Chapter Text
Few months later
It was a beautiful summer day and Taehyung and Jeongguk went for a walk in the woods. The omega was quite heavily pregnant now, there were only few weeks until he and Jeongguk would welcome their pups, so it was recommended to him not to shift into his wolf form since that could be quite dangerous. He missed it, he missed connecting with his wolf side and he missed running around with the alpha, but nothing was more important to him than the health of his babies, so he knew he had to do anything to make sure they were alright.
A while ago, the pack’s healer told the future parents that there were two pups inside Taehyung, but it was nothing uncommon for their kind to have multiple babies at once. When Taehyung found out, he was freaking out a little, because he knew one baby was already handful, but he accepted it and now he knew that the joy would be doubled when he finally greeted his children into the world.
Jeongguk has been even more attentive and protective than before, his alpha instincts were at all-time high, so he was pampering Taehyung every chance he got and the omega loved every moment. Jeongguk has always been very sweet, but now it was enhanced and so there was nothing the elder wouldn’t do for Taehyung and the omega especially loved all the cuddles and affection that he was given.
“Are you truly sure about tomorrow?” Taehyung asked when they took a break from walking because he was starting to get tired and sat near a waterfall next to a small pond in the forest. He loved the feeling of having the pups inside him, when they were moving and kicking, but it wasn’t physically easy since his back and feet hurt quite often.
“Of course, I am, you don’t have to ask,” Jeongguk smiled, taking his hand and kissing it gently.
“I just…I would understand if you wanted to postpone it.”
“We’ve talked about this, baby, we want this. Or do you not want to?”
“Of course, I do!” the younger said quickly: “But considering what happened a while ago, I would understand if you doubted me…”
“Tae, my love,” Jeongguk sighed: “I have forgiven you, you know that and you should finally forgive yourself.”
“I just hate myself for doubting you,” Taehyung mumbled: “I nearly married Jaeho, I doubted our love and our bond, so I understand if you need more time and if you don’t want to mate with me just yet.”
“I want that more than anything,” the alpha reassured him firmly: “We have had many conversations about the events and you know that I was hurting because you doubted me, but I understood that you were blinded with grief and emotions and I didn’t think it was because you didn’t love me. Then you were being brainwashed so you nearly married Jaeho because of that, not because you wouldn’t want me. But like I told you before, none of it matters now, everything was resolved, you learned the truth about Jaeho and you returned to me. And now we have been here for months and we have been happy, isn’t that the most important thing?”
“It is, but I still feel like…I don’t deserve this, I don’t deserve you,” Taehyung sighed. It’s been a while since his grandmother died and everything that followed happened. But he had a hard time forgiving himself, drowning in guilt and thinking that he was weak and he fell under the influence of his pack too easily and he thought that he didn’t deserve to officially become Jeongguk’s mate. He felt like he should be punished somehow, but the elder had none of it, reassuring him that he didn’t want to focus on the past but only on the future and tomorrow was their wedding and mating ceremony.
“You deserve me and you deserve all the happiness in the world,” Jeongguk pulled him on his lap and kissed his face tenderly: “Nothing else matters, only us and our babies and I am more than ready to finally formally make you mine, my pretty pup.”
“Alright, you are right,” Taehyung gave up, feeling reassured since Jeongguk sounded so sure. If the alpha was ready to leave the past behind, then he should too and even though some scars were hard to heal – like the loss of his grandmother – he knew that tomorrow they were stepping in new stage of their lives and that he was finally going to have a loving mate that he has been dreaming of ever since he was a little child.
“But if you wanted we could postpone it until the pups are born. Maybe it will be easier for you, I know how uncomfortable you are sometimes,” Jeongguk said, looking at the younger searchingly, giving him the opportunity to change his mind.
“No, I want to do it now,” Taehyung said resolutely: “I mean, I don’t need to be mated to you to know that you love me, but I want to do this properly. I want our pups to be born into a proper family and I want my mark on you and I want to say the vows.”
“I can’t wait for tomorrow,” Jeongguk smiled, not trying to change Taehyung’s mind, knowing the omega could be quite stubborn when he wanted something. He would postpone the ceremony if that was what Taehyung wanted for his wellbeing, but he was more than happy to tie himself to the younger tomorrow for the rest of his life.
“We will become mates,” Taehyung smiled back.
“Well, we are True mates, so even without the ceremony and the mark, you are still mine and I am yours.”
“I know, but it will be confirmed, you know?”
“I know what you mean,” Jeongguk smiled, but then he added more serious: “As for the mating ceremony, are you sure you want to do it? I told you before that we don’t have to do it the traditional way if you are not comfortable with it. No one is ever forced to do it, it is a tradition, but anyone can decline and considering that you came from a different pack, I am sure no one would judge you if you wanted it to happen privately.”
“No, I want it,” Taehyung reassured him: “I know it will be a little strange and I will be shy, but I like the idea and I think traditions should be kept.”
When Jeongguk finally asked Taehyung to marry him a while ago, they talked about how the wedding and mating ceremony worked in their pack. The wedding itself was very similar to what Taehyung knew from his old pack, only here there wasn’t a priestess, it was the head alpha that wed the pair, so in this case it was Namjoon and Taehyung was glad since he liked the leader so much. After the ceremony, there was celebration with big dinner and music and dancing, but what was different from his old pack was the mating ceremony.
It was a tradition that the mates claimed each other with biting marks while making love since at that moment the strongest bond was formed. But in Taehuyng’s old pack, that was happening behind closed door with the mates alone together. In Jeongguk’s pack, the traditional way was to do it in front of everyone outside. Children under the age of sixteen were sent to sleep and the mates made love under the sky with the Moon Goddess and the pack members as witnesses to that connection.
“The tradition was born because mates were usually intimate together for the first time on the wedding night, so members seeing that they connected was the ultimate confirmation that they were proper mates. It is not necessary in our case though, I think that the fact that you are round with my babies is enough of a proof,” Jeongguk chuckled, cupping Taehyung’s stomach that was bigger day by day and he absolutely adored touching it.
“I know, but I still want to do it, I want everyone to be witness of our love,” Taehyung cupped the elder’s cheek, looking at him lovingly: “I like the view your pack has of nudity and intimacy and nature and what is more natural than two people that love each other being together?”
“We will do it then, you know that I would give you anything you want, my love,” Jeongguk said with a soft smile before he leaned in and pressed a lingering kiss to Taehyung’s lips.
“I can’t believe that I was ever supposed to mate someone else than you,” Taehyung said after a while of silence as they just sat and hugged in the darkening forest.
“I am glad you didn’t, because you are mine, you have always been, even long before we met, the Goddess made us for each other,” Jeongguk replied and squeezed the younger just a tiny bit more and he smiled when he felt kicks under his palm that was on the omega’s stomach, as if the pups were acknowledging his presence.
The whole pack was involved in the preparations of the ceremony and everyone was very excited about it since Jeongguk was one of the most loved members. The fact that he not only found a mate, but his True mate, was a big deal and even though there were some omegas and betas that Taehyung knew were little bit jealous of him, no one has ever been mean to him. He couldn’t blame anyone for wanting Jeongguk, he was a great catch, handsome and smart and strong and especially sweet and caring.
People carried tables and benches and chairs outside from the dining hall after lunch, gathering them at the clearing that was in the middle of the small village. Children and mostly omegas were preparing decorations from flowers and other members were cooking and preparing food for the evening feast.
Hoseok and Yoongi built an arch and decorated it with flowers, that was where Namjoon was going to wed the couple and it looked truly beautiful.
Taehyung was slightly nervous when he saw some members preparing furs in the corner of the clearing where the mating ceremony he agreed to was going to be held. Jeongguk explained to him that the pack members weren’t going to stand around them and watch them from up close, so that made him less anxious about the whole thing.
Big bonfire was built in the middle of the clearing too where everyone was going to dance and celebrate and he could already picture how beautiful it was all going to look like.
When the time came for him to prepare, Jeongguk left with his clothes for the evening, telling him that it was tradition for the couple to not see each other for at least the last hour before the ceremony, so he was going to Hoseok’s hut, leaving Taehyung in theirs.
Jimin came soon after Jeongguk left, telling Taehyung that he wanted to experience everything with him and help him prepare, which Taehyung agreed with happily, because it meant the world to him to have his best friend by his side on this happy day.
“You look so beautiful, Taehyungie,” Jimin said emotionally when the omega was ready and he was almost glowing. He was wearing a beautiful white shirt from delicate lace that Jeongguk bought for him few weeks ago in a town especially for this occasion. He was also wearing the jewellery flower crown that Jeongguk gave him on his birthday, and of course, the purple bracelet that the alpha bought for him on their first trip to a town wasn’t missing either.
“I think I look the same as always,” Taehyung said as he took a look down at his body and then he looked in the small mirror in the bathroom.
“You look better,” Jimin argued: “I think it is the happiness that makes you so pretty, and the pups too.”
“The big bump is a little annoying though,” Taehyung sighed, cupping his growing stomach. There were still several weeks until he welcomed his pups, but since he was expecting two, he was as big as omegas right before giving birth to one child.
“I suppose it must be a little uncomfortable, but I think it suits you,” Jimin smiled: “I can’t wait for when the little ones are born.”
“You will be the best uncle,” Taehyung smiled back: “And one day, you will be a great father.”
“One last thing,” Jimin said and picked up a bouquet of flowers that he himself collected in the field behind the forest that afternoon and handed it over to his best friend.
“I can’t believe this is happening,” the younger said dreamily: “I’ve always dreamt of this day, but I could have never expected to find someone as loving and kind as Jeongguk.”
“I think neither of us expected we’d be with alphas,” Jimin chuckled, referring to how they were brought up and to their old pack’s beliefs.
“Yes, who would have thoughts we end up with savage alphas?” Taehyung laughed: “Although, let’s be honest, I think that if anyone from our old pack was likely to end up with an alpha, it was me.”
“That is true, you were always different,” the elder teased.
“I just wish my grandmother was here,” Taehyung sighed, his smile dropping: “I know she would have been happy, she always wanted to see me happy and I am.”
“She will be here tonight with the Goddess, I am sure of that,” Jimin caressed his back comfortingly: “What Jaeho did to her was terrible, but I know she is looking down on you now and she is happy to see you with Jeongguk.”
“I hope so,” Taehyung nodded and then took Jimin’s hands, looking at him emotionally: “Thank you for everything you have done for me, Jimin-ah, especially what happened with Jaeho and the brainwashing. I wouldn’t be standing here and have this day if it wasn’t for you, you are the best friend I could have ever asked for.”
“You will make me emotional,” the elder whined: “I wanted to start crying only when seeing you being wed, don’t make me start crying now.”
“I love you, Jiminie, thank you for being there for me,” Taehyung sniffled.
“I love you too, Taehyung-ah, I know you would have done the same for me if the roles were reversed, I am just happy that you are happy.”
“I truly am.”
“It’s time to go,” Jimin said when they heard music playing outside. Couple of pack members knew how to play some instruments so they were providing music tonight.
Taehyung stepped out of the hut with Jimin right behind him. The night has fallen and the Moon Goddess was shining brightly as if she wanted to see the ceremony properly, and maybe she did, maybe she was always happy when the True mates she created for each other found each other in the big world.
Jeongguk was already waiting under the arch with Namjoon. He was wearing nice blue shirt that he bought in the town as well and Taehyung didn’t know why, but he looked more handsome than ever. But maybe that was just his enamoured mind seeing the alpha that way, maybe he looked no different from other days.
“My pretty pup,” Jeongguk breathed out when Taehyung finally stood in front of him. He took his hand and kissed it, but he couldn’t take his eyes off of the omega and Taehyung thought that the elder probably saw him with the same enamoured eyes tonight as he did.
The ceremony started, Namjoon has wed few pairs before so he knew what exactly to say. It was rather short but sweet, especially when Jeongguk and Taehyung exchanged vows of undying and unconditional love and everyone cheered when they sealed their promises with a long kiss.
The wedding feast and the celebration was loud and merry. Everyone was having a good time, everyone was eating and drinking and dancing and people were coming to Jeongguk and Taehyung, congratulating them and formally welcoming Taehyung to the pack. Everyone has considered him part of the pack by now, but it was tonight that he truly belonged to it after taking Jeongguk for his husband.
They danced together, but only slowly and only for a little while, because it has become exhausting for Taehyung to move with his big belly. But they didn’t mind, they were lost in their own world as they danced with their foreheads touching and with the Moon and stars shining upon them.
“Can you believe it?” Taehyung asked quietly so only Jeongguk could hear him.
“That we have gone from talking with bars between us to our wedding night?” Jeongguk asked with a low chuckle because he knew exactly what the omega meant: “Sometimes I can’t, sometimes I just think that it is all too good to be true.”
“But this is all real, isn’t it? At least I hope so, I hope that I won’t wake up in my bed tomorrow and find out that I have dreamt all of this and that you were never caught and brought to our pack,” Taehyung said worriedly.
“This is real,” Jeongguk reassured him, taking his hand and leading it to his own chest and placing it over his heart: “This is my heart and it beats for you, for you and for our pups that I can feel kicking in your belly.”
“I think they don’t like it when I question your and their existence,” Taehyung chuckled, because the babies started kicking right when he started doubting the reality as if they knew he needed the reassurance and since his stomach was pressed against Jeongguk’s, the elder could feel it.
“We have found each other and in a while, I will make you mine and you will make me yours, my pretty pup,” Jeongguk said and kissed the tip of Taehyung’s nose.
“I like it when you call me that, that was the first name you had for me,” Taehyung giggled, recalling how flustered but also slightly annoyed he was when he met Jeongguk for the first time and he called him a pretty pup. Now that was his favourite name, amongst all the beautiful ones that Jeongguk was using, this one was holding a special place.
“And I will never stop calling you that, you will always be my pretty pup,” Jeongguk smiled and kissed the omega’s nose again just because he couldn’t help it, because he felt so full of love and affection.
When the night was the darkest and everyone was fed, the children were sent to sleep and it was time for the mating ceremony. Taehyung was shaking a little as Jeongguk led him to the furs that were on the ground, waiting for them, but he hasn’t changed his mind. If anything, he wanted everyone to witness the depth of their love, knowing that what they had would probably make some people envious.
Getting undressed wasn’t hard or embarrassing, everyone was used to nudity since childhood due to the shifting process, so Taehyung didn’t mind when Jeongguk took off his clothes and revealed his body. He was slightly self-conscious about it now that he was pregnant since he put on a little weight, but Jeongguk was constantly reassuring him how beautiful and attractive he was until the point that Taehyung started believing it.
They stood on the furs and Jeongguk guided him what to do and Taehyung easily gave him control. It was a natural dynamic between them by now, he was used to the alpha guiding him and telling him what to do, so as Jeongguk lowered himself and sat down and pulled Taehyung down to sit on his lap, it was natural too.
He was painfully aware of people around them, most were just sitting at the tables and no one was blatantly staring to the point it would be rude, but since intimacy was such a natural thing in this pack, there were quite lots of people that paid them attention.
Taehyung looked around, feeling strange when he met eyes with some people and his heart was beating rapidly and his body was shaking a little.
All that disappeared when Jeongguk wrapped an arm around him and when he put fingers under his chin and turned his head so their eyes met.
“Focus on me, only on me, love,” the alpha said softly and Taehyung thought that wasn’t a hard thing to do. When he was gazing in Jeongguk’s eyes it was easy to forget about everything else.
They kissed for a while, which distracted Taehyung enough for him to get truly comfortable and feel slick gush out of him in no time. Since his belly was big now, there were only handful of positions that were truly comfortable for him, but he still loved being with Jeongguk, whether they were making slow love or they got more passionate and things turned rougher. Sometimes he felt incredibly needy, but when he talked about it with Seokjin, the older omega reassured him that it was completely normal because the omegas’ bodies were going through changes during pregnancy, and urgent need for intimacy was one of many normal things and the best thing for the couple was to just follow those needs because when the omega was happy, the babies were happy too.
The whole mating ceremony felt a little bit like a dream to Taehyung, he focused mainly on Jeongguk and on his touches and kisses, not thinking about embarrassment, so it was easy for him to relax when the alpha started preparing him for his cock.
And when they finally connected and became one, when Taehyung sank down on Jeongguk’s shaft, it felt incredible and he moved languidly and slowly as they held onto each other. He liked being on top of Jeongguk, but now that his movements were limited due to his belly, he wasn’t usually moving up and down rapidly like he would before, but it felt wonderful nevertheless.
“I love you so much, my pretty pup,” Jeongguk whispered against Taehyung’s lips when they were both nearing their heights.
“I love you too, my alpha,” Taehyung whispered back and as if on instinct, as if his body knew what they were doing tonight, his neck bent to the side, willingly and happily offering himself to his True mate.
“I will claim you now, my love,” Jeongguk said, cupping the other side of Taehyung’s neck for support as he kissed his neck right over the scent gland, making the younger moan softly.
“Do it, please, Jeonggukie, do it,” Taehyung whimpered desperately and that was the only thing Jeongguk needed to hear. His teeth rose automatically and he sank them into the soft skin, emitting gasp and moan from the omega, so loud everyone on the clearing could hear it.
Taehyung saw thousands of stars behind his closed eyelids and he trembled as he released over Jeongguk’s stomach. It was a pleasure that he has never felt before, it was so intense he felt dizzy, but he kept himself grounded because he had to fulfil his part of the mating.
When Jeongguk released his neck from his teeth and pulled back, he bared his neck for Taehyung to mark too. That was yet another confirmation that they both wanted this, because alphas didn’t bare necks to just anyone. It was a sign of submission and it was against their nature, but they were glad to submit in this way to the one they loved.
Taehyung leaned in and kissed Jeongguk’s neck and his teeth rose too and then he bit. He gasped in surprise and pleasure when Jeongguk’s hips shot up and the knot was plunged past his rim and then he felt release flooding his insides.
They were panting and staring at each other when it was done and then they started kissing. They faintly heard people started chatting and music started playing because the ceremony was over and the pack was giving them respectful time and space to savour the moment and to wait for the knot to go down. They were only focused on each other though, so they didn’t pay any attention to what was going on around them. This was their moment and it felt incredible, they were truly tied for life now and it was like they could feel their bond strengthening.
Some time later, Taehyung was sitting at the table while Jeongguk was chatting with some pack members. He still felt a little light-headed, but he was sure it was because of the bite mark that felt raw on his neck. It was tingling a little, not just because it was a fresh wound, it was like he could somehow feel Jeongguk through that connection, it was strange, but not unpleasant. He wondered if it felt like this for all newly-mated couples or if it felt so strong because he and Jeongguk were True mates, but it was probable that their bond was going to be much stronger than that of regular mates.
“So it finally happened, you are mated,” familiar voice brought Taehyung from his thoughts and he smiled as Jimin sat on a chair next to him.
“I am mated,” Taehyung nodded, subconsciously rubbing his stomach, which was something he was doing a lot now at this stage of pregnancy.
“How does it feel?” the elder wondered.
“I can’t even describe it, it is incredible.”
“I am sure, you are True mates,” Jimin nodded and then added: “The mating ceremony tradition is…interesting.”
“It was a little strange at the beginning, but it wasn’t hard to just focus on Jeongguk,” Taehyung explained.
“It was strange watching you like that, you are my best friends, I’ve known you since we were little,” Jimin grimaced a little before he softened: “But I have to admit that it was also fascinating, you two are beautiful together, I swear to Goddess that I could feel the love oozing from you.”
Taehyung just smiled, understanding where Jimin was coming from. It would be strange for him too to watch his best friend being intimate like that with someone, but part of him felt grateful and proud that Jimin got to see him and Jeongguk like that, because what they had was extraordinary.
“And what about you? Now that we left our pack for good, will you go into the world to find your True mate?” he wondered.
“No, I don’t think I will, I have everything I need right here,” Jimin smiled, eyes wandering to Yoongi and Hoseok that were currently talking to Jeongguk and Namjoon.
“I admit it is a little strange that you are with two alphas, but as long as you are happy and it works for you, I support you.”
“It is a little strange,” Jimin admitted: “But it works, sometimes I am only with Hobi, sometimes I am only with Yoongi, sometimes with both and strangely, they are alright about this arrangement as well. One would think that with their alpha instincts, it would be much harder.”
“I think they just want the best for you, that is what their instincts are telling them.”
“I admit that it would be beautiful to find my True mate,” Jimin continued: “But what are the odds of finding them? Would it be worth the risk of losing the two alphas I have now? We know that finding your True mate is extremely rare, they could be on the other side of the world.”
“Who needs a True mate when you have two loving alphas?” the younger chuckled: “I think that both of them are worth one True mate.”
“I think so too,” Jimin chuckled: “I am just not sure how mating would work, is it even possible being mated to two people?”
“I heard Seokjin talk about it, apparently it is possible,” Taehyung shrugged: “You have two scents glands on both sides of your neck, so they can both claim you, while you will claim both of them. Just imagine, I bet that having two bonds with two men will feel just as strongly as my bond with my True mate feels.”
“It is still too soon for that, I think I will gladly take time before making some big decision,” Jimin grinned and then cupped Taehyung’s stomach: “For now, I will be just looking forward to meeting the pups and helping you.”
“Everyone in the pack will help, that is what I love about this place. Even in our old pack, omegas were helping take care of pups, but it is even stronger here.”
“Have you and Jeongguk thought of names yet?”
“We have some ideas, but since we don’t know if we are having boys or girls or each of both, we will decide only when they are here.”
“It doesn’t matter what they are, the important thing is that they will be loved,” Jimin smiled softly and Taehyung hummed in agreement. He was sure that his babies were going to be incredibly loved, not just by him and Jeongguk, but by everyone in the pack and that was more than he could ever ask for.
*
Few weeks later
“They are so beautiful, I can’t get enough of watching them,” Jeongguk said quietly, staring at the bed where the pups were lying and sleeping.
“I have noticed,” Taehyung chuckled softly, hugging the alpha from behind and putting chin on his shoulder, staring at the babies as well. He would be unable to describe just how much he loved them, from the moment they finally came into this world, he knew that for the rest of his life, he was only going to breathe for them.
The boy and the girl were born two weeks ago and Taehyung knew that he was biased, but he could swear that they were the most beautiful babies he’s ever seen. Now he and Jeongguk were learning how to navigate through this new situation, but both of them had experience with taking care of the packs’ pups so it wasn’t that hard. For now, all they needed was eat, sleep and changing diapers.
The boy was named Jaehyun after Jeongguk’s father who passed away with his wife years ago. The girl was named Sohee after Taehyung’s grandmother, they agreed to pay tribute to their family members that they lost but that were always looking out for them. If it wasn’t for Taehyung’s grandmother, the babies might not have been even born since it was her and Jimin that helped Taehyung escape from his pack, so that name really held special place in Taehyung’s heart.
“We will have to make the hut bigger,” Jeongguk pointed out as he sat down on a chair and pulled Taehyung to sit sideways on his lap.
“There is still time, for now, they don’t take up much space,” the omega smiled. Yoongi and Hoseok made a crib for them as a gift so now it was standing next to where Taehyung was sleeping to have the pups always close.
“Yes, but we can’t all stay here in this tiny hut together forever,” Jeongguk said: “It will be winter soon so that is not a good time to build anything, but when spring comes, I will extend the hut with the help of others, built two or three more huts connected to this one, there is still enough space around and our bedroom will become a family room.”
“I like that,” Taehyung smiled: “But I wouldn’t mind sleeping in one room with my babies.”
“You think that now, but when they get older, we will both be grateful to have some private space,” Jeongguk chuckled, squeezing Taehyung’s hip: “Or you wouldn’t want us to have our own space, just for us?”
“Well, having our own room wouldn’t be bad, so I can have my mate to myself when I want,” Taehyung grinned, nuzzling his nose against Jeongguk’s cheek and his voice was suggestive, which made it clear what exactly he was talking about. He couldn’t imagine that he and Jeongguk would ever stop wanting each other, even when they were old and grey, he was sure that he was always going to want to be intimate with the alpha and that was something he would rather do privately and not with their children around.
“Mm, I agree,” Jeongguk hummed and kissed the other’s cheek. Since the babies were born, they haven’t been intimate, not really because they wouldn’t have the opportunity, they were mostly home, even Jeongguk was given less responsibilities in the pack, because it was common to give not just omegas but also their mates time to bond with the newborns. But Taehyung was still healing from the childbirth and Jeongguk was willing to give him as much time as he needed until he was ready for any kind of intimacy.
“But I think two smaller huts attached to this one would be enough, no? One for us and one for them,” Taehyung went back to the previous topic.
“Well, if we have more children…”
“Who ever said we will have more?” the omega asked with amused expression: “Don’t you think I should have some say in that? I am the one that carries them in my body, baby.”
“I would respect if you didn’t want to go through that again,” Jeongguk said seriously: “And we have never actually talked about how many pups we wanted, but…I always pictured myself having a big family.”
“Really?”
“Yes, I love children and I love the idea of having lots of them.”
“I have always wanted big family too,” Taehyung admitted with a smile: “I was just teasing, I would absolutely love to have at least four pups, maybe even more if Goddess blesses us.”
“Then we have the same vision,” Jeongguk smiled happily: “But for now, let’s just focus on these two and shower them with as much love as possible.”
“I can definitely do that,” Taehyung smiled and looked at the two wrapped up bundles on their bed. They usually put the pups in the crib only for the night, during day, they were lying on their big bed in a nest of furs, it was Seokjin’s advice, because apparently, pups were comforted and they slept much better when they were surrounded by their parents’ scents.
“I could watch them sleep for hours,” Jeongguk said, looking at the babies too. They were so adorable, usually snuggled close to each other, sometimes even holding their little hands, used to each other’s presence since they were inside of Taehyung and it was the cutest thing to see.
“Do you think my parents will come?” Taehyung turned his attention back to the alpha with a nervous gaze.
“You invited them to come before you left your pack and I am sure they will want to see their grandchildren,” Jeongguk reassured him.
Yesterday, Jimin, Yoongi and Hoseok left to deliver the message of Taehyung giving birth to the pups to his parents. He wasn’t sure about it at first, worried that his friends might get in trouble and even get imprisoned, but he hoped that maybe in the past few months, if his parents explained to the pack what happened with Jaeho and his grandmother and all that, the pack would come around and be less hostile to alphas.
So now he was waiting if his parents were going to come for a visit with Jimin and the two alphas or if they were going to decline.
Deep down he really wished for them to come, deep down, he loved them, no matter how strict they were, no matter that they wanted him to mate someone that he didn’t love. They weren’t bad people and his childhood was happy, they never mistreated or beat him, they just didn’t like his adventurous soul. But they eventually helped him escape and now that his babies were born, Taehyung realized how important family was and he had no one else but them and he wanted them to reconnect.
Few nights ago, when he was lying awake in bed, watching the pups sleep in the crib, he thought about his parents. He imagined what it was like for them when he was born, how much they loved him and cared for him, how many nights they spent awake when he was crying or when he was sick. He had memories of his mother holding him and humming soft lullaby when he was sick with fever, he remembered how they used to cuddle sometimes and he knew that she truly loved him. So now having his own children changed his perspective and he knew that his parents forced him into mating mostly out of hopes he would find his happiness, not because they wanted him to be miserable. And he was wondering how they felt when he ran away the first time, not knowing how he was and if he was still even alive and that just seemed cruel.
Now he was happy, he was living the best life, far better than he pictured even in his wildest dreams, and he wanted to put the past behind. He wanted to focus on beautiful things in life and he wanted to reconnect with his parents, even if that meant they would see each other from time to time if they came for a visit.
“We just have to wait for a little while, you know it takes at least three days to go to your pack and come back here, but they could be here tomorrow,” Jeongguk added when he saw that Taehyung was deep in thought.
“I want them to meet the pups, but I also want them to see that I am happy and I want them to see your pack and what it is like to live here. They can testify to their pack about it and maybe, the relations will get better, maybe they will stop teaching about bad alphas and the ways will change.”
“I think that will happen,” the alpha hummed: “You and Jimin living here will help your old pack to change their views.”
“I hope that is true, I would want for everyone from my old pack to be free and go to towns and maybe even find mates in other packs and not be limited to one pack. I wish people had what I have, I wish they had more opportunities,” Taehyung revealed.
“You are so kind, my love, that is one of the things I love about you,” Jeongguk smiled, amazed by how selfless and loving and hopeful his mate was, despite of everything that’s happened to him with Jaeho and his old pack that didn’t always treat him kindly. He remained loving despite all that and that was definitely one of qualities that Jeongguk valued the most.
*
Jeongguk was just leaving the dining building with some meals for him and Taehyung. For now, they were eating in their hut because the pack healer told them it was for the best the pups were inside for now without getting in contact with other people that might potentially carry diseases. So him or Taehyung just usually grabbed a tray and went for breakfast, lunch or dinner and ate together in their hut.
He was just at the clearing, heading to the hut when he spotted Yoongi, Jimin and Hoseok walking out of the woods in their wolf forms with two other wolves behind them. He instantly knew who it was, especially because they were looking around so carefully and apprehensively.
“Jeonggukie, we are here!” Hoseok waved at him as they shifted into their human forms and put on dress from the rack that was outside. They gave a shirt and pants to Taehyung’s father and dress to his mother so they would be covered up.
“I am glad to see you,” Jeongguk smiled, relieved that their visit of Taehyung’s pack went well and Jimin confirmed his thoughts.
“We went straight to the village without having to sneak around, we just risked it,” Jimin said: “Most people ran inside their houses and hid when they saw us, but no one tried to attack us, so I take that as a win.”
“That is a win,” Jeongguk nodded, eyeing his formal in-laws. He has met Taehyung’s father and even talked to him, but he never met his mother, so he introduced himself to her with a bow:“We haven’t formally met, I am Jeongguk, Taehyung’s mate.”
“It is nice meeting you,” the woman said, bowing a little, but Jeongguk didn’t miss that she eyed the claim mark on his neck, getting the confirmation that the alpha and her son were formally mated now.
“It is good to see you again, Jeongguk,” Taehun nodded with a little smile.
“Jimin told us that Taehyung had the pups, congratulations, you must be very happy,” the mother said and it was clear that she was trying to be civil and open-minded and that was a good sign.
“We did, two weeks ago, boy and girl,” Jeongguk nodded: “They are wonderful and Taehyung was just incredible.”
“How is he doing, is he alright?” the mother asked worriedly.
“He is doing great, he is healing fast,” the alpha reassured her.
“Can we…can we see them?” the father asked carefully.
“Of course, that is why Jimin and my friends came for you, you are more than welcomed to visit, Taehyung has been expecting you.”
That seemed to help them relax a little, along with the fact that there was no one outside since everyone was just having dinner. It must be really nerve-wrecking for them to be in a strange pack full of alphas, so Jeongguk appreciated their bravery and what they were willing to do to see their son and their grandchildren.
“Please, follow me, our hut is just over there,” Jeongguk nodded his head towards a nearby hut where he was heading with the meals.
“We go have a dinner, we are starving and this is something you should share together as a family,” Yoongi said.
“I will see you later, and thank you for bringing them here, it means a lot to Taehyung,” Jeongguk smiled at the three men.
He walked to the hut, sensing the in-laws behind him and he opened the door with his elbow and walked in.
“You are back, good, I am starving,” Taehyung looked up from where he was sitting on the bed since he just put the pups to sleep.
“I think you will want to wait with eating for now, there is someone that came to see you,” the alpha smiled and went to the table, putting the tray on it, which cleared the doorway so Taehyung could see the visitors.
“Mum, dad,” he breathed out, standing up and looking at them, feeling slightly emotional.
“Taehyung,” the woman smiled and hesitantly walked in. She looked around the modest hut that was different from the wooden houses of their pack, probably thinking that her son was living in poor conditions, but she didn’t comment on it.
“Jeongguk said that you are doing well,” the father said as he followed his wife inside.
“I am, really,” Taehyung reassured them both and then walked over to Jeongguk, hugging him around the waist: “It is Jeongguk’s merit too, he has been helping a lot and he has been taking good care of us.”
“I am glad to hear that,” his mother nodded, looking at the pair and she was visibly trying to accept the whole situation and that her son was mated to an alpha, which wasn’t the future she pictured for him.
They were all quiet for a little while and it was slightly awkward, but it was understandable considering everything that’s happened in the past. Even though they helped Taehyung escape few months ago, that didn’t automatically mend everything that has ever happened.
“Can we…can we see them?” the mother asked hesitantly, obviously giddy to see her grandchildren, but it was like she was doubting Taehyung would let her, like she didn’t think she deserved it.
“Of course, that is why I sent for you,” Taehyung nodded without any hesitation, peeling himself from Jeongguk and walking back to the bed with his parents following.
“Goddess,” the woman breathed out and her eyes instantly watered when she saw the two bundles that Taehyung tucked in blankets tightly because that’s how they liked sleeping.
“They seem strong and healthy,” the father glanced at Taehyung.
“The healer says they are,” Taehyung said proudly.
“They are beautiful, so beautiful,” the mother got out: “Did you name them yet?”
“Yes, of course,” the omega nodded: “The boy is Jaehyun after Jeonggukie’s father that passed away and the girl is Sohee.”
“Like my mother,” his father looked at him.
“We wanted to pay her respect, you know that…you know how much I loved her,” Taehyung said quietly. He didn’t forget that his parents were quite reluctant about him seeing her, but he also knew that they just didn’t want him to be under bad influence, it wasn’t like they hated her.
“You can hold them if you want, they are not going to wake up,” Taehyung added when he saw that his parents were fidgeting, probably aching to hold the pups.
So they picked them up, each one child and it really felt like their hearts just melted. Jeongguk excused himself and headed to the dining building to get food for them as well since they had a long journey and were surely starved and when they all ate, he went to introduce them to Namjoon since it was a common courtesy to meet the leader and he told them to sleep in one of the empty huts for the duration of their visit and reassured them that they were welcomed to stay for however long they wanted.
Taehyung’s parents spent few days in the pack, enjoying the grandchildren before they would leave and Taehyung was sure that things between them started mending. He could see himself in the future seeing his parents more often and he liked that idea, family was above everything.
It was the last afternoon of their stay, tomorrow morning they were leaving to return, because this was Taehyung’s pack, not theirs and they had to go home.
Taehyung’s father was busy carving wooden toys for the pups, one was already finished but the other was still in progress and he wanted to finish it before leaving, so he was sitting in front of the hut and working on it.
Jeongguk had patrol duty, when Taehyung’s parents were around, there was no need for him to be with his mate and pups at all times, so he gladly fulfilled his duties as the member of the pack.
Taehyung was walking around the small village with his mother, each of them had one baby tied in a scarf on their chests since that was the most comfortable way of carrying the pups around, and they loved it too, they were always calm when they felt another person’s presence.
“So what do you think about the pack?” Taehyung asked the question he has been wondering about these past days. He was hoping that his parents would see what a lovely place this was and that it was a good place for him and his children to live in.
“Well, the huts are very modest,” the woman replied.
“Jeonggukie will extend ours, right now it is big enough, but we will need bigger,” the omega said: “But otherwise we have everything we need, and the structure and the furs are actually very effective. They keep the hut warm in the winter and cool in the summer.”
“I like the water technology, it is very practical that you don’t have to carry water from a well or a river all the time,” his mother admitted.
“Maybe you can build it in your pack, suggest it to elders, I am sure father would be able to show them how it is done, he is very good at these things.”
“I guess there are things we could learn from this pack,” his mother nodded and then she suddenly stopped and looked at him seriously: “I never imagined such life for you, are you really happy here? The pack is quite small and less advanced than ours.”
“I don’t care about advancements,” Taehyung shrugged: “I actually like the modest lifestyle, there is a beautiful simplicity in it and the pack feels like a real family, it is much tighter, everyone here is involved in everything and everyone is kind.”
“I have noticed,” his mother admitted: “It feels like a lovely community.”
“So do you see now that what we were taught were lies? Do you understand now that not all alphas are cruel and savage?”
“You are still very young so it is easy for you to change your views, it is different with me and your father and especially the rest of our pack.”
“But you have seen it with your own eyes, how can that not convince you? There are no strange rituals happening, alphas are not leaving to raid other villages, we just live in peace and everyone here is equal, maybe even more than in your pack, because you have to admit that betas have it much better than us.”
“That is true,” the woman admitted hesitantly.
“I am not asking you to come live here, although I will be happy if you visit me and the pups sometimes,” Taehyung said: “But I would be very happy if you and father testified to your pack about what you have seen here and what we are like and maybe one day me and my mate and your grandchildren might be able to come to your village without fearing for our lives.”
“I would love that, Taehyung, but you know that it doesn’t depend on me. After you left and your father told everyone what happened with Jaeho, there was a trial with his friends that participated on the murder of your grandmother. We were also talking about the use of herbs and restrictions in our pack, but the elders weren´t very open-minded about that. If things change, it will take time.”
“I hope the change will come and one day, everyone will be free to travel and leave the pack if they wish and be friends with alpha packs too.”
“We will see, but for now, I am just happy that you have a good life here and that you are treated well, I must admit that was one of my concerns. I was worried that you were treated badly because of your rank, but it truly seems that everyone here is very kind.”
“They are,” Taehyung reassured her.
“And your mate, he seems very kind too,” the mother said and there was a barely visible smile on her lips: “The way he looks at you and talks to you, it is clear that he loves you very much and he loves the pups too, he is a good father, and he is strong too, I am sure he would protect you from any harm that would come to you.”
“I am sure of that too,” Taehyung smiled softly, which always happened when he was talking about Jeongguk: “I never even dreamt of mating with someone so kind and caring, he treats me like the most precious star in the sky, mum. But I suppose that is what happens when you find your True mate, isn’t it?”
“Perhaps, but it is hard to say since it is so rare, I still can’t believe it.”
“I know he is my True mate though, I can’t explain how, but I know it in my heart.”
“True mate or not, it is very clear that he loves you and that is all that matters to me,” the woman said with sad smile: “I want you to know that I always wanted you to be happy and I have thought about this and it wasn’t right to force you to mate someone that you didn’t want. But I was convinced that you would be happy with Jaeho and I was too blind to see what he was really like. Can you forgive me and your father?”
“There is nothing to forgive,” Taehyung reassured her: “I was upset when you wanted me to mate with him, I never liked him, and it is true that I was angry with you for some time. But I see now that you wanted the best for me, it is not your fault that Jaeho was anything but that. I want to put everything that happened behind, I don’t want to live a bitter life, I want to cherish every moment with Jeongguk and our pups, because I am really happy.”
“I am glad to hear that,” his mother smiled sincerely and it was probably the warmest smile Taehyung’s seen from her in years and he knew that everything was going to be alright.
His parents left the next day, he was happy that they came for the visit and he was sad when they left, but he had Jeongguk and his babies to distract him so it wasn’t that bad. He knew that he would see his parents sooner or later again and that perhaps, one day he was going to be able to go visit his former pack without people being scared of alphas.
“It’s just you and me again,” Jeongguk hugged Taehyung from behind as they sat together in the bathtub in the small bathroom. The pups were asleep and even if they woke up, they would hear them since the hut was so small and there was no door except for the main entrance.
“I am glad they came for a visit, I am glad that we are on a good way of becoming close again,” Taehyung hummed, closing his eyes at the feeling of Jeongguk’s hands caressing his thighs sensually.
“But I am glad to be alone with you again too,” the omega added with a small smile on his lips, feeling pleasant tingles run through his body from his mate’s touch. It’s been three weeks since the childbirth and he felt good and healthy, the pack’s healer confirmed it few days ago when he went to visit him, telling him that he was recovering very well and that he could do anything that he felt like he could and that he should trust his instincts.
And right now, his instincts were beginning him for some intimacy with Jeongguk, especially since they haven’t done much even before the babies were born. Taehyung felt really exhausted and he was big and bloated, so it’s been actually a while since they have done anything and he really missed it.
“I can smell how glad you are,” Jeongguk whispered in his ear and it sent shivers down Taehyung’s spine. He himself could smell his own arousal in his scent, traced with deep neediness for his mate.
“Will you do something about it then?” Taehyung got out, gasping a little when Jeongguk wrapped his hand around his cock even before he could finish the sentence.
“I will do anything you want, my love,” the alpha reassured him with fondness dripping from his voice: “Just tell me what you want, you brought our pups into the world, so I will do only things that you are comfortable with.”
“I want you,” Taehyung said, turning his head on Jeongguk’s shoulders and looking at him: “I want all of you.”
“Are you sure you are ready for it?”
“I am sure, I was told to listen to my instincts and they speak very clearly now.”
“We shouldn’t ignore your instincts then,” Jeongguk smiled and pecked his lips.
They got out of the bath and dried themselves and lay on the bed. The babies were asleep in their crib and it was slightly strange to do anything with them so close, but it was a normal thing for couples, especially when the pups were so little and couldn’t possibly know or understand what their parents were doing.
So they ended up making love with Taehyung on his back and Jeongguk between his spread legs. They were careful not to make any loud sounds, but they were kissing a lot, so it wasn’t a hard task and any sound they made, the other one swallowed.
A while later, they were lying snuggled together with Jeongguk’s arm wrapped around the omega’s waist and Taehyung was enjoying every second of it.
“I am so happy, Jeonggukie,” the younger said into the darkness.
“I am too,” the alpha whispered back and placed a gentle kiss on his mate’s forehead.
“My imagination has always been very wild, but I could never imagine I’d have all this,” Taehyung admitted: “I am happier than I thought I could ever be and it is all thanks to you and our boy and girl.”
“I feel the same, darling,” Jeongguk reassured him: “I never knew it was possible to love someone as much as I love you and the little ones. I love you so much, baby.”
“I love you too, my alpha,” Taehyung confessed and tilted his head back a little to look at the elder. And when he looked into Jeongguk’s eyes, all he could see was profound love and adoration and he couldn’t wait to keep seeing it there every day for the rest of their lives. He was sure it was never going to disappear, even when they were old and wrinkly, even when their pups were grown up and had their own mates and children, Taehyung was sure that he would love Jeongguk just the same he loved him now and he was sure that the alpha was going to love him just as much and that was the best life that he could imagine.