slow circles into it. “You did move and you saved yourself. Because you’re strong and you’re a survivor. Focus on that.“

Jeongguk lifts his head to stare into the fire, sniffing hard and coughing a few times. It’s hard for him to believe Jimin’s words. If he was strong, wouldn’t he have been able to avoid the situation altogether?

“I was so scared,” Jeongguk repeats, voice barely audible.

“I know. I’m so sorry you were put through that. You don’t deserve to feel that kind of pain,” Jimin whispers. He leans in and rests his forehead against Jeongguk’s shoulder, the one with the scar. “You’re such a strong person. You might not think so, but you are. It’s not easy to overpower those types of alphas, especially when you’re terrified. But you did it. I’m so proud of you.” He holds out his free hand and Jeongguk slips his own into it, relishing the reassuring squeeze he receives. “I’m here for you, whenever you need me. And I’m never going to let anyone hurt you like that ever again. You have my word.”

“Thank you,” Jeongguk says softly in between sniffles.

Bergamot and jasmine wrap him up in a blanket of safety. He can feel Jimin’s calming pheromones at work dispelling the tension from his body. His back tingles where Jimin’s hand is and the other one holding his hand is so warm. It’s all so soothing, making Jeongguk want to curl up in Jimin’s arms and fall asleep.

“I have a lot of nightmares now,” Jeongguk shares in a nasal voice once his cries have subsided.

“About that night?” Jimin asks, skimming his fingertips up and down Jeongguk’s spine. The movements are light and ticklish, making Jeongguk feel a bit itchy, but he likes it. He likes everything Jimin makes him feel.

“Mhm,” Jeongguk hums. “It’s like I re-experience it all — waking up in bed, getting out of my house, seeing the village, dealing with that alpha. In the dreams, he actually bites my neck and that’s when I wake up. My shoulder always feels sore for a while afterwards.”

Jimin lifts his head and hesitantly trails his hand from Jeongguk’s back over to the scar, drawing a circle around it. “I hate that you’re still being tortured by that man and what his pack did. You should be able to be at peace when you’re asleep.” He raises his gaze to look at Jeongguk firmly. “If there’s anything I can do to help you, to put you at ease or help you sleep, let me know.”

Then he smoothes his thumb over the mark and Jeongguk wasn’t expecting that to feel as good as it does. He doesn’t know how to describe it other than it feels healing. Such a fleeting touch somehow causes warm honey to run through Jeongguk’s veins. He worries his scent has sweetened a bit too noticeably, much to his embarrassment. Regardless, he wants Jimin to keep touching the scar.

“Thank you. I don’t know what I would do if I hadn’t met you,” Jeongguk mumbles, blinking slowly.

“I feel the same way- or, actually, not exactly but I understand what you’re getting at. I know if I hadn’t met you, I would’ve continued living as I always have. But if we had parted ways after I brought you to the pack…I doubt I would’ve been able to go back to normal. My normal, that is. I think I’ve become accustomed to having you with me. At the very least, my alpha certainly has. If I were to go back to living on my own, I think your absence would be hard to ignore. So- well, I guess what I feel is pretty different from what you’re feeling. I think there’s a similarity somewhere, though. Or maybe not? Ah, I don’t know. I’m not making any sense,” Jimin rambles, making Jeongguk smile.

“We’ve both changed since meeting each other, and how we live has also changed.”

“Yes, I concur,” Jimin nods resolutely.

Jeongguk giggles, subconsciously hugging his legs a bit tighter. It’s then that he notices he’s still holding Jimin’s hand. Jimin notices, too, and lets go, to the younger one’s disappointment.

“Get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be tough,” Jimin tells him.

Indeed, it is. Because by the early afternoon, they reach the edge of the forest and now have to cross another grassland to get to another forest.

Standing at the top of a hill, Jeongguk looks out into the horizon and sees plains that go as far as the eye can see. There’s only one tree he can see from here, meaning he and Jimin will be walking with the sun glaring down on their backs for however long it takes them to find shade. It’s going to be hard, especially while carrying five pounds of fur.

The dread he feels about walking in the heat is an uncomfortable weight to bear. So as a distraction, he tries to fill his mind with optimistic and happy thoughts. What better way than to view the hill as an opportunity to have fun?

Jeongguk jumps sideways away from Jimin, dropping into a play position with his back end raised and his tail high in the air. The sudden movement causes Jimin to get defensive and bristle with a low growl, probably assuming they’re in danger. When he takes note of Jeongguk’s posture, he relaxes but his fur remains more ruffled than usual. He eyes the omega, confused, and Jeongguk is sure if they were in human form, he’d be raising an eyebrow.

Jeongguk sprints down the hill and comes to an abrupt stop halfway down. Jimin is still standing in the same spot, so Jeongguk runs back over to him and lowers himself playfully again. With a cheerful yip, he runs around the elder, nearly bumping into his tail, and runs down the hill again. Once again, he stops halfway down and looks back at Jimin, wagging his tail and waiting for him impatiently.

Jimin slowly begins his descent, which Jeongguk mischievously tries to interfere with. He runs around the former in circles — sometimes getting close enough to graze their bodies together — or he’ll freeze in front of Jimin before bolting away. The alpha, remaining as unaffected as ever by the theatrics, merely watches the frisky wolf calmly, exuding contentment and fondness.

Evidently, Jeongguk’s attempts at being chased are failing.

In one last act of desperation, Jeongguk sits himself down a few steps ahead of Jimin and whines petulantly. Jimin snorts, appearing amused by the younger one’s sulking, and lunges forward to try to nip him. Jeongguk jumps back at the last second, filled with glee and excitement. Finally, his efforts have paid off.

Jeongguk runs back and forth in front of Jimin with newfound vigour, veering away each time the latter playfully tries to bite him. Sometimes Jimin tricks him and only pretends to spring forward, making Jeongguk feel giddier when he realizes he has flinched away for no reason. Other times Jimin gets so close to making contact that Jeongguk feels his breath on his tail. Anticipation builds more and more within him as he waits for Jimin to succeed in catching him. Deep down, however, he knows the grey wolf isn’t actually trying to bite him and will continue to let Jeongguk escape from his seemingly fruitless attempts.

It’s not until they reach the bottom of the hill that Jeongguk runs by closer than before, close enough for Jimin to knock the omega down with his paw and pin him beneath it. He can tell Jimin isn’t using all his weight to hold him down so he begins squirming erratically, twisting his body every which way. Whether it’s because he’s moving too much or the elder decides to have mercy, Jeongguk slips out from under the other’s paw and gallops away with happy, triumphant yips. When he turns around to look at Jimin, he sees the alpha staring after him with his head cocked. There’s amused energy radiating from him, and Jeongguk is glad to know he’s entertaining him — perhaps a little too glad, if possible.

Jimin stomps a paw forward, causing Jeongguk to drop with his legs spread out, ready to run. They’re both completely frozen, watching each other, anticipating their next moves. It’s Jimin who acts first, leaping forward with a mighty growl. Jeongguk spins around and races away in the opposite direction. They’re on flatland now, so it’s easier to run and they don’t need to worry about the risks that come with hurtling down a hill.

As a wolf, Jeongguk may be fast but he’s no match for Jimin. Not even half a minute passes before Jeongguk is tackled. His belly is on the ground and he’s got a full-grown alpha settling down on his back, keeping him immobilized. Just like last time, Jeongguk writhes underneath Jimin. However, the alpha is trying a lot harder to prevent him from escaping this time. No matter how much Jeongguk kicks his back legs or swings his tail around, Jimin remains unmovable on top of him. He even counters Jeongguk’s movements by shifting his weight to make sure he doesn’t lose balance.

Jeongguk’s determination to free himself falters when he suddenly feels Jimin sniffing his ears. Pleasant shivers and tingles shoot down Jeongguk’s spine. He’s reminded of when his dam would groom him, often starting with sniffing around his head and ears. He wouldn’t be opposed to Jimin doing that to him at all.

On his stomach with his back legs tucked underneath him, Jeongguk suddenly realizes he’s in the ideal position to be mated.

There wasn’t anyone he was attracted to in his pack, so he never had many thoughts of having sex. Having them now is new and strange, but he isn’t exactly disturbed by them, not when they involve Jimin. That, perhaps, is what’s most strange, even more than having such thoughts in the first place. Jeongguk has never thought of Jimin in that way before. Sure, he finds the man attractive, but he hadn’t considered him as someone he’d want to be fucked by. Not until this moment, apparently. What changed? What provoked this thirst? All it took was for Jimin to stand over him and suddenly Jeongguk is yearning for something he’s never experienced or wished for?

One thing’s for certain, his omega is eager to submit to the other wolf and Jeongguk, for once, wants to indulge in his innate desires. So he does; his body goes limp and his eyes flutter shut as Jimin continues sniffing around his ears, which have since folded back on Jeongguk’s head.

To his disappointment, Jimin climbs off him after the display of submission. Maybe he assumed Jeongguk was still playing and that was his way of saying he’s had enough — which couldn’t be farther from the truth. Jeongguk wanted Jimin to continue, wishes the alpha would get back on top of him. His omega is sad, feeling a bit rejected even though Jimin didn’t intentionally do it and is oblivious to its desires.

Maybe he did know, a small voice in the back of his head says. Your scent definitely would’ve sweetened and maybe he could tell you were thinking dirty things. This could be his way of telling you he doesn’t like you in that way.

He hopes to the Moon Goddess that isn’t the case. It’s not like Jimin had been in a rush to get off, anyways. If the change in Jeongguk’s scent had made him uncomfortable, he would’ve moved a lot faster to put space between them and wouldn’t be looking at Jeongguk with such a soft gaze right now. The chances of his first assumption being correct seem a lot more likely.

Jimin presses his nose to Jeongguk’s flank, pushing as an indication to the younger wolf to stand up. Jeongguk obeys and rises onto surprisingly steady legs. He can tell the elder’s eyes are trained on the top of his head — on his ears, to be specific. Subconsciously, Jeongguk flicks them. That appears to succeed in breaking Jimin’s concentration.

Jimin sighs through his nose. With a nudge from his head, Jeongguk finds himself being guided into a walk beside Jimin. That’s their cue to keep moving, Jeongguk supposes. They have a long trek ahead of them, which means the omega has lots of time to ponder his reaction to Jimin sitting on him.

🐺⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅•∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅🐺

Ever since the incident two days ago, Jeongguk has been seeing Jimin in a new light. At first, he chalked it all up to be a consequence of the imprinting. That idea, he quickly realized, wasn’t likely to be true. After all, there are plenty of pups who imprint on their parents and they never develop sexual feelings towards them; imprinting doesn’t necessarily lead to deeper attraction. So then he had to consider if he’s unknowingly developed a crush. And that…seems to be plausible.

More and more, Jeongguk has been making comparisons between Jimin and what would be deemed “the ideal mate” — or his ideal mate, at least. Whether it’s his cool and calm demeanour that eases Jeongguk’s nerves, his propensity to ensure Jeongguk is never hungry and provide him with hearty meals, his strength and ability to defend Jeongguk from threats, his patience and caring side, Jimin is proving to be the mate Jeongguk dreams of having.

What’s worse is that Jimin is unaware of Jeongguk’s feelings, so it’s not like he’s courting him or trying to present himself in a favourable way — Jimin is naturally mate material. Jeongguk doesn’t know if he’d be able to handle Jimin when he’s seeking approval from the omega. Although Jeongguk does wonder if he’d actually behave much differently. Jimin already takes care of him very well, what more could he do?

(He ignores the part of his brain that supplies him with lewd images of them together.)

As he’s munching on some berries, pondering Jimin’s likable qualities, he’s interrupted by the man in question himself. Jimin had left to go find them breakfast but, to Jeongguk’s bemusement, he has returned empty-handed. It’s the first time this has ever happened and the younger wolf immediately grows concerned. Jimin is a very capable hunter so the only explanation Jeongguk can think of is the alpha encountered a dangerous wolf he wanted to avoid, or even a group of them.

Jimin doesn’t appear to be perturbed in the slightest, however. In fact, he seems very pleased with himself, with his chest puffed out and his eyes sparkling with exhilaration. Once he’s zoned in on Jeongguk, he jerks his head over his shoulder and walks off, signalling for the omega to follow. Jeongguk scrambles to his feet and hurries to catch up with the grey wolf.

After weaving through many trees, they eventually come across a huge, unmoving mass. Jeongguk quickly realizes he’s staring at the body of a male moose. The sheer size of it is unimaginable — Jeongguk is sure it’s even bigger than a bear. His pack had hunted them several times, but compared to other animals they were very rare to come by. Furthermore, it took at least two of his packmates to kill one, so for Jimin to kill this himself is extremely impressive.

For the hundredth time, Jimin is demonstrating what a good mate he would make and Jeongguk’s omega is swooning.

Jimin nudges Jeongguk forward (he doesn’t know when Jimin even got behind him) and they walk over to the moose. Jeongguk looks over at the elder who has his chin lifted in pride, feeling the urge to tackle him out of giddiness. Growls from his stomach urge him to graciously accept the breakfast Jimin caught for them.

They remain quiet and undisturbed for most of the meal. It isn’t until they’re three-quarters of the way through that rustling from nearby puts them on alert. Jeongguk catches whiffs of other wolves, at least four. Jimin must smell them too because he quickly situates himself at Jeongguk’s side, glaring into the forest where the noises are coming from.

Soon, the sounds of footsteps and twigs snapping become louder. Then four individuals appear, three men and a woman. The woman is an omega and has clothes on while the guys — an alpha and two betas — are naked, indicating the trio must’ve been travelling in wolf form.

Out of respect and as a sign of peace, Jeongguk and Jimin shift to their human forms.

“What is your business here? Just hunting?” one of the betas ask.

“Yes, we’re just passing by,” Jimin answers.

“You’re not too far from our pack’s border and we could smell you two and the dead animal. We just wanted to make sure you weren’t here to cause trouble. Hope you can understand,” the woman says with a minuscule smile.

“Are you two from another pack?” the other beta asks.

Jeongguk looks to Jimin, wondering if they should tell the truth. He doesn’t want a repeat of what happened last time they encountered a pack. But Jimin nods at him encouragingly, so the younger man looks back at the four strangers and tells them honestly, “I used to be part of one but my village was attacked. I was the only one lucky enough to get away.”

“I was exiled from mine,” Jimin says.

Jeongguk can see the slight changes in the other wolves’ postures, the way they fixate on Jimin, gazes becoming a little more suspicious.

“From what pack?” the alpha questions in a tight voice.

“Bloodmoon.”

Jeongguk feels like he’s experiencing déjà vu as he watches the other four individuals adopt aggressive stances, their scents sharpening in warning. He doesn’t like how they’re staring at Jimin in disgust and neither does his omega, which begins growling in anger.

“We’re going to have to ask that you two get as far away from here as possible. Leave the moose behind. It probably came from our territory anyways so you two are eating our food,” the woman orders sternly.

Her baseless assumption hits a nerve within Jeongguk, filling him with indignation. Before Jimin can agree to oblige (Jeongguk can tell by his calm aura he’s planning to comply with the demand), Jeongguk stomps forward.

“He caught the moose, therefore it’s his property. It’s on the opposite side of your border now and that’s all that matters. You have no right to claim it just because you feel like it.”

How dare they treat his alpha like that. Just like the other pack, all it takes is for them to hear Jimin belonged to the Bloodmoon pack and they think they understand him and his morals.

Oh, but wait, Jimin isn’t his, despite what his omega likes to think. Why would he think he has the right to claim the alpha as his own?

“The body is close enough to our territory that it’s basically ours. I doubt you two will be able to handle fighting off four wolves, so just accept the mercy we’re generously showing you and get the fuck out of here,” the alpha says.

“How about you get off your high horse and leave us alone! None of you would be making a big deal out of the situation if you didn’t know he used to be a Bloodmoon wolf. What makes you think you’re entitled to take this moose, anyway? Huh!? Just ‘cause your pack is so-called ‘better’ and ‘more honourable’ than his old one? Sounds to me like you’re all incompetent, lowlife mutts who’re incapable of catching your own moose so you have to leech off of others like pathetic fucking parasites,” Jeongguk snaps.

“Jeongguk-ah, it’s not a big deal,” Jimin tries to placate the brunet in a dulcet tone.

“Yes, it is!” he insists. “They’re being so rude and unfair for no reason! Their pea-sized brains can’t make sense of the fact you said you were exiled from Bloodmoon and, therefore, most likely don’t fit any of the stereotypes they’re applying to you!”

“Goddess, he’s yappy as fuck. Would you shut the bitch up already?” one of the betas complain to Jimin.

That has Jimin’s calm composure breaking. He steps forward threateningly, enraged and snarling murderously. “Apologize unless you want to have your throat ripped out.”

The other alpha looks like he wants to lunge at Jimin but the beta holds him back with an arm, smirking at the grey-haired man mockingly. “Not on your life.”

In an instant, Jimin drops to his knees, glaring at the beta with glowing silver eyes. Jeongguk’s eyes widen at the challenge, one the other wolves clearly don’t appreciate. They all bristle, eyes glowing and canines on display, and the men crowd around the omega protectively. Their stressed and irate scents mix in the air to create a putrid smell, one that has Jeongguk struggling to breathe, throat feeling like it’s clogged with a cloud of thick smog. If Jimin makes one wrong move, a brawl could ensue. Shifting would basically be equivalent to declaring war at this point, which (hopefully) Jimin would want to avoid. The alpha may be strong but Jeongguk isn’t sure they’ll be able to escape a fight with four wolves unscathed.

“Hyung, it’s fine. Just ignore them,” Jeongguk pleads in a whisper, crouching next to the elder and gently touching his shoulder. “They’re hoping for a reaction that’ll ‘prove’ their stupid beliefs about you. Getting mad over one rude comment isn’t worth it. It’s nothing compared to their terrible treatment of you, anyways.”

Jimin shakes his head in disagreement. “I’m not letting that asshole get off scot-free. There was no need for him to insult you, and if these ass-kissers are gonna defend him then I guess I’ve got a bone to pick with them, too.”

The other omega takes a step closer, seemingly less hostile than her packmates. “Look, we don’t want to fight. All we want is for you two to leave, hopefully without blood being spilled. And for you to forget about the dead animal. It’s not like you guys will be able to carry it very far anyways, if at all.”

Her entitlement has Jeongguk’s irritation flaring up again, but it quickly reduces to a simmer when he hears Jimin let out a defeated sigh. The alpha rises to his feet, glances at what’s left of the moose, at Jeongguk, and then looks back at the other omega.

“We’ll leave and we’ll even let you take the rest of our breakfast. But that isn’t happening until that beta apologizes to him,” Jimin negotiates, briefly gesturing to Jeongguk.

“Bullshit—”

“Jaehyun, just say sorry,” the woman huffs.

This Jaehyun groans and rolls his eyes exaggeratedly. “Sorry.”

It’s probably the most insincere apology Jeongguk has ever heard but it’s not like he expected much. He’s kind of surprised the beta agreed to apologize at all.

Jimin clenches his jaw and turns to Jeongguk, encouraging him to start walking away with a hand on the small of his back. Just as his back turns to the other wolves, he hears Jimin making a harsh sound at the back of his mouth. Assuming the worst has happened and he’s been hurt, Jeongguk whips back around only to watch as Jimin spits a mouthful of saliva onto the small portion of meat that’s left on the moose.

“You can all go fuck yourselves.” Jimin glares at Jaehyun with a sneer. “Especially you.”

Ignoring the furious growls from the other men, Jimin takes hold of Jeongguk’s hand and leads them away. Jeongguk can’t see what those guys are doing but he hears the omega shushing them soothingly and trying to convince them it’s not worth it to fight a “Bloodmoon bastard”.

The whole encounter leaves a very sour taste in Jeongguk’s mouth and a horrible feeling in his stomach. Recalling the looks they gave Jimin is enough to make Jeongguk want to scream in frustration. But a small squeeze from Jimin’s hand and a murmured “forget about them” quells the intense emotions arising in him.

It isn’t enough to stop angry tears from trickling down his face, though. Jeongguk knows he should be taking his own advice and refuse to give those other wolves a reaction — that’s all they’re looking for, after all — but it’s so hard to pay no attention to them when they’re mistreating someone he cares about deeply. The imprint on Jimin probably makes it harder for him to suppress his emotions, too.

“Ah, Jeongguk-ah.” Now that they’re out of sight, Jimin stops the younger man and tenderly wipes his tears away. “Why are you crying? Is it about what that guy said about you?”

“It’s not that. I hate how other people treat you. It’s not fair at all,” Jeongguk laments, trying to fight the downward tug of the corners of his lips.

Jimin smiles kindly and cups Jeongguk’s cheeks, albeit a little hesitantly. “I appreciate your concern, I really do. But I’m used to that, remember? I don’t want you to get upset on my behalf, not if it means you’ll cry. I don’t want you to be sad.”

“I’m not- well, maybe I’m a little sad, but I’m mostly mad,” Jeongguk replies. He grabs onto Jimin’s wrists loosely, looking at the elder intently. “No matter what you tell me, though, it won’t be enough to dissuade me from wanting to defend you.”

Although Jimin is seen as his protector (by his omega, at least), that doesn’t mean the alpha is immune to harm. Even strong, fearless Jimin needs to be protected and defended and Jeongguk wants to be the one to accept that responsibility. Because that’s what you do for those who are dearest to you.

There is a part of him that also strives to prove he’d be a good mate. If Jimin were to even consider becoming his alpha, Jeongguk wants him to know he’s choosing to be with a strong, loyal and capable omega. Jeongguk will always be there to support his alpha, his mate.

“You…” Jimin pauses, seemingly at a loss for words. A sweet smile grows on his face, one so genuine and full that his eyes squint a bit. He presses the tips of his fingers into the sides of Jeongguk’s head to hold him more securely, thumbs rubbing over his cheekbones. “You have a beautiful heart. I’m sure you’ve known many kind people in your life and in your pack, but to me, you are the most wonderful, compassionate, endearing person I’ve met. I know I don’t express myself very well through words, which makes it difficult for you to tell how I feel. But I…I care about you, okay? I want you to know that.”

“I care about you, too. That’s why I’m always going to defend you,” Jeongguk asserts.

They remain silently staring into each other’s eyes for a moment before Jimin tries to pull his hands away. Reluctantly, Jeongguk lets go of his wrists so he can do that, wishing he could’ve felt Jimin’s hands on him for a little longer.

His disappointment doesn’t last long, however. Jimin raises a hand to Jeongguk’s head, lightly petting his rather unruly locks. The elder’s touch is so gentle, making it impossible for Jeongguk to even try resisting the instinct to melt under it. Pleasant tingles dance along every single one of his nerves, goosebumps rising on his arms. His omega purrs in delight.

As much as he would’ve loved for the moment to last forever, they have to keep moving. Staying anywhere near those rotten wolves and their pack makes Jeongguk want to gag, anyways. So he isn’t as hurt or bothered when Jimin eventually stops petting him.

“C’mon, let’s go find a river or something. I’m sure we could both use a drink,” Jimin says.

“Hyung, can I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

They walk slowly towards where they hope to find water of some sort. “Do you ever wish you knew better people? That you had a few loving, supportive friends at the very least? It sounds to me like you’ve only been surrounded by mean and bad people.”

“It’s kind of inevitable when you’re part of Bloodmoon. Sometimes I wonder what my life would look like if I had been born in a different pack, one where everyone was nicer and not as barbaric. I would’ve grown up to be a very different person. Maybe I would’ve even found myself a mate by now, maybe we’d be living in a house I bought for us with the money I make from my respectable job, maybe we’d be planning to have pups that my loving parents would help raise.”

“That sounds really nice,” Jeongguk smiles.

The hopeful and mirthful glimmer in Jimin’s eyes fades as he turns to look at Jeongguk. “We probably never would’ve met, though. That…I don’t know if my fantasy life would be worth it, then.” Jimin chuckles lightly with a knowing look. “Also, I’m pretty sure I know where you’re going with this. You’re gonna tell me being in a pack might make me happier, right? There’s a problem, though: no one will accept me because I’m a Bloodmoon wolf. Doesn’t matter if I’m exiled, I can’t be trusted. Everyone will react just like the wolves from the two packs we’ve encountered so far.”

“But if they don’t know you were from the Bloodmoon pack, you won’t have to worry about that,” Jeongguk reasons. “Why don’t you just lie about where you’re from?”

“I don’t see the point. It’s not like I really want to be in a pack anyways, not if it means I can’t be honest about who I am. If I had to choose between telling the truth and being rejected or lying and being accepted, I’ll choose the first option. I would much rather be with people who’ll see me for who I am, regardless of my previous pack’s reputation.”

Although he’s sad Jimin is subjecting himself to a lonely life, Jeongguk can understand where he’s coming from. Jimin is constantly blamed for something he had no control over. Jeongguk wouldn’t want to associate with people that would do that to him — like blaming him for getting bitten — so Jimin’s reluctance makes sense.

“Sorry for being pushy,” Jeongguk mumbles sheepishly.

“I can tell you have good intentions so there’s no need for you to apologize,” Jimin smiles. “You don’t need to keep worrying about me being without a pack. I’ve learned to accept my life as it is. It may not seem very gratifying or ideal but it’s good enough for me. I’m quite content just having you with me.”

Jeongguk’s heart skips a few beats, cheeks flushing pink. “I-I’m happy to be with you, too.”

Jimin grins. “Good, I’m glad. Let’s go find some water, now.”

🐺⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅•∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅🐺

Jeongguk watches as flames engulf his village. Smoke from the fires hangs thick in the air, so thick Jeongguk can see clouds of it in the sky above. Everything is bathed in an orange glow — everything that isn’t concealed by shadows, that is. There aren’t any people in sight, though. Perhaps Jeongguk’s packmates were able to flee before the fires got out of hand. He should go find them and make sure his parents are alright.

Just as the thought enters his mind, he’s spun around and shoved back into something hard. There’s a barrier behind him suddenly that keeps him from escaping the alpha in front of him.

“Look at this pretty, little thing. Did you get lost?” the alpha asks rhetorically, stepping closer to wrap an arm around Jeongguk’s waist. “No, I think you stayed on purpose. Would rather be with your alpha than your family, right?”

“Let go of me!” Jeongguk yells, punching at the man’s chest. Trying to, at least. For some reason, he feels so weak. No matter how hard he punches, he does no damage. Even balling his hands into fists is a struggle.

XXXXX

“Oh, I love when you try to act like you don’t enjoy this,” the alpha snickers, grabbing one of Jeongguk’s wrists and forcefully scenting him. “Don’t worry, I know how to tame feisty omegas like you.”

“No, no, stop!” Jeongguk screams as the alpha knots his fingers through his hair, holding Jeongguk’s head in place.

With his neck exposed, it gives the man the perfect opportunity to sink his teeth into Jeongguk’s scent gland. Jeongguk begs and cries for it to stop but the alpha doesn’t acknowledge him, staying completely frozen with his canines buried in Jeongguk’s skin.

XXXXX

After what feels like minutes, the man releases Jeongguk, shoving him to the ground. One of Jeongguk’s hands fly up to cover his bleeding neck as pain flares up in his right shoulder. The omega slowly, timidly looks up at the towering figure above him, tears leaking from his eyes uncontrollably.

“You’re my bitch now,” the alpha grins maniacally. “I’m gonna have so much fun with you.”

“No!” Jeongguk bawls.

He tries to crawl away on his hands and knees but gets stopped by a harsh grip in his hair. His sobs become louder as the man presses his chest to Jeongguk’s back, panting into his ear, holding him tight with an arm around his middle.

“No one will want you anymore, not even Jimin.”

Jeongguk startles awake with a whimper.

He tries to scramble to his paws but immediately collapses onto his stomach, still too weak and uncoordinated to do anything. It feels like he’s covered in grime, one that reeks of rosemary, compelling him to roll around on the ground frenetically.

The bite mark, a small voice in his head reminds and Jeongguk’s erratic movements come to a screeching halt. Getting dirt in the wound could cause it to become infected. He shouldn’t be behaving so carelessly.

An incessant burning sensation in his right shoulder garners his attention. It’s too strong to ignore, stronger than anything he’s felt before. Flopping onto his left side, Jeongguk begins furiously licking the spot, desperate to relieve himself of the pain. However, his saliva isn’t able to soothe him, much to his despair. Every swipe of his tongue is futile, the throbbing in his shoulder never dissipating.

Suddenly, Jeongguk takes notice of another presence beside him, instinctively yelping in fear. The grey wolf, he quickly realizes, isn’t the alpha he was expecting to see. The haze of confusion fades from his mind as he detects Jimin’s familiar bergamot and jasmine scent, stronger than usual and filled with concern.

It was all a dream. That alpha didn’t claim him, he’s nowhere near him. Only Jimin is here with him. He’s safe.

Jeongguk unintentionally lets out a plethora of whimpers, crying as he thinks about the nightmare. And the pain in his shoulder is just too much. Maybe it’s being woken up when he’s still tired that makes him more emotional, or maybe it’s the adrenaline wearing off that’s bringing his defensive walls down. All he knows is he just wants his shoulder to stop throbbing and burning and pulsing and itching and—

Jeongguk resumes licking, somehow even more frantic than before. Nothing is working, frustrating Jeongguk to no end. The omega resorts to nibbling the area, hoping that if it doesn’t make the pain go away the stimulation will at least distract him.

Jimin moves closer with a low, mollifying growl, head bowed as he sniffs at Jeongguk’s flank. The younger wolf stops his relentless licking, allowing the other to assess his shoulder. Maintaining eye contact with Jeongguk, Jimin tentatively sweeps his tongue over the area.

It feels good, and not just because Jeongguk is desperate for attention from Jimin. Unlike his own tongue, Jimin’s feels different in some way. Maybe it’s cooler, maybe it’s smoother — whatever magic it is, Jeongguk craves more of it. Needs more of it. He doesn’t think as he adjusts to lie stretched out, weight shifted to his left side to expose his right to the elder, maw resting on his front paws.

Jimin accepts the silent invitation and continues licking Jeongguk’s shoulder, lying pressed flush against him. It feels like Jeongguk is now shielded from all the dangers in the world, both real and imaginary. His previously racing mind quiets significantly as numbing pleasure and serenity spread throughout his body. All he can think about right now is the soothe of Jimin’s tongue and the way it feels on his fur, counting each swiping motion. His hairs are pulled a bit with each lick but there’s no pain whatsoever.

Now that the area has dampened some, it’s easier for Jeongguk to feel Jimin’s tongue on his shoulder, right over his scar. His skin’s irritation has pretty much dissipated, though part of him is starting to realize the pain was most likely all in his head, anyways. Jimin could stop licking — Jeongguk has calmed down, after all — but he doesn’t, and the omega doesn’t make any attempt to push him away. He wants Jimin to keep comforting him; he doesn’t want this moment to end.

Eventually, Jimin does stop but he makes no effort to detach himself from Jeongguk’s side. They lie next to each other in silence for a few moments before Jimin decides to shift. Jeongguk quickly follows suit, already expecting Jimin to question him about his behaviour.

“What’s wrong? Did you have a nightmare or are you in pain?” Jimin asks.

They’re on their sides facing each other and Jeongguk feels so small and vulnerable under Jimin’s clear, unblinking gaze. His silver eyes are so full of emotion, confusion and perturbation being the most prominent.

“It was a nightmare,” Jeongguk croaks, struggling to speak around the lump that had suddenly formed in his throat. “It felt…it felt so damn real. I-I was so sure I was with that alpha and I thought he’d actually claimed me and I’d be stuck wuh-with him forever.” He subconsciously touches over his scent gland, bottom lip quivering. “The dream didn’t stop when he bit me like it usually does. A-And when I woke up I could feel pain so- so I was convinced he was my- my alph—”

Jeongguk interrupts himself with a hiccup, only noticing now that tears are silently streaming down his face when Jimin thumbs at his cheekbones.

“Sh-h-h-h, you’re okay,” Jimin soothes. He hesitantly opens his arms invitingly, appearing slightly unsure of his actions. “Do you wanna…come here?”

Jeongguk slides into the other man’s embrace, hiding his face in his bare chest and relishing the way Jimin’s arms feel protectively wrapped around him. Werewolves are naturally warmer, emanating heat like they’ve got fires burning within them. Despite Jeongguk having plenty of his own body heat, it suddenly feels like it’s not enough now that he’s soaking Jimin’s in.

“You’re never going to see that alpha ever again. You know that, right?” Jimin asks in a hushed voice, hooking his chin over the top of Jeongguk’s head to hold him closer.

Jeongguk clasps his hands between them, shoulders curling in to make himself smaller out of uneasiness. “But what if I do? What if by some obscure chance, we cross paths with him? What if these nightmares are the Moon Goddess’ way of warning me about the future- my future?”

Jimin sighs and hugs Jeongguk a little tighter. “I think the nightmare has you feeling paranoid now. Deep down, you know he’s gone, right?” When he receives a noncommittal shrug in response, the elder walks one of his hands down to Jeongguk’s lower back, using just his fingers to knead the spot. “If that alpha did- somehow and against all odds- find us, I promise you I’d make sure he suffers for what he did to you. You won’t ever have to fear him again.”

“Thank you,” Jeongguk whispers.

“Don’t thank me. Torturing that bastard would be very rewarding for me. Even if you hadn’t said anything, I wouldn’t let him walk away with his dick still attached to him.” Jimin hesitantly hooks one of his ankles over the brunet’s, finger pads digging into the small of his back. “I was so scared for you when you woke up so panicked, especially when you started rolling around. By that point, I was worried you were hurt. Maybe a bug bit you, maybe you rolled onto a thorn, maybe the pain was internal. But then I noticed how terrified you smelled and remembered your nightmares. I wanted nothing more than to intervene but I didn’t want to freak you out if you were in a bad headspace.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize for something that doesn’t require an apology. It’s not like I’m blaming you for being frightened by a terrible dream. I would never do that.”

“Sorry.”

“Jeongguk-ah,” Jimin groans, poking the giggling omega in the side. “And I thought you had a problem with saying ‘thank you’ excessively. Am I gonna have to forbid you from saying ‘sorry’, too?”

“Not sure if it’ll be very effective,” Jeongguk says with a grin.

“Yeah, you’re such a brat you’ll just ignore me like you usually do.”

“Am not! It’s just really hard for me to break habits,” Jeongguk pouts.

“Yes, yes, of course,” Jimin teases.

Jeongguk weakly flicks Jimin’s chest in retaliation. He’s actually thankful for the harmless goading — it’s helping distract him from thinking about the nightmare. Although Jimin’s addicting, comforting scent alone is sufficient to keep Jeongguk calm.

He drags a finger down Jimin’s sternum absentmindedly, then moves it back up until the tip is placed directly over the other man’s heart. “If it’s alright with you, can we sleep like this? My omega and I feel very safe when you’re close.”

Which certainly isn’t a lie, but Jeongguk just…really likes being near Jimin. He wants to be able to cuddle with the latter every night, wants to always be engulfed in his bergamot and jasmine scent, wants to be scented. There’s more to it than just that, though. Jeongguk’s feelings have seemed to grow past the level of a crush. He wants to be able to share his worries and concerns with Jimin freely, and he wants Jimin to do the same; he wants to be the one who takes care of Jimin when he’s feeling sick or hurt; he wants to give Jimin meaningful gifts and receive hugs, pets on the head, or kisses in exchange; he wants to joke with Jimin and fool around like they’re pups again; he wants to appreciate all the beautiful details in life with Jimin as they watch a sunset in comfortable silence or admire the twinkling stars under the full moon.

When Jeongguk says he and his omega feel safe when Jimin is nearby, there’s so much more hidden within the statement.

“We can. I want nothing more than for you to have a peaceful sleep,” Jimin murmurs.

He pushes some loose strands of hair out of Jeongguk’s face and places a lingering kiss on his now-exposed forehead. And as Jeongguk lies there, tucked safely under the alpha’s chin, wrapped within his protective embrace, he realizes he loves Jimin.

🐺⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅•∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅🐺

There’s a noticeable shift in their dynamic following that night.

First and foremost, Jimin sleeps by Jeongguk’s side. Regardless of how they’re positioned initially — back to back, chest to back, or facing each other — they always wake up in each other’s arms the next morning.

Their interactions throughout the day have also changed slightly. Jeongguk can get away with behaving a bit more intimately with Jimin. In human form, he has managed to feed Jimin berries without the elder complaining and has held his hand multiple times while they’re sitting in front of a fire. In wolf form, he has groomed Jimin after a few meals and nosed at his jaw once. That last one has been the most significant progress he’s made and his goal is to eventually nose at Jimin’s face. It’s a particularly affectionate action, after all, one that Jeongguk has only ever seen done between mates (though it also happens between family members).

So far, it’s mostly been Jeongguk initiating everything. Three days ago, however, Jimin started acting differently. In a good way, at least in Jeongguk’s case. It started with Jimin’s scent becoming a bit richer, especially during noticeable mood changes (to Jeongguk’s delight, his scent would always become stronger after any type of physical contact between them). Then it was his behaviour that began to change. Without any prompting, Jimin would insert himself in Jeongguk’s personal space in whatever ways he could. If they were eating, Jimin would do so beside Jeongguk; when they were taking a break from walking, he would lie next to Jeongguk, always ensuring some part of him touched the younger wolf; while travelling, he frequently brushed up against Jeongguk. There have even been a couple of times when Jimin has playfully tripped Jeongguk and proceeded to jump on him, oozing contentment as he stared down at the latter before allowing him to get up.

After three days of that, Jimin finally decided to address what was happening.

“My rut is coming up. It’ll probably hit within this week. Sorry about how clingy I’ve been.”

Which wasn’t exactly unexpected but Jeongguk is still a bit surprised. He knows how alphas get when they’re approaching a rut, but he’s never actually been near one to see what they’re actually like. In his pack, the moment an alpha started showing the first signs of pre-rut, they went into isolation. They avoided going outside as much as they could and when they did, it was for a very short time. Their family often helped them when they could and if the alpha had a mate, they’d spend the majority — if not all — of their pre-rut with that individual. Not many people would see these alphas, and Jeongguk was no exception. So the fact he’s around Jimin when it’s so close to his rut and is even on the receiving end of his affection and attention, that’s what surprises him.

Since hearing it this morning, all Jeongguk has been thinking about is Jimin’s revelation. It’s hard for him to focus on anything that isn’t Jimin. He probably would’ve continued walking all day in his dazed state if it weren’t for Jimin’s noticeable plodding. Although he won’t admit it, Jeongguk can tell Jimin’s energy levels aren’t where they usually are, a telling sign his rut is very close. Because of his stubbornness, it’s Jeongguk’s responsibility to urge them to take more breaks from walking.

Once he notices Jimin’s paws dragging in the dirt with each heavy step he takes, grunting when he nearly trips over a stick, Jeongguk shoves his face into the grey wolf’s side and resolutely pushes him off his course. Jimin huffs through his nose but complies with the order, lumbering over to the closest tree to sit under it. Jeongguk lies on the other side of the trunk, resting his head on his paws and closing his eyes.

It’s harder to detect when they’re walking and exerting themselves but now that they’ve stopped, Jimin’s heavy breathing is quite apparent. Jeongguk wishes they could just stop for the day so the alpha could rest but he knows Jimin would be opposed to the suggestion. For whatever reason, he would rather exhaust himself and suffer.

In the silent forest, Jeongguk only has Jimin’s steady breaths to listen to. Oddly enough, they’re somewhat of a soothing sound. More importantly, they’re an easy way to gauge how Jimin is feeling. Though they’re still loud — much louder than usual — they’re not as strained as they must’ve been when the two wolves were walking and they don’t sound as wheezy as they did when Jimin first sat down. Taking the time to rest is clearly doing wonders for him.

Movement from Jimin makes Jeongguk’s ears twitch but he chooses not to open his eyes yet. The elder could just be adjusting himself to a more comfortable position.

Turns out it isn’t that, however. No, instead Jeongguk hears Jimin stand up and slowly shuffle around the tree. Before Jeongguk can think to raise his head and figure out what the other wolf is doing, he feels his presence behind him. Jimin proceeds to get on top of Jeongguk, then. The omega doesn’t panic, doesn’t even move a muscle to indicate discomfort. Because he doesn’t mind; having Jimin standing over top of him — front paws on either side of his shoulders and back paws next to his hips — makes him feel protected. He’s as pleased as can be.

It’s the snout bumping against the back of his head that finally elicits a reaction. Jeongguk’s eyes fly open and he lets out a quiet rumbling noise of confusion. Jimin sniffs incessantly, drifting from the top of Jeongguk’s head to his left ear. As the younger one tries to lift his head, Jimin begins licking his ear and his mind goes blank. None of Jimin’s usual hesitation or caution is anywhere to be found — he’s just intently grooming him.

Jeongguk’s omega is undeniably elated, enthusiastically exposing its underbelly in devoted submission. Embarrassingly, his scent becomes sickly sweet, almost to a suffocating degree, so there’s no way for him to hide his enjoyment. It only becomes more impossible when Jimin starts nibbling at the fur surrounding the base of Jeongguk’s ear, trying to get rid of a small knot.

The moment feels so domestic, so soft, and Jeongguk loves every second of it. Not only because it’s Jimin who’s caring for him, but also because it’s been so long since Jeongguk has experienced it.

His ears aren’t the only part of him that receives attention. Soon enough, once Jimin is satisfied with his work so far, he moves over to Jeongguk’s forehead, giving gentle yet firm licks. There aren’t any knots but Jimin still bites some spots carefully, like he’s trying to comb through the fur. Obviously Jeongguk isn’t opposed to it — he loves how affectionate and diligent Jimin is being right now.

If he were brave enough, Jeongguk would attempt to shift onto his side to give Jimin access to other parts of him. Specifically, he would love for Jimin to reach his neck, maybe even his chest. Would the alpha be willing to cross that line, though? His pre-rut hormones could definitely influence his behaviour and make him give into urges he normally wouldn’t (like what’s probably happening now), but everyone knows the implications of getting close to another person’s neck, regardless of their headspace. Just because Jimin is grooming him doesn’t mean he has a hint of romantic attraction for Jeongguk. Family members groom each other all the time, after all.

For now, Jeongguk is satisfied with what he’s being given. He revels in Jimin’s licks and nibbles over his head and ears, using all his willpower to stop himself from purring. His omega is very displeased with him for that. It wants Jimin to know how well he’s taking care of them and how grateful they are. Jeongguk wants him to know too, but he doesn’t want to risk making things awkward.

All good things eventually come to an end, however. After a thorough grooming session, Jimin climbs off of the omega and walks away a few steps. When Jeongguk finally opens his eyes, he sees Jimin staring at him expectantly, jerking his head to the side as a way of saying they need to resume their walk. So, with a pinch of reluctance, Jeongguk gets up and sleepily stumbles after the grey wolf.

One might assume the tender atmosphere would linger, maybe even introduce a bit of a change in their relationship. And sure, Jimin continued to be touchy for the rest of the afternoon, but that’s the extent of it.

By the time the sun had set, everything seemed to take a bit of a turn for the worse.

They decided to find a spot to make camp for the night once it got dark. Jimin had shifted to his human form to make a fire for them and now Jeongguk sits in front of the finished product, knees pulled close to his chest, whilst Jimin stands on the opposite side, directly across from him.

“My rut is here, but I think you’ve probably figured that out by now,” Jimin says quietly.

Which is true. The other man’s scent is the strongest it’s ever been and he looks like he could be suffering from a fever; his face is flushed, his breathing is heavy and ragged, he’s slurring his speech, and a thin layer of sweat covers every inch of his body. To Jeongguk’s embarrassment, his body has already involuntarily begun to react to the pheromones the alpha is releasing and is preparing itself for Jimin, slick accumulating within him and threatening to ooze out.

“I’m going to go looking for a nearby cave to stay in and wait this out. Avoid seeing me for a few days unless you’re in danger and need my protection. Otherwise, just try not to stray too far from this spot and I’ll come find you once I’m…back to normal.”

“Oh, um, okay,” Jeongguk mumbles, hoping the elder can’t detect his dejection.

“I won’t go too far, don’t worry. Just enough so you won’t be bothered by my scent or any- uh- noises,” Jimin reassures with a sheepish smile.

Neither of those would bother me, is what Jeongguk wants to tell him. Instead, he forces a grin and replies, “Be safe. Don’t worry about me too much and come back in one piece, hyung.”

“I’ll try my best,” Jimin chuckles.

Without another word, he briskly strides off into the darkness, leaving Jeongguk alone with only the fire’s glow to keep him company. The brunet tries not to take the lack of a proper farewell to heart — Jimin is probably desperate to find some privacy so he can take care of himself (his erection certainly wasn’t going to fade on its own any time soon).

Crackling from the firewood is all Jeongguk can hear. The forest seems eerily quiet tonight. Cold fear slowly trickles through his veins with each passing moment and despite the heat from the fire, Jeongguk can’t stop himself from shivering.

Against his wishes, he’s reminded of when he ran away from his village and had to fend for himself for the first couple of weeks. No one to talk to, no one to eat with, no one to sleep beside, no one to watch his back — it’s like he’s reliving it all. Loneliness rapidly creeps its way into Jeongguk’s heart even though Jimin has only just left. How is he supposed to last a few days? Daytime will be bad enough but nighttime will be the death of him. His nightmares will be sure to return and Jimin won’t be around to comfort him.

What if he’s attacked? Fighting off a bear might be possible for him (although he’d definitely end up badly hurt) but what if a rogue wolf comes after him? Or worse, what if it’s a pack from close by that drives him away because he’s too close to their territory?

What if…the alpha that tried to claim him comes?

He knows it’s unreasonable to think this. He knows. Jimin has told him countless times that he’s safe from that man, that there’s no way Jeongguk will ever see him again. But Jimin is gone, meaning Jeongguk is vulnerable. Somehow, Jeongguk is convinced the alpha will know he’s alone and will come after him. He shouldn’t. Jimin would tell him not to overthink like that.

But he’s not here to do that. He’s not here to protect you.

An owl hoots suddenly, startling Jeongguk. He jumps with a whimper, arms tightening around his legs as he whips his head around to find the source of the sound. As the pounding of his heart slows, he rests his chin on his knees and turns back to look into the fire’s flames, seeking out comfort from the brightness.

Jeongguk misses Jimin, misses his alpha. The alpha he loves and wants to give himself to.

Considering how inexperienced he is when it comes to sex, he is a bit nervous about the thought of offering himself to Jimin. There’s a chance the elder could be left feeling a bit disappointed. Jeongguk’s determination is strong, though, and his love for Jimin is, too. If there’s an opportunity for him to potentially help the alpha with his rut and save him from frustration and pain, Jeongguk will eagerly take it.

Besides, given how touchy Jimin has been, surely he must feel something for Jeongguk, right?

So Jeongguk scoops up handful after handful of dirt to try to put the fire out (it’d be unsafe to leave it unattended after all), only setting off to find Jimin once the flames look like they’ll die out on their own. Jeongguk’s omega is bounding around in excitement as he follows the strong trail of bergamot and jasmine. It can’t wait for them to be bred by their alpha, confident that he will undoubtedly accept them. Jeongguk can’t say he’s as optimistic as his wolf, but he’d like to believe he won’t be outright refused by Jimin, at the very least.

There’s a lot more walking involved than Jeongguk thought there would be before he finally reaches the cave Jimin has claimed. He doesn’t have to see the latter to know he’s here — his scent reeks from the place of refuge. Pheromones float through the air, beckoning Jeongguk closer and encouraging his body to respond appropriately.

He tentatively approaches the mouth of the cave, peeking in only to be smacked in the face with another wave of alpha pheromones and a smothering scent. The culprit lies near the right side of the cave, propped up against the wall with a tight fist around his hardened cock, roughly stroking it.

“Jeongguk-ah? What are you doing here?” Jimin questions between harsh pants and growls, not making any effort to stop masturbating.

“I-I need to speak to you about something,” Jeongguk says, doing everything he can to keep his eyes trained on Jimin’s face.

“Is it urgent? Because if not, it’d be a lot safer for you to wait until—”

“It’s really important,” Jeongguk stresses.

Jimin lets out a guttural groan, head tossed back as his hand squeezes the base of his cock tightly, almost as if he’s strangling it. He gestures weakly with his other hand for the younger man to continue. “What’s wrong?”

Here goes nothing, Jeongguk thinks to himself as he inhales a big, calming breath. “I really like you, hyung. Really really like you. I’m pretty sure I love you. So I…I want to be with you and help you with your rut if you’ll let me.”

It feels like his heart is about to break through his chest with how hard it’s beating. His hands are clasped together in front of his groin to preserve his dignity (and prevent Jimin from seeing his cock that’s inevitably beginning to twitch), rapidly growing clammy with nerves. He doesn’t have to see himself to know he’s a blushing mess, cheeks painted a bold red.

Jimin stares at him in stunned silence, eyes wide and unblinking, lips parted. His hand slips away from his cock and he pushes himself up to adjust his slouched posture, sitting with his back straight against the cave wall now.

“Really? You’re not just saying that, right?”

“Of course I’m not,” Jeongguk confirms.

Jimin frantically beckons Jeongguk over and the latter complies without hesitation, hoping he doesn’t appear too desperate as he scuttles closer. Once he’s within reach, the grey-haired man drags Jeongguk down into his lap. It’s a bit embarrassing to be straddling Jimin when they’re both naked and hard but he tries his best to ignore the flustering position.

“You’re positive those are your true feelings? You’re not just saying that because you feel guilty about me having to go through a rut alone?” Jimin asks.

“I’m not lying to you,” Jeongguk assures.

“And you don’t think it’s the imprint provoking these feelings?”

Jeongguk looks off to the side, eyebrows drawing together. “I mean…I suppose it could be involved in some way. But my feelings don’t, like, depend on it. I fell in love with you because of who you are, not because of how the imprint makes me see you.”

A curled finger gently touches under Jeongguk’s chin while a thumb presses against the front of it, causing the omega to refocus on Jimin’s face. Despite the hazy look in his eyes, Jimin looks determined. Relief, however, is the most prominent emotion in his gaze, alongside something softer. Is it adoration?

“You have no idea how glad I am to hear that,” Jimin says quietly, lips curled into a small smile. “I love you too, Jeongguk-ah?”

“Yuh-You do?” Jeongguk gasps.

“How can I not?” Jimin laughs. “I’ve felt this way for a while but I was worried about making things awkward between us so I kept my feelings to myself. Had I known my love wasn’t unrequited I would’ve, um, subtly suggested we spend my rut together.”

“You should’ve,” Jeongguk pouts.

Jimin’s expression becomes bashful and he averts his gaze. “To be honest, I was becoming convinced you only saw me as a friend or something.”

Jeongguk makes a noise of confusion. “What? Why?”

“You hadn’t been reacting to my courting so I assumed you didn’t have any romantic feelings for me,” the elder shrugs.

“Courting!?” How the fuck did Jeongguk miss that!? When was Jimin courting him!?

“Yeah, I kept snuggling with you but you didn’t seem fazed at all.”

“Snuggling? What do you mean?”

Jimin clears his throat, appearing to be growing quite shy. “You know. I kept brushing against you when we were walking and I’d lie beside you during our breaks.”

Oh, right. Thinking back to the couples in his village, he remembers seeing mates doing it often. Bystanders would gush about how close they looked, sometimes going so far as to predict who might be the pack’s next future parents.

Jeongguk knew what snuggling was, but he had no idea Jimin had been trying to do it with him.

“I could tell you liked the grooming at least but considering my other courting attempts failed, I thought maybe you only saw me as some sort of brotherly figure.”

“I’m so, so sorry for not realizing,” Jeongguk whispers, completely mortified. “I had no idea you had that kind of motive. I thought your sudden, uh, ‘touchiness’ was just a protective gesture.”

“You’re so innocent,” Jimin says, endeared.

“That’s what happens when you don’t have a lot of romantic experience,” Jeongguk huffs. He plays with his fingers nervously, worried about potentially disappointing Jimin. “Um, on a similar note, I’m…a virgin. As long as that doesn’t bother you, I still would really like to be with you during your rut. But I’m sorry if my inexperience makes me a bit of a hassle to deal with—”

“Don’t talk about yourself like that,” Jimin frowns, palms sliding up and down the outsides of Jeongguk’s thighs. “There’s nothing for you to be ashamed of or apologize for. I love you just the way you are.”

Jeongguk’s heart flutters and he watches his own hand intently as it draws patterns over Jimin’s chest aimlessly, giddiness filling his entire being. “Thank you.”

“I want you to know that no matter how needy I become because of my rut or how badly I want to have you, I don’t want you to feel pressured to offer yourself to me. You’re not obligated to help me just because we love each other. I’d be happy to be on my own if you’d rather have a more…romantic first time, especially if you don’t feel prepared right now.”

Jeongguk is touched by how considerate Jimin is. Many alphas would immediately fuck an omega who just confessed to them, regardless of whether they’re in a rut or not. Yet here Jimin is, fighting the intense urges to relieve himself and having a heart-to-heart conversation with Jeongguk. Putting Jeongguk’s comfort and needs first. It just further convinces Jeongguk and his omega that Jimin is the perfect mate for them — not that they needed to be convinced any more.

There’s no need for them to wait, though. Jeongguk wants this alpha, wants to give himself to him. And not only because he knows Jimin will suffer on his own and wants to assist him. Throughout the entire time they were speaking, Jimin continued to subconsciously release pheromones to attract a mate — or in this case, entice Jeongguk. As a result, Jeongguk has been steadily getting high off them and his body is ready to be mated. It doesn’t help that he’s been practically drowning in Jimin’s alluring scent and is so close to his huge cock.

Needless to say, Jeongguk is quite aroused. He’d love for Jimin to help alleviate his growing issue.

“I-I want you now,” Jeongguk admits shyly.

“You’re sure?”

The brunet whines, feeling a tad frustrated. “Hyung, I’m getting hard. Yes, I’m sure.”

Jimin laughs and rubs their noses together, radiating fondness. He traces the line of Jeongguk’s jaws with the tips of his finger, touch so light it tickles. “In that case, is it alright if I kiss you?”

“Please,” Jeongguk breathes out.

They both lean in at the same time, lips coming together in a surprisingly slow kiss. Jimin’s other hand — the one not cupping Jeongguk’s ear to hold his head in place — slides around the younger man’s waist to rest on his lower back, pressing lightly, encouraging him to stay close. Meanwhile, Jeongguk rests a hand on Jimin’s shoulder while the opposite one dives into his grey hair, weaving through strands and grabbing them for purchase.

A small whimpering noise escapes Jeongguk, one he just can’t help. It feels so good to be kissing Jimin, to be held by him.

They separate for a quick breath before Jeongguk is being kissed again but more firmly this time. Jimin’s composure is starting to slip it seems. The way he feverishly sucks on the omega’s lips as if he’s trying to devour them proves just that. Seeing no problem with his increasing pace, Jeongguk gladly allows Jimin to take the reigns, lips parting so they can properly taste each other.

Jimin growls softly, digging his fingers into Jeongguk’s back as their tongues briefly slide against one another. The short sample is enough to satisfy the elder, who drifts from Jeongguk’s mouth in favour of kissing down his chin towards his throat. There, Jimin inhales deeply.

“Fuck, you smell so good. You have no idea how much my alpha and I love your scent,” Jimin groans.

“Ruh-Really?” Jeongguk gasps, tilting his head back invitingly.

“Goddess, yes. We’re crazy for it. It was so hard for me to resist you during the days leading up to my rut. Although I guess I did a pretty poor job of it considering how clingy I was.” Jimin hugs Jeongguk around his middle, face buried in his collarbones. “Would you be okay with me scenting you?”

“Yes, please do,” Jeongguk begs.

Jimin is vigorously rubbing his nose up and down Jeongguk’s scent gland in an instant while making possessive, growly sounds repetitively. All of Jeongguk’s senses are invaded by Jimin now as he becomes enveloped in the man’s dominating scent. His body goes limp with bliss, surrendering himself to his alpha.

“’M yours,” Jeongguk whispers, mostly to himself as he comes to the realization. Jimin hears it, however, and moans deep and low, dragging his tongue up the side of Jeongguk’s neck.

“My omega,” Jimin says with satisfaction, kissing behind the brunet’s ear. “And I’m yours. Your alpha. So claim me.”

The first thing Jeongguk sees when he opens his eyes (which he hadn’t even noticed closed) is Jimin’s wrist. A whine bubbles up within his throat as he realizes the implication, delicately grasping Jimin’s hand and pressing his nose to his pulse point.

“Baby—” Jeongguk whimpers at the pet name, scenting Jimin more frantically, “—is it okay if we go further? Can I touch you and make you feel good?”

“You don’t even need to ask. I told you I want you and nothing is going to change that,” he replies in a breathy voice.

Jeongguk finds himself being rolled onto his back with Jimin kneeling between his legs. The ground is a bit cold against his bare back, making him arch away initially, but he sinks back down when Jimin leaves a line of kisses from his chest down to his tummy. The alpha looks up at him without moving his head, silver eyes glowing as he places a much slower, more sensual kiss right above Jeongguk’s navel. By this point, with the sheer arousal flowing through his body, Jeongguk is certain his own amber eyes must be glowing brightly, too.

“You don’t need to go so slow just for my sake. I know you’re hurting,” Jeongguk murmurs, carding a hand through Jimin’s hair.

Jimin lowers himself onto his stomach, holding himself up only with his elbows. He places his hands on Jeongguk’s sides, rubbing his thumbs in a soothing, appreciative manner. “I don’t want you to think I only want you for sex. I want you to know that I love you and I want you to be able to feel it.” He drops his forehead to Jeongguk’s belly and steadily shakes his head, letting his parted lips skim back and forth across soft skin. “Besides, I don’t want to rush through any moments with you. Definitely not this one. You’re so beautiful and you deserve to be worshipped properly. I’m going to admire every inch of you, from the top of your pretty head down to your toes.”

“Hyuh-Hyung,” Jeongguk stutters, feeling overwhelmed by the intensity of the confession.

Before he can even think of how to respond to the other man, Jimin crawls up his body to kiss, suck and bite around his left nipple. Never actually touching it, just teasing the sensitive skin around it with his teeth and tongue. It has Jeongguk’s hips squirming restlessly as he grabs onto the elder’s shoulders tightly, breath hitching and speeding up a notch.

Goddess, it feels so damn good. His heart is pounding and his face feels like it’s on fire. He’s embarrassed but he doesn’t want Jimin to ever stop. This is already more than he could’ve thought to ask for — he assumed Jimin would just want to fuck him as soon as possible so he could minimize his discomfort.

“Does it feel good?”

“So good,” Jeongguk sighs with multiple nods, watching in awe as Jimin takes his hand to give his palm a kiss. Then he kisses down Jeongguk’s wrist, his forearm, and proceeds to give the right side of his chest the same treatment he gave the left. “Can- do you want me to do anything? I want to help make you feel good, too.”

Jimin hums to himself thoughtfully in between open-mouth kisses. “I don’t want you to worry about doing anything yet. Let hyung have fun with you.”

Using his tongue to trace Jeongguk’s areola, Jimin elicits the neediest noises from the younger man; shuddery inhales, pitchy whimpers, and choked moans. This isn’t like anything he’s ever experienced. Jeongguk didn’t even know touching his nipples could feel this good. When it came to his heats or dealing with regular horniness, he’d only relied on using fingers in his ass or a hand around his dick.

“Hyung, it’s too much,” Jeongguk whines.

All the pleasure he’s feeling comes to a halt as Jimin pulls away, looking up at him with concern. “Does it hurt? Am I being too rough?”

“Nuh-No, you’re perfect. It’s just—” Jeongguk pauses for a moment, gulping down mouthfuls of fresh air as he tries to catch his breath, “—I’m gonna come if you don’t stop and we haven’t even…y’know…”

“I’ll try to calm down a bit if you really want but you know it’s okay if you come, right?” Jimin kisses down Jeongguk’s torso, trailing over to his hipbone and stopping to glance up at the omega. “I don’t mind if you do when I’m teasing you. In fact, it’d be really hot.”

Jeongguk pouts, feeling something alike to shame curling in his gut. “I-I don’t wanna last such a short time.”

“You shouldn’t worry about that. We’re not having a competition of endurance,” Jimin chuckles. He noses down the top of Jeongguk’s thigh, placing several fleeting kisses along the way. “And you know just because one of us comes doesn’t mean everything needs to stop, right? We can keep going, whether it’s following a brief interlude or continuing without a break.”

Jeongguk’s eyes widen. “That would hurt, wouldn’t it?”

“Maybe for some. Others like it, like experiencing the bittersweet overstimulation.”

Jeongguk bites his lip, imagining himself in the scenario. Would it feel good to have his cock touched even after it’s sensitive and softening? Would he be able to get hard again, in such little time?

“Oh, you must be thinking of something fun. You smell so good, baby,” Jimin coos, closing his eyes momentarily as he breathes in deeply.

The grey-haired man hooks his arms under Jeongguk’s legs, resting them over his shoulders, and buries his face in Jeongguk’s inner thighs. Immediately, he seeks out the scent glands hidden there, scenting Jeongguk earnestly once again. It prompts the flustered man to thread his fingers through Jimin’s mussed strands, heels pressing into his upper back where they rest, toes curling.

Being scented there has always been said to be quite the experience, or so that’s what Jeongguk had overheard from some of his packmates. Now he understands what all the hype was about. He feels euphoric, like every part of him — physical, mental and emotional — belongs to Jimin. This is a much more intimate type of claiming, far more than being scented through the glands in one’s neck, and Jeongguk had always thought that one was intense.

“Fucking hell, you smell delicious. I wanna taste you,” Jimin says huskily, leaving sloppy kisses all over the sensitive skin of Jeongguk’s thighs, inches away from his flushed cock.

“Hyung!” Jeongguk exclaims, utterly mortified. Instinctively, he knocks his knees together in an attempt to hide himself, temporarily forgetting that Jimin is already between his legs and is now trapped between them.

Jimin laughs breathily, sending a warm puff of air onto Jeongguk’s sensitive bits and making him jerk with a squeak. “You sound so scandalized.”

“It’s…it’s dirty…”

“I mean, I suppose it is in some aspects but…have you never heard of people that use their mouths to pleasure others?”

Jeongguk makes a small, embarrassed sound of denial. There hasn’t been a person in his pack who ever mentioned doing that, nor that it was even an option. Then again, he never discussed sex or sex-related topics with his friends (and certainly not with his parents), so he doesn’t know about any of the possible “activities” one could engage in. All he knows is the most important part: the actual fucking. He figured that’s all that really matters.

“Do you want me to give you a demonstration?” Jimin offers, looking up at Jeongguk with a smirk.

“Muh-Maybe.” What’s the point in refusing? “As long as you don’t mind.”

“Oh, it’d be my pleasure.”

Jimin methodically licks up Jeongguk’s shaft, curls his tongue over the head, and takes half of Jeongguk into his mouth. The younger man’s legs tense, head tipping back until it touches the cold ground, which feels even colder against his heated body. Feeling the inside of Jimin’s hot, smooth cheeks around him is indescribable — it’s a sensation he’s never felt before and he’s slightly offended he’s only experiencing it for the first time today. The already small space becomes even tighter as Jimin sucks in his cheeks, forcing a throaty moan from Jeongguk.

“Hyung, ‘s too good,” he says, feeling like he’s just sprinted through an entire forest.

His fingers twitch against Jimin’s head when said man slowly pulls off Jeongguk’s cock before sinking back down. This time, Jimin’s lips are kissing Jeongguk’s pelvis as he takes in Jeongguk’s entire length. Somehow, it’s even better. The head of his dick is touching the back of Jimin’s throat and he can feel every swallow, contraction and twitch from the elder.

Jimin bobs his head periodically, often just sitting with Jeongguk’s cock fully in his mouth and humming around it. No matter how much Jeongguk squirms or jerks his hips, Jimin doesn’t complain. Yet despite his silence, Jeongguk feels terribly guilty. Why can’t he just stay still and be good? His constant bucking must be at least a little uncomfortable for Jimin, who’s practically being choked by the movements.

“‘M sorry, hyung,” Jeongguk gasps when he fucks into Jimin’s mouth reflexively once again, unable to resist the pleasurable pull.

Jimin merely smiles, but this one looks a bit different. There’s a flash of something else in his eyes, like mischief. Jeongguk figures out the reason in the next second when the alpha starts moving up and down Jeongguk’s cock much faster.

Jeongguk yelps, squeezing his thighs around Jimin’s head and tugging on his hair more. Overwhelming pleasure clouds his mind until all he can think about is the heat surrounding his dick and the friction bringing him closer and closer to the edge and how he’s about to—

“I’m—“

Jeongguk interrupts himself with a keen as he comes hard, rolling his hips mindlessly, flexed feet pressing down on Jimin’s back. Jimin swallows everything with a moan, still sucking him gently and using his tongue to massage the underside of Jeongguk’s cock.

As the brief moment of ecstasy fades, Jeongguk’s legs begin trembling and his abs tense. With a gentle push on his shoulders, Jimin finally releases Jeongguk with a loud, wet pop, staring up at the latter with a proud, dopey grin.

“How was that?”

“I came so fast,” Jeongguk laments shamefully, covering his blushing face with a hand.

“That doesn’t matter, baby. You were so hot,” Jimin reassures, nuzzling into Jeongguk’s thighs and giving them multiple pecks. “All that matters is whether you enjoyed yourself. Did you?”

“Yes,” Jeongguk mumbles. He spreads his fingers so he can peer down at Jimin while still shielding his face. “It felt really good. Thank you.”

Jimin snorts. “No need to thank me. What I did was very self-indulgent.” He grabs the hand that Jeongguk still had placed on his head and kisses the pads of his fingers. “Nonetheless, I’m glad you liked it.”

“Do you want me to do that for you?”

“No, I’m not done with you yet.” Jimin slides his hands down the backs of Jeongguk’s thighs and spreads his legs. “There’s another spot I want to taste.”

Jeongguk gapes at the other man in shock, recognizing where his gaze is. The thought of Jimin putting his mouth there has Jeongguk clenching around nothing. It fills him with a great deal of embarrassment, but there’s also…anticipation. Surely if Jimin’s mouth on his cock felt amazing it’d feel just as good on his hole, right?

“A-Are you sure? Aren’t you in pain?” Jeongguk frowns, worried.

“Not being able to eat your slick will hurt me more,” Jimin claims dramatically, to which Jeongguk weakly smacks him in protest.

“Ugh, okay. But after this, I want to help you—”

Jimin’s tongue swiping over his rim effectively cuts Jeongguk off. His eyes flutter shut and he hooks his hands around the backs of his knees, holding himself open while simultaneously gripping onto himself for purchase.

The elder languidly laps at Jeongguk, moaning in between slurps as he devours the omega’s slick. Each lick causes Jeongguk to gush out another mouthful of it, providing Jimin with a copious supply.

“Fuck, you taste heavenly,” Jimin growls before shoving his face in Jeongguk’s ass, sucking greedily.

Mewling helplessly, Jeongguk arches his back and revels in the mind-numbing pleasure he’s experiencing. Nothing else matters at the moment, nothing except Jimin and his wicked tongue. “Feels so good, alpha.”

Everything stops, as if time has momentarily paused. Then, faster than he can comprehend, Jimin is surging up Jeongguk’s body and kissing him roughly, arms holding himself up and consequently caging Jeongguk under him. The sweet taste of his own slick draws a soft moan from the brunet, tongue shyly yet curiously venturing into Jimin’s mouth for more.

“You’re gonna make me lose my mind,” Jimin grunts, dipping his head down to leave messy, possessive kisses all over Jeongguk’s neck where his scent gland is.

Jeongguk giggles. “That makes two of us.”

He sighs contently as a mark is sucked into the side of his neck, fingers weaving through Jimin’s grey strands. His legs hook around Jimin’s hips and he ruts up, grinding their cocks together. The action elicits a hiss from Jimin, whose neglected erection appears to be excruciatingly hard, while Jeongguk shallowly gasps, sensitive and spent dick twitching with interest.

“Am I allowed to fuck you, baby?” Jimin questions in a strained voice, like he’s resisting the urge to hump Jeongguk until he comes.

“I’d be devastated if you didn’t,” the younger one replies.

“In that case—” Jimin carefully rises so he’s kneeling before Jeongguk, positioning the latter’s legs in a wide stance on either side of him, “—I need to prep you.”

“What will we use as lubric—”

The unfinished question is answered by two of Jimin’s fingers scooping out some of Jeongguk’s slick, presenting it as evidence. “We’ll use a natural source.”

Jeongguk sputters unintelligibly. Part of him wants to object to save himself the mortification but the other part admits it’s the only option they have. It might not be the same as using oil but it’s safer than using just saliva or nothing at all.

“As long as you don’t have any complaints, that is,” Jimin adds.

“Nuh-No, it’s fine. Makes the most sense,” Jeongguk stammers.

“Alright. I’m gonna stretch you. Tell me if anything hurts and we’ll stop.”

Exhaling slowly and quietly, Jimin slides his middle finger inside Jeongguk with ease. Not only does his slick help but so does the fact that he has already came once, relaxing and loosening him further. Once he’s in all the way to his knuckle, Jimin wiggles his finger around experimentally and prods at Jeongguk’s walls, practically petting them with his finger pad.

“Want to touch you,” Jeongguk pleads, reaching down to rub Jimin’s forearm. “Hyung needs to feel good, too.”

“I’m fine. It’s better if I wait, anyways. I don’t want to end up coming and knotting nothing. That’d feel way worse than what I’m feeling now.”

Goddess, he’s going to knot me. Obviously, Jeongguk expected it but knowing it’ll happen so soon is such an exhilarating feeling. Arousal blooms in his lower belly, bringing life back to his cock and encouraging it to chub up.

“Want your knot,” Jeongguk whispers.

Jimin’s nostrils flare and he adds a second finger inside Jeongguk. “Yeah? Want to be locked together with hyung? Want hyung to breed you?”

Jeongguk’s omega howls in delight.

“Want alpha,” Jeongguk tests in a hushed tone, remembering Jimin’s reaction the last time he was referred to by his dynamic.

That’s how Jeongguk discovers how much of an effect it has on Jimin. The man snarls and fucks his fingers in and out of the brunet at a ruthless pace. His other hand prods at Jeongguk’s entrance, collecting some of the excess slick and slathering it on his own cock. There’s a spike in his already tantalizing bergamot and jasmine scent, making it all Jeongguk can smell. It’s so strong he can practically taste it.

“Since when did you turn into such a tease, omega?” Jimin asks with a crooked smile.

Like a shock of electricity, being addressed by his subgender startles Jeongguk but concurrently makes his stomach swoop with desire. Slick leaks out of him involuntarily and most likely drips down Jimin’s hand, giving rise to a pronounced flush covering Jeongguk’s face.

“Now you know what it’s like,” Jimin chuckles.

Not long after, Jimin is opening Jeongguk up with three fingers. It’s the fullest the latter has ever felt, though he knows that will change quickly once Jimin is inside him, especially when his knot forms.

Currently, the elder alternates between splaying his fingers when they’re as deep as possible within Jeongguk and purposefully rubbing his prostate with them. Tiny cries and hiccuped breaths slip past Jeongguk’s lips, working alongside the squelching noises coming from his hole to fill the otherwise silent cave.

“Do you want me to keep this up a while longer or do you feel comfortable enough for me to fuck you?” Jimin softly asks.

Is he kidding? He’s the one in rut and yet he continuously puts his needs aside in favour of catering to Jeongguk’s. If he wasn’t head over heels for Jimin already, he definitely would be now.

“‘M ready,” Jeongguk nods.

Gently taking hold of his hips, Jimin positions himself so his cock’s tip is kissing Jeongguk’s rim. With bated breath, the omega watches one of his calves being lifted onto the grey-haired man’s shoulder while his other is held high so Jimin can leave kisses from his knee all the way up to the instep of his foot.

“You’re so beautiful, I could stare at you all day and never get tired of it,” Jimin sighs.

Jeongguk swallows loudly, overwhelmed with shyness and adoration. “When you say such sweet things, I think I could love you forever and my feelings would never waver.”

A pleased growl rumbles deep in Jimin’s chest and he kisses Jeongguk’s knee (the one that hadn’t just received affection moments prior). Then his hips cautiously move forward, guiding his cock inside Jeongguk carefully. Instinctively, the younger one clenches around the foreign intrusion, making Jimin groan with his head bowed.

“So tight. You feel so fucking good.”

“Feels weird,” Jeongguk admits. And a bit uncomfortable, but not enough to cause concern. It’s just he’s not used to having something of such a wide girth inside him.

“It’ll get better, I promise. This is the boring part but it’s also very important. I don’t wanna move to fast or recklessly and risk hurting you. You need to get accustomed to me at your own pace.”

Jeongguk hums in agreement, staring up at Jimin longingly. “Cuh-Can you kiss me?”

The alpha coos lovingly and immediately bends over to fulfill Jeongguk’s request. It’s the perfect distraction to take his attention away from the dick stretching him apart. His hands raise to hold Jimin’s face, palms cupping his jaw. Their mouths move against each other passionately, tongues briefly touching and getting trapped between lips.

“Is it okay if I move?” Jimin murmurs. Jeongguk responds with a small noise of approval.

The elder starts with gentle rolling of his hips, easing Jeongguk into the motions. The tenderness of the movements catches Jeongguk off guard, who had expected Jimin to immediately give in to his instincts. Not that he’s complaining — like this, he feels so cared for and loved, not just a body to satisfy Jimin’s wolf’s cravings.

It doesn’t take long for Jimin to move faster after receiving no complaints. Each thrust happens to be (or maybe is purposefully) aimed at Jeongguk’s prostate, drawing moan after moan out of him. He tightens around Jimin, making it more pleasurable for him. In turn, it encourages Jimin to move faster and make Jeongguk feel like he’s soaring above the moon.

This is the best thing he’s ever experienced — or so he thought. Because just as the thought enters his mind, Jimin wraps his hand around Jeongguk’s cock and strokes him in time with his thrusts. A loud keen spills from Jeongguk, one that prompts him to quickly cover his mouth to prevent any more shameful sounds from coming out.

“That good, huh?” Jimin grins, using his fingers to fondle Jeongguk’s tip.

Jeongguk cants his hips, crying out and grabbing onto Jimin’s arms as if that’d give him the support he needs. “Hyung! Yuh-You can’t do that—”

“I can, baby. It feels amazing, doesn’t it?”

Jeongguk gasps for air, breathing so fast it feels like he’s hyperventilating. “I-I’m gonna come, hyung. ‘T’s too much. Ah, hyung, please don’t sto—”

With a full-body shudder, Jeongguk comes for the second time. Embarrassment overwhelms him, bringing tears to his eyes which he quickly tries to conceal by covering his face with both hands.

“Why are you hiding?” Jimin asks softly, gently grabbing Jeongguk’s wrists and attempting to pry them away. Jeongguk, however, stubbornly resists the pull.

“That was humiliating,” he stresses, hearing how watery his voice sounds.

“Because you came? Believe me, it’s nothing you need to worry about, Jeongguk-ah.”

“But I’ve done it twice already and you haven’t done it once! You’re the one that needs this more than me!”

Another light tug finally causes Jeongguk to let Jimin take his hands away. He stares up at the grey-haired man through distorted vision because of the tears welling in his eyes, feeling rather pathetic.

“My sweet omega,” Jimin croons, holding Jeongguk’s face like he’s handling the most delicate jewelry, giving his cheeks kiss after kiss. “I might be, like, incredibly horny because of my rut but that doesn’t mean I’m only thinking about myself. I want you to enjoy this just as much as I am. And you are! And that makes me so happy, baby. You look so pretty when you’re coming undone. I want to see you like that always. So come as many times as you want, okay?”

Jeongguk nods half-heartedly, still upset with himself. His internal conflict must be obvious to the alpha because he continues leaving loving kisses all over his face, especially near his eyes. Not even a second later, Jeongguk senses soothing pheromones being released in the air.

“Pretty omega. Making a mess for your alpha, hm? Hyung is very pleased.” Jimin drags a finger through the cum on Jeongguk’s stomach and pops it in his mouth with a moan. “Taste so damn good. Goddess, I love you so much.”

“Love you, too, hyung,” Jeongguk replies with a small smile.

“Can I keep fucking you? Or do you need a longer break?”

“Keep going. Please.”

Jimin quietly growls and resumes thrusting into the brunet, going slow for a few moments before gradually getting faster. Soon enough, Jimin is fucking into him hard and relentlessly. His patience must be wearing thin after having to wait so long to find his release, wolf finally gaining control of him.

“Ah, you feel so fucking good,” Jimin groans, turning his head to sink his teeth into Jeongguk’s leg, just above the inner side of his knee.

“Fuck me, alpha,” he utters.

Jimin snarls, biting harder before leaning down to tuck his face in Jeongguk’s neck, sucking the spot over his gland and licking it excessively. His hips smack against the younger man’s powerfully, skin hitting skin so hard Jeongguk can feel his ass tingling.

The omega feels like he’s burning inside and out. His dick is struggling to get hard but won’t give up, so red and wet lying on Jeongguk’s lower abdomen. The feel of Jimin’s cock sliding in and out of him, the feel of his ridges and curves, is just too wonderful. Slowly but surely, Jeongguk feels himself being stretched open more and more as Jimin’s base begins to inflate.

When Jimin comes, it’s without warning. One second Jeongguk is being rocked back and forth harder than he’s ever been, in the next there’s cum spurting inside him and filling him up. The elder moans loudly, biting the part where Jeongguk’s shoulder and neck meet. Not hard enough to break skin, but enough for Jeongguk to really feel it.

Jimin continues rocking into Jeongguk as his knot fully forms, locking them together. As he’s coming down from his high, Jimin rubs his palm up and down Jeongguk’s length.

“Hyu-u-u-ung,” Jeongguk whines.

“One more time for me. C’mon,” Jimin encourages.

This orgasm is expectedly a lot more meagre than the other two. Barely anything comes out of Jeongguk’s dick, despite how powerful it still feels.

They’re both breathing heavily, skin flushed and a little slippery with sweat. Jeongguk’s legs have lost feeling and he’s thankful Jimin helps lower them down from his shoulders (Jeongguk certainly didn’t have the strength to do so). Wrapping him in his arms and holding him tight to his chest, Jimin flips them over so Jeongguk is lying on the former. The movement jostles Jimin’s cock, makes it pull on Jeongguk’s rim, but once they’re settled comfortably the feeling isn’t as persistent.

“You okay?” the alpha inquires, running his fingers up and down Jeongguk’s spine.

“Yeah, for now,” Jeongguk mumbles, nuzzling into Jimin’s neck, inhaling his divine scent. “How long does it usually take for you to be ready for more?”

“Anywhere between half an hour to an hour. My refractory periods slow the farther I get into my rut.”

Jeongguk hums in acknowledgment of the information, too tired to make sense of what that means for him. All he knows is he’s going to be very busy over the next few days.

Jimin turns his head to kiss all over Jeongguk’s face where he can reach, eventually trailing down to his jaw. He intertwines their fingers and lifts Jeongguk’s hand so he can kiss it everywhere — palm, knuckles, and wrist — too, scenting him as he even leaves a plethora of pecks down his forearm.

“I love you,“ Jimin says fondly, voice faint.

“I love you too, hyung,” Jeongguk responds, just as quietly.

“If you can—” Jimin runs his hand down the back of Jeongguk’s head in a petting motion, fingers combing through dark locks, “—sleep now while you have a moment to relax. You’re gonna need all your energy. Besides, it’s really late and I’m sure you were already exhausted from all the walking around we did today.”

“Mmkay. Wake me when your dick starts hurting again.”

Jeongguk lets the soft sounds of Jimin’s laughs and his comforting touch lull him to sleep. Although his time of rest doesn’t last for very long.

🐺⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅•∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅🐺

Three days are spent in the cave. Before entering, Jeongguk was an untouched virgin. He left having had sex at least a hundred times (he might be overestimating just a tad).

Aside from that personal lifestyle change, his and Jimin’s relationship is comparatively different from what it was a week ago. It turns out Jimin is capable of being extremely affectionate, and has clearly been holding a lot back (and definitely lied about not being into “pack-affection stuff”, as he called it). Every day, Jeongguk wakes up to kisses if they’re in human form or licks on his face and ears if they’re in wolf form. Hand-feeding during meals is routine for them now. Same with snuggling — whether it occurs while they’re lying together or walking — and nosing each other’s necks. Nights are spent cuddled together by the fire, either talking about their lives in their respective packs or grooming one another.

Scenting has also obviously been a new, frequent addition to their interactions. Which Jimin likes to do a lot (not that Jeongguk is complaining).

Life is great. The only criticism Jeongguk has is the amount of walking he has to do. Oh, and that living as a nomad makes it very hard for him to appear desirable as a mate.

In his village, he’d be spending a lot of his time doing housework outside of working a job to impress Jimin and prove to him what a good, capable omega he is. It’d also be easy for him to get pretty courting gifts. Out here in the wild, however, all Jeongguk can really do is hunt for Jimin — which he isn’t even that good at — or find him flowers. His alpha is pleased with what he receives regardless, but Jeongguk is still disappointed in himself and a little ashamed.

Jimin has already proved countless times what a perfect mate he is and how capable he is of taking care of Jeongguk. The omega has yet to do the same.

Interrupting his wallowing, Jimin presses his side flush with Jeongguk’s and lets out a pacifying growl, most likely sensing the trace of sourness in the younger wolf’s scent. Jeongguk leans into the touch and happily but silently accepts the nibbles given to his cheek. He licks Jimin’s face several times to reciprocate the affection and also assure him he’s feeling less upset. Gradually, it escalates to Jeongguk gently biting over Jimin’s snout when the grey wolf refuses to stop smothering him with love.

Jimin snorts and uses his bigger size and strength to tip Jeongguk over onto his side, standing over top of the latter while nosing at his face, making sure to rub their cheeks together from time to time. Jeongguk yips and licks at Jimin’s chin and neck, tail thumping against the ground with happy wags.

Everything is fine until it isn’t. The threatening burn of Jimin’s scent is what Jeongguk notices first. Then it’s the sound of footsteps approaching from nearby.

Jimin covers as much of Jeongguk’s body as he can while standing on top of him protectively, snarling in the direction the sounds are coming from. The clearer they get, the easier it is to smell the owners. There’s a beta and an alpha, and Jeongguk can only hope they aren’t going to cause too much trouble. He and Jimin aren’t near any territory border so either these two are from a pack that’s close by and have decided to wander or they’re rogues.

For whatever reason, Jimin’s growls don’t deter the newcomers. Soon enough, they become visible through the trees. The clothes covering their bodies baffles Jeongguk a little but what’s even more perplexing is that these two strangers — Jeongguk realizes they’re men — are heading straight for him and Jimin.

“Hello. We aren’t here to cause any harm,” the beta greets once he and his partner are standing not even ten feet away.

“We come from a pack that’s located—” the alpha points to behind Jimin and Jeongguk, “—that way. We were downwind from you and just wanted to make sure you two weren’t threats to us or our pack. Are you?”

Jimin subtly shakes his head in response, still in a defensive stance. The two aren’t raising any alarms for Jeongguk so he decides to shift, not wanting to display poor manners and refuse a conversation with the men.

“Hyung, let’s talk to them properly,” Jeongguk suggests quietly, crawling out from underneath the huffy wolf.

With a displeased glare, Jimin reluctantly shifts, too. Just as he expected, the alpha quickly positions himself in front of Jeongguk, blocking him from the others’ view. To placate him, the omega doesn’t protest, merely resting his chin over Jimin’s shoulder as he eyes the unknown alpha and beta.

“Sorry if we bothered you. I’m sure- well, I hope you can understand why we were concerned,” the alpha says.

“We’re just passing by,” Jimin says tersely.

“Are you two from another pack in this region?” the beta inquires.

“No, we’re on our own. It’s just the two of us,” Jeongguk answers.

“So…you don’t have a home?”

Jeongguk shakes his head. “We move around a lot.”

“Y’know, it’s supposed to rain tonight,” the alpha says, eyebrows furrowed with worry.

Jimin stiffens while Jeongguk looks at the man oddly. “It is? How do you know?”

“Sorry, that must’ve been a little spooky to hear,” the alpha laughs.

“What he means is that it’s likely going to rain. We have this packmate who everyone believes has the power of clairvoyance,” the beta explains with a courteous smile. “He doesn’t, like, actually have it. It’s just that he’s predicted a lot of stuff in the past coincidentally so…we all jokingly say he has powers. Anyways, he said he thinks there’s gonna be a bad rainstorm tonight that’ll last throughout the day tomorrow.”

“So it’s probably gonna suck to be outside,” the alpha finishes.

“We’ve managed just fine before,” Jimin says curtly, scent spiking.

The other alpha frowns a bit while the beta shifts his weight to one leg with a wary look. Not wanting an argument or a fight to ensue, Jeongguk places a comforting hand on Jimin’s waist and presses against him from behind, releasing calming pheromones.

“Yes, we’ve been out in the rain before, but we didn’t struggle too badly. Thank you for your concern, though,” Jeongguk smiles.

“Oh, we didn’t mean to offend you by insinuating you couldn’t handle it,” the alpha hurriedly says.

“We were just going to offer you a place to stay for the night. If you’d like, of course,” the beta continues.

“Yeah, our village has an inn with plenty of available rooms. You’re welcome to stay there until the storm passes.”

“And if there is no storm?” Jimin questions. “What if you’re just trying to lure us into your village with bad intentions? How are we supposed to trust you?”

The other two share a glance, appearing perturbed. Although the alpha manages to laugh nervously. “I guess there’s not exactly a way we can prove that we come in peace. If you don’t want to come, that’s totally fine. The offer is there on the table. If you decline now but change your mind, you’ll still be able to claim a room at the inn. It’s not like this is a limited-time offer.”

Neither of the two strangers give off suspicious or malicious vibes. It sounds to Jeongguk like they’re genuinely offering help, which is very tempting to accept. It’s been so long since he slept in a bed, slept in a room with ample heat and light. Having the chance to shower properly with soaps would be a blessing, too — especially if he has the chance to put a little perfume on afterwards to please and entice his alpha.

“Hyung, I don’t think they’re bad people,” Jeongguk whispers, squeezing Jimin’s side. “It wouldn’t hurt to stay the night at the very least.”

Jimin gives him a pointed look, his hesitance very apparent. And Jeongguk understands his apprehension — the two men don’t know about Jimin’s connection to the Bloodmoon pack yet. The brunet wants to be optimistic, though. Maybe they won’t ask about where they’re from, or maybe they won’t even care.

“Do you want to stay at the inn?” Jimin asks softly, turning around on the spot so they’re facing each other.

Jeongguk takes Jimin’s wrists into his hands, rubbing his thumbs over the inner sides. “I think it could be nice, but I only wanna do it if the idea doesn’t bother you. Whatever makes you feel safe is what I want the most.”

“Whatever makes you happy is what I want.” Jimin heaves a sigh, firmly kissing Jeongguk’s cheek before turning to look at the onlookers. “We would like to accept your offer.”

“Really? That’s great!” the alpha exclaims.

“Follow us and we’ll bring you to our village,” the beta says. “My name is Seokjin, by the way. It’s nice to meet you.”

“And I’m Hoseok.”

“I’m Jeongguk. It’s nice to meet you and thank you so much for your hospitality.”

“Jimin,” said man grunts out. “Before we go any further, would you be willing to lend him—” he points to Jeongguk, “—something to wear?”

“Oh! Yeah, sure.” Hoseok removes the bag he had slung over his shoulder and rummages around in it before taking out a long cloth with red, purple and brown splotches all over it. “I use this for collecting fruit so sorry about the stains. If you tie it around your waist, it should be big enough to cover all the important stuff, at least.”

“Why didn’t you take this for yourself?” Jeongguk asks Jimin after he’s handed the piece of fabric. “You’re naked, too.”

Jimin looks away with a frown, seeming both aggravated and guilty. “I can’t stand the thought of anyone else seeing you like that. The very thought of it irks my alpha.”

Imagining other wolves seeing Jimin nude causes a spark of jealousy within the omega and he pouts. “I don’t want people to see you like that either.”

“He can take my shirt. It’s long enough that no one will see anything they’re not supposed to,” Seokjin says as he sheds himself of the article of clothing.

Once Jimin is dressed and has helped Jeongguk tie the cloth around his hips, they follow Seokjin and Hoseok through the forest towards their pack’s territory.

“You’re sure it’s okay for us to stay? We won’t be a burden, right?” Jeongguk asks their guides.

“Nonsense! We’re happy to have you!” Hoseok grins.

“Like we said, there are a lot of vacant rooms in the inn. And even if we didn’t have a lot of extra space, fitting two more people wouldn’t be too difficult.” Seokjin slows his pace a bit so he doesn’t have to strain to look over his shoulder while talking. “By the way, if you guys don’t mind me asking, why is there only two of you? Do you not have a pack?”

The questions come just as they all step over the border of Seokjin and Hoseok’s land. Jimin’s steps falter a bit and he begins to slow down, probably expecting the situation to take a turn for the worse at any moment. Jeongguk chooses to lag a bit, too, so the grey-haired man doesn’t arouse suspicion.

“I had a pack not too long ago. Unfortunately, some rogues attacked my village…and I think I was the only one who made it out alive.”

Hoseok’s expression drops, gloom painting his features. “I’m sorry. That must’ve been frightening.”

“It was,” Jeongguk mumbles, heart growing a bit heavy. “I’m just so grateful I found Jimin-hyung. I don’t think I would’ve been able to survive on my own forever.”

“I get that. Especially if you’ve been with a pack your whole life up until that point. I can only imagine how stressful it’d be to suddenly be living on your own without the support you’re used to,” Hoseok says sympathetically.

“And you?” Seokjin prompts Jimin.

“I was also part of a pack years ago but I was exiled,” he confesses.

The beta hums to himself thoughtfully. “Is that so? Which pack?”

Jeongguk braces himself as Jimin says, “Bloodmoon.”

Stunned silence follows the answer. Surprise is evident in both Seokjin’s and Hoseok’s scents, but that’s it. Neither of them become hostile, nor do they run away in fear. They don’t even stop moving; they slow to a dazed sort of walk at most but that’s it.

“Why?” Hoseok asks eventually.

It’s not the response Jeongguk was expecting, and neither was Jimin. He stares at the other alpha in bewilderment, appearing quite flustered.

“I- I didn’t share the pack’s morals and beliefs. They kicked me out because I was too weak for them.”

“Ah. Well in that case, you got lucky,” Seokjin remarks.

“Hyung!” Hoseok hisses, smacking the beta’s shoulder.

“What? It’s true. He’s better off without them. Clearly, he’s the only sane one from the pack. Besides, it’s better to be surrounded by people who you can relate to rather than those you can’t understand, no? He’d be miserable if he was still with them.”

“We don’t know if this is a touchy subject—”

“You don’t need to worry about that”, Jimin cuts in. “Seokjin-ssi is right — I’m much happier without them. What I do care about, though, is…does my past not bother you?”

“I won’t lie and say I was thrilled to hear about your ties to that pack. They have quite the reputation, as I’m sure you’re well-aware,” Seokjin says. “But you were exiled. That means something. And when we met you, you didn’t come off as some feral beast that would attack anyone and anything.”

Hoseok nods enthusiastically in agreement. “Exactly! Sure, you seemed a little aggressive but I think that’s to be expected from anyone when they’re trying to protect their mate.”

Innocently, the alpha gestures to Jeongguk’s scar as if to prove his point. The implication of he and Jimin being mates alone makes him blush, but the disgust curling in his gut at the thought of the bite in his shoulder completely overpowers the glimmer of happiness.

“Wuh-We aren’t mates. That’s from someone else,” Jeongguk mutters.

His distress must be palpable in the air. Jimin reaches for his hand to scent him thoroughly, giving his wrist and hand plenty of soothing kisses, as well. Even Seokjin looks like he’s resisting the urge to at least pat Jeongguk on the head.

Meanwhile, Hoseok looks positively horrified.

“Fuck, I’m so sorry. I knew it wasn’t actually a mating bite because it’s not over your scent gland but- I thought maybe you guys were trying something different and- Goddess, I’m such an idiot. I’m so, so sorry for assuming. I really shouldn’t have.”

The genuine regret in his tone and his sorrowful scent are enough for Jeongguk to forgive his small mistake. The poor man looks like he’s about to burst into tears.

“It’s okay, you didn’t know,” the omega reassures.

“Still doesn’t excuse the fact I assumed something when I shouldn’t have. Shit, this is gonna haunt me until the day I die,” Hoseok frowns deeply.

“It’s alright, I promise. You could’ve said worse. There was a beta who believed Jimin-hyung attacked me. Had that been the case with you, that would’ve upset me a lot more.”

“Um, not to try and abruptly change the subject, but we’re here,” Seokjin informs with a sheepish smile.

The village looks beautiful and has a warm feel to it. It looks nothing like Jeongguk’s but it still reminds him of home. There are a lot more buildings and it seems like there would be many alleys in addition to the main streets. Plenty of people are walking around, some children play around a fenced area containing sheep. Most of the pack spare them a glance before directing their attention elsewhere, though some give Seokjin and Hoseok friendly waves.

The inn isn’t a very far walk away, thankfully. Although the village is a pleasant sight, Jeongguk feels very awkward walking around in nothing but a measly cloth. He’ll have to ask Seokjin or Hoseok for spare clothes, then he’ll be able to explore more comfortably.

Seokjin and Hoseok do all the talking with the inn’s owner. He’s an older omega who welcomes the two newcomers with a kind, lopsided smile. Apparently, his daughter works for him and will be bringing Jimin and Jeongguk dinner later when they’re hungry.

“So, here’s your room,” Seokjin announces as the four enter the homey space. “Let Chul-ssi or Danbi-ssi know when you two want to eat. Until then, feel free to walk around the village or even chat with some of the pack.”

“Yeah, everyone’s pretty friendly so don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation,” Hoseok adds. “Oh, and you can stay here as long as you’d like. Don’t think that we’re gonna kick you out once the weather clears up or something.”

“Yeah, Chul-ssi really likes having visitors so he’ll probably find some way to stall you two from leaving, anyways.”

“Thank you so much for being so generous,” Jeongguk smiles with a polite bow of his head. “It’s really hard to come across people that’ll be accepting of both of us.”

“I suppose a lot of people get paranoid when they hear something they don’t like,” Hoseok comments.

“You don’t have to worry about people here turning on you if they find out about your old pack,” Seokjin tells Jimin. “The older folks might ask a lot of questions, though. So if that’s not your cup of tea, just distract them by asking about the village when it was first built.”

“The kids will be just as bad. For them, you just have to tell them about all the cool things you’ve done. Particularly stuff you’ve caught while hunting. They’ll eat that shit up.”

“I appreciate the advice,” Jimin says, and though his face remains expressionless, Jeongguk can sense how relaxed he is now.

“Cool, cool. Well, we’ll let you guys do your thing. If you need to find us, ask anyone and they’ll point you in the right direction,” Hoseok says with his hands on his hips.

“Oh, would it be possible for me to borrow some clothes from someone for the time being?” Jeongguk asks.

Seokjin gives him a thumbs up. “Of course. I’ll get Chul-ssi to look around and leave it outside the door for you.”

“Perfect. Thank you, again. We’re so grateful, really.”

Hoseok winks playfully. “No need to thank us, cutie. We’re just doing what the Moon Goddess would want.”

Seokjin and Hoseok give a final farewell before closing the door behind them on the way out.

Jeongguk surveys the room quickly, admiring the bedsheets and curtains with pretty designs briefly, then lets his gaze fall on his alpha.

“It’s nice here, isn’t it?” he asks.

“It is,” Jimin quietly agrees.

“So far, everyone seems really nice. They’re so welcoming of strangers. It reminds me of my old pack. Oh, did you notice the bonfire outside, by the way? It looks huge! Well, the remains of it do, at least. I wonder what type of celebrations they have here. I’m sure they’re really fun. This village has fun vibes. Does that make sense? I don’t know, they just seem like the type to party.”

Jimin places a hand on Jeongguk’s cheek, stopping his rambling. He smiles fondly. “You really like it here, don’t you?”

“I like how you’re treated here,” Jeongguk clarifies, touching the back of Jimin’s hand tenderly. “Anywhere where you’re given the respect you deserve is an ideal place for me.” He turns his face to kiss Jimin’s palm, staring at him hopefully. “Seokjin-ssi and Hoseok-ssi were wonderful, right?”

“They’re definitely the nicest strangers I’ve come across in a long time.“

“You know…they said we could stay as long as we want,” Jeongguk drawls.

“Mhm?” Jimin hums, sliding his hands around Jeongguk’s waist.

“So-o-o-o, hypothetically, would you be opposed to staying here for a bit longer than one day?”

“Is that what you want?”

“I only want it if you want it. But…” Jeongguk toys with the hem of Jimin’s short sleeve. “I think it would be nice to take a break from constantly travelling.”

“A permanent break would be even better, right?” Jimin chuckles. He sighs and lightly knocks their foreheads together. “If you could, would you want to stay here?”

“Honestly, the thought of having a proper home is definitely appealing. I guess I’m just too used to the pack life — being on the move all the time without a specific destination feels a little unnatural. However, you’re all I need to be happy. And I know you’re probably a lot more comfortable with having a mobile lifestyle. If you’d rather roam freely through forests and sleep under the stars, I’d be happy to join you.”

The elder smiles lovingly. “Then in that case, I’d be willing to learn how to live in a pack again. If it’s for you and your happiness, I’d do it in a heartbeat.”

The brunet surges forward to connect their lips, hands sliding through Jimin’s strands. Jeongguk giggles into the kiss, overwhelmed with giddiness that only grows as his alpha hugs him tightly and lifts him off the ground. With an encouraging pat on the bum, he wraps his legs around Jimin's waist and lets him walk them over to the bed, sitting on the edge with Jeongguk straddling him.

“You’ll have to be patient with me. There will likely be days when I’ll want to wander alone in the forest. Being confined to a space makes me feel trapped,” Jimin warns. “I really want you to have a pack, though. I want you to have a safe place where you don’t have to worry about the dangers that lurk in forests.”

“I want that, too. For us,” Jeongguk whispers.

After losing his home, he wants to create another. One that’ll be for him and Jimin, one that’ll allow for new beginnings and relationships to prosper.

Jeongguk believes he can make this home work for him and his alpha, his future mate. Regardless of what happens, they’ll have each other. That’s what matters most.

Notes:

Realizing that the title is VERY literal given how much walking was in the story 💀

So that's that! Thank you to everyone that read this story and I really hope you enjoyed it! Jikook will eventually become part of the pack, get the perfect home together, become the most lovey-dovey mates, and live happily ever after <3 That's what my babies deserve

(Also the vamp Koo pics have me like 😵💫😵💫😵💫 guess they’re a sign I have to write a story with vampy jikook to follow up wolfy jikook)

Twitter Instagram

Notes:

Whew, first chapter done!! Next up is the second and final chapter, which ended up being quite a bit longer than I initially planned (like by 8k) but what are you gonna do!!

Hope you're liking the story so far!! I started it in early July and finished the first chapter in 1 week exactly. The second chapter took me a lot longer in comparison lol but what matters is it's done and I didn't abandon it for months before coming back to it like I usually would've. Character growth!! (but only temporary because old habits die hard)

Twitter Instagram