Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

~title inspiration~

Life and death are one in the same. They're both inevitable and they go hand in hand. You can't have one without the other. Whether that be physically or emotionally. The death of one's emotional soul. Well, that's how Park Jimin would answer a question about something like that.

Not long after his heart was ripped from his chest, he gave birth to his beautiful baby boy. And not long after that, he lost his father. Standing in front of a dirt mound with a wailing baby in your arms and your wailing mother beside you is not what any person struggling through postpartum should go through. But Jimin powered through.

He continued his responsibility as a hunter, no matter how frowned upon it was when he first announced he'd join the Hunting Team. He left his baby with his mother and he got over it. He healed. His skin grew thicker and his head grew harder. No one could tell him a thing.

Unmated? So what. Working a rough-hand job? Whatever. Leaving his son when it was expected of him to be beside him every waking hour? He spent the mandatory six weeks expected of him.

He didn't neglect his baby. He'd tear your tongue out if you even suggested it. But he was not meant to stay in place for a long period of time. He was meant to roam and breathe. Once his baby was old enough and could shift, he'd even take him on runs with him. Despite the whispers around him about him, his son, and his son's father, he kept his head held high and his son guarded.

Never mind that, Jimin understood loss and death. He also understood loss and death when it came to someone of high standing in their pack. His father was their pack's chief. He brought security and safety to the pack. All at the word of their head alpha. Jeon Jeonghoon.

That was who passed away recently. Their head alpha had passed. Jimin stared at the familiar dirt mound, his son's little hand in his, but his eyes drifted to the alpha's eldest son. Someone he used to play with as a young pup. Someone he grew a bit of distaste for. Jeon Jeongguk. He stood tall, stoic, and handsome. His face didn't show much as he comforted his grieving mother.

A bitter taste coated his tongue as more people seemed to comfort him than they did Jimin when he lost his father. He could argue he was in a much graver tomb. What was he treated like grime for? He let his eyes float around the space and land on different tear stained faces and grimaces. His eyes landed back on Jeongguk and he found Jeongguk to be looking back at him. He held his eyes before a small tug on his hand pulled at his jacket. He looked down and softly smiled at the little face that–thankfully–favored his.

"I'm tired, Daddy," little Jiyeong whined quietly.

Jimin bent at his waist and scooped up his four-year-old pup. He placed him on his hip and repeatedly pecked the whiny pup's cheek. "Just a little longer, Papa, okay?"

Jiyeong huffed and pressed his cheek against Jimin's scent gland, rubbing his chubby cheek against it. Jimin gently twisted side to side, patting the pup's bottom, hoping it'll relax the pup. Which it did. He looked back up and found Jeongguk's eyes trained on his son this time. His nose scrunched in distaste. He twisted away a bit, shielding Jiyeong with his body. Jeongguk's eyes snapped up and Jimin held his stare.

Jimin could tell the alpha over there took a deep breath before he looked away, his eyes downcast as the ending of the ceremony finally arrived. Jimin was the first to leave, ignoring his mother's hissing. He hiked his son further up his hip and continued his walk back to the home he shared with his mother and unmated siblings.

He pushed the door open and gently shut it behind him. He slipped off his shoes and then took off his pup's shoes. It was late in the day because there had to be a ceremony of a transition of powers to the Head Alpha's eldest child before the prior Head Alpha could be laid to rest. Jimin took his pup into the bathroom and cleaned him up. Once he was warm and smelling of milk and sugar, Jimin sat him on the couch wrapped up in a blanket and then moved to the kitchen to prepare a small dinner for the pup before bed.

Just as he finished plating everything, the front door burst open.

"Park Jimin!"

"Mama!" Jimin hissed as he sped walked out of the kitchen, placing the plate down with a cup of cranberry-grape juice at the table. "He's about to go to sleep. Don't shout," Jimin sighed as he scooped up a sleepy Jiyeong and brought him to the table.

"You didn't present your condolences to your Head Alpha! He has just lost his father!"

Jimin shook his head with a soft groan as he smoothed down Jiyeong's hair as he ate his food gently. "I'm Chief Advisor. My father passed too. He didn't send me any condolences."

Hyunok frowned. "Your situation was different."

"How so, Mama?" Jimin squinted at her, daring her to bellow what he's heard for five years practically.

"Jimin."

"You went into hiding, Minnie," Jimin's younger sister, Hyunmin, snorted.

"You did," Jimin's baby sister, Hyunah, agreed.

"People still came to the house, didn't they?" Jimin snarled.

"Head Alpha Jeonghoon came by," Jimin's younger brother, Jiro, offered.

"He did!" Hyunok latched on, grateful she didn't have to say anything in bad taste about her precious grandpup. "That's why it was different. You didn't want to be seen and it wasn't completely on him to greet you."

"That wasn't what you were going to say," Jimin mumbled as Jiyeong happily finished off his drink with two little hands.

He placed his now empty cup back down on the table. Jimin gently cleaned his mouth with a cloth and the pup grinned brightly at him.

"I'm all done, Daddy."

"Alright, time for bed then," Jimin gruffed through a nasally voice that got the pup giggling.

He took him by the hand and walked out and toward their shared bedroom. He settled his son into bed and scented him and rubbed his back until he fell asleep. Once he finished and gently tucked Jiyeong in, Jimin exited his bedroom to head to the kitchen to clean up. He paused when he saw Hyunok and Hyunmin murmuring about something as they looked over some papers.

"What's that?"

Their heads snapped up.

"Just something I need to discuss with Omega Harin."

Jimin's brows furrowed. "Why would… Never mind," Jimin shook his head and continued his journey to the kitchen to clean up and then head to bed.

There was a gentle quiet over the Jeon home over the past four days since laying Jeon Jeonghoon to rest. That was because while the family mourned, Jeongguk was outside continuing the structure for the house he planned to gift to this grand omega in his pack. He had scouted her a long time ago. Their eyes caught each other. He found her gorgeous and she swore he was marvelous. This house he was building with the help of some friends and other pack members was for them and their family when his dream inevitably became true.

His siblings warned she was strange. "A man-eater," they had warned. While Jeongguk was undoubtedly in deep admiration for her but they said they don't see the same in Jieun. Jeongguk didn't care about what they had to say. His father told him to chase what his heart wants if the target of his pursuit allows. He had mumbled something else after he said it but Jeongguk didn't pay it much mind.

It also helped him not think about losing his father. And also not think about the pressing fact the pack was now in his hands alone and he'd have to work with his father's old partners first born. The omega with rumors surrounding him. Jeonghoon never spoke badly about Jimin. Jeonghoon always said he was intelligent–with his words, actions, and emotions–and deeply cared for the pack. No matter what Jeongguk heard about the omega, his father was there to set the record straight.

Pup or not, Park Jimin was a fantastic chief and was overtly worthy of being his second-hand. Just as Park Jisu had been Jeonghoon's perfect match, Jeonghoon swore Jimin would be the same for him.

Jeongguk supposed he'd see now that he had to communicate with the man directly.

When was the last time he had spoken to him? Not for a long while. Not since they were kids and they would all play together with their siblings.

"Alpha!" a sweet voice called.

A few groans erupted from the betas and alphas around him. Jeongguk rolled his eyes at them but turned around to greet Jieun. He climbed down from his latter and wiped his hands on an already stained cloth.

"Jieun," Jeongguk smiled at her. "What're you doing all the way out here by yourself?"

"I wanted to speak with you."

"Let's speak away from the wandering ears," Jeongguk eyed the people behind him as they pretended to be working hard.

Jieun agreed and they walked off for a bit. Once they were to themselves and near a glittering lake, comforted by the trees and warm sun, Jieun laughed a bit.

"Rody has asked for my hand, Jeongguk," Jieun turned to him with a bright grin and gleam in her eyes. "Isn't that great?" she squealed.

Jeongguk blinked. "What? What'd you mean? I—"

"He crafted a gorgeous necklace for me and all. He said I'm everything he's ever wanted. He couldn't bear to let anyone else sweep me away," she giggled.

"I'm confused. Why are you telling me this? What does this mean?"

"Well, I accepted of course! What'd you mean what does this mean?"

"Jieun, I'm sure you can understand my confusion. You and I, we—"

"Practice!"

"I'm sorry?" Jeongguk scoffed with an unamused smile forcing it's way onto Jeongguk's lips.

"I'm telling you to thank you. You were fantastic practice for him. I've been hoping Rody would finally notice me and I guess him thinking the Head Alpha's son was going to sweep me away was enough for him," she sighed happily.

Jeongguk looked away from her and stared out into the forestry across the lake. He rubbed at his jaw.

"Was this all a joke to you?"

"Alpha—"

"Head Alpha."

Jieun blinked at him. "Why are you upset?"

"I'm building a home for us! Yet, here you are, betrothed to another. Overjoyed about it even. Telling me that I was practice for some other alpha."

"I never asked you to do that!"

"I told you I was going to and you didn't tell me not to! You never told me you didn't care about me. You never told me you were dreaming of someone else every time I did a thing for you. Oh, whatever," Jeongguk threw his hands up and spun on his heel, barely slowing down for her to catch up with him.

"But Jeongguk—"

"Head Alpha or Alpha Jeon." He spun around and Jieun stopped short of slamming into him. "You've lost that privilege. You are like every other wolf to me."

"But you said I—"

"Whatever you want or need that isn't a mandatory necessity that I, as Head Alpha, owe to every wolf, get Rody to gather it for you."

Jeongguk ignored her hollering as he walked back over to where his hard labor stood tall. A bitter flavor coated his tongue. She hadn't even asked how he was holding up after losing his father. How could she? What was he supposed to do?

He couldn't leave it there as and he most definitely couldn't tear it down. But if he kept it, kept building, who would live there? He couldn't imagine leaving his mother and young siblings. Not by himself. He swallowed his anxiety and anger, like his father taught him. He wasn't going to be made a fool.

He was going to finish this home with it's beautiful view and precious structure. And he wasn't going to let Jieun or Rody anywhere inside of it. He'd rather keep it locked away until one of his siblings were mated. Yes. That is what he'd do. He couldn't imagine living there with anyone now that Jieun tarnished that memory for him.

"So, what happened over there?" Yoongi, a close friend of Jeongguk's, raised an eyebrow as he lifted his head from where he was smoothing wood for the flooring.

"Nothing of importance."

"Whaaat?" Namjoon chuckled. "When it comes to her, everything is of importance."

Jeongguk shook his head as he picked up a hammer and some nails. "I'll tell you later."

"WHAT!?" Namjoon, Yoongi, Jeonghee, and Hawon shouted.

Jeongguk rubbed at his temple with a soft sigh. "I should have listened to you both."

"Better Rody than you, though," Hawon, Jeongguk's younger sister, nodded.

"Agreed," Jeonghee, Jeongguk's younger brother, frowned.

"She said all of that?" Namjoon rubbed at his jaw.

"She did."

"What a piece of work," Yoongi scoffed as he dropped down beside Namjoon on the couch.

"Are you alright, my son?" Harin, Jeongguk's mother, whispered, rubbing his knee gently.

"I will be, Eomma."

She smiled softly and patted his knee. "Then I'll let you young pups speak among yourselves. I have to meet with Hyunok."

Jeongguk looked up at her. "Chief Park's mother? What for?"

"You sound suspicious like your father," Harin cooed as she patted his cheek. "Can't two old widows go for lunch?"

"I guess," Jeongguk frowned.

They all watched her gather her things and go. Jeongguk noticed she took some papers with her but he didn't have it in him to wonder beyond that.

"I can't move past her saying you were practice," Yoongi blurted into the silence.

"I hope she can never shift again," Hawon scowled.

"Don't say that," Jeongguk shook his head, pinching his sister's ear. "I just hope I don't have to cross paths with her. Our pack is so big, I barely crossed paths with her except for when she wanted us to. I hope she has some respect for herself and for me."

"You're a better person than me," Jeonghee shook his head.

"I'm not. I'm thinking very destructive things but if I don't say them out loud it doesn't count."

Everyone laughed and Jeongguk leaned back with a small smile. His father left and it seemed everything was falling apart.

"We're still completing the house though, right?" Namjoon questioned.

"We are," Jeongguk assured.

"What for?" Jeonghee shrugged.

"We've been at it for a year plus now. Might as well keep pushing. Why give up because someone was heartless?" Jeongguk answered as he stood up. Everyone agreed. "I'm headed to the office. I do have a job to do."

Everyone dispersed quickly after that.

As Jeongguk walked through his pack grounds, he let his eyes wander over his people. The smiles, laughs, tears, grimaces. Everything. Far off he could see—even though he didn't want to but you can't control wolf eyes—Jieun speaking rapidly with some friends but he didn't let his eyes stay there. He happen upon Jimin speaking with another hunter, Taehyung, no sign of his son in sight. They waved to each other and Jimin turned in the direction of the Pack Office. Jeongguk decided to continue his journey there as well.

Jeongguk shut the door to his father's office softly. He took in a deep breath. Vague remnants of his father's sweet and sour scent filled his lungs. A smell he'd never get to smell again fresh from its source. Pressed against the door he let his head loll to the side, following the many books and journals his father collected. He slowly pushed away from the door and walked to his father's desk. He sat down and a emotion he didn't dare name washed over him as soon as his back hit the seat.

He closed his eyes and gripped the arm rests tightly. He took a breath and allowed himself to relax. He heard multiple voices outside the office door and he held his breath, keeping his eyes closed.

Knock Knock.

"Who is it?"

"Chief Park."

"Come in," Jeongguk pushed out as he opened his eyes.

The door pushed open and shut gently behind him. The two men stared at each other. "It feels cold at first but you get used to it, Alpha Jeon."

Jeongguk nodded slowly as he sat up. "What do you need?"

"Before the late Head Alpha passed, he spoke with me and we gathered assignments that weren't pressing, things you could take on in his stead." Jimin sat a small stack of papers before Jeongguk. He spread them out and leaned over the desk slightly.

Jeongguk couldn't help but notice that obvious scent of milk covering Jimin, sticking to him like paste. Undoubtedly the smell of a parent with a young pup. He watched as Jimin tucked some hair behind his ear and pointed at different stacks, quickly going over what they contained and what Jeongguk would find when he opened them.

"I see."

Jimin stood straighter and smoothed down his shirt. "My office is on the other side of the building. Just like your office has a plaque with your name, so does mine."

"I'll find you if I need you."

"Right," Jimin's eyes slowly drifted around the room before he released a breath and shook his head. "Bring the documents back once you're finished and have signed them or want to change the contents of some."

"Alright."

Jimin left with one final nod.

Goddess. He had used to run around their great greenery in his little pup form with that man. Now? Now he couldn't help but think about what he had become. Someone proud and strong, just as his father had been, sure. But someone unmated with a pup. The father being someone no one knows because he isn't from their pack. How had he gotten tangled up in something so scandalous?

Jeongguk shook himself out of his thoughts and began to go through the documents placed before him. Simple trading and treaties. Everything always starts off as too easy or too hard. Jeongguk wasn't sure which he hated more.

"What will the boys think?" Harin sighed as she compared the documents, unaltered, completely the same, both of their husband's signatures at the bottom and the High Priestess's signature underneath them.

"They're both men of duty and they fit the criteria. Didn't you say Head Alpha Jeon is no longer speaking with that omega?" Hyunok sniffled.

"Yes, but… so soon? She just ran out on him."

"Is he devastated?"

"I wouldn't know. He never shows it."

"Then maybe it'll do some good. I know this would be good for my Jimin. Him and my precious grandbaby."

Harin nodded with a soft hum. "They're twenty-eight, in positions of leadership, unmated, and one has a son. I can only see this as beneficial for them, the pack, and for other packs to view."

"Maybe… just maybe my son will be able to let his guard down. For once."

Harin reach out and rubbed Hyunok's hand with a small smile. "My Jeongguk will protect them with all that he has. No matter how he feels about this arrangement, he's a wolf of commitment and responsibility."

"I know, Rinnie. I just… I never thought we'd have to do this especially without our husbands."

"We did what we could. We managed to work the system best we could. We pushed for them to be in the stars and we pushed for them to be in no commitment. What else could we do?" Harin sighed.

Hyunok hummed with a nod. "If its what's best for the pack. It'll be done. I'm just so worried about my son's reaction. He's so prideful. He feels he's doing just fine on his own."

"Well, with my husband backing him, I'm not surprised he's confident in that."

"And I believe him but I want him to know there's nothing wrong with relying on someone."

"He relies on you, doesn't he?"

"And his siblings and a few friends when it comes to watching Jiyeong when he's in the office or with the Hunting Team."

"Then?"

"But that's all. As soon as he no longer has a commitment to the pack he's in his son's face. He told me its so his son never feels his absence."

Harin placed a hand on her heart and smiled weakly. "You've raised a compassionate wolf, Hyunnie."

Hyunok turned to her friend and smiled, eyes glossy with unshed tears. "I didn't do much. He's strong on his own accord."

"Right," Harin nodded before releasing a breath. "We have to tell them soon. News has already gone far that my husband has passed."

"Yes," Hyunok grimaced.

"The High Priestess will be here before they know it," Harin snorted. "Shall we tell them together?"

"Oh no. No no. Together we'll tell them separately."

Harin raised an eyebrow at her friend who sighed.

"I don't want my son's reaction to be too much. Come by our home tomorrow. We'll tell him in the morning since he hunts later and won't be in the office."

"Then later after dinner we can tell my son," Harin finished.

"Yes. I think that would be best."

They're quiet for a moment as they finish off their tea and cookies. Once finished, they stood up and made their way out of the little cafe in their territory. The Jeon Pack was quite fruitful and they were greatly admired and envied. They listened to the Moon Goddess and their land, that's how they stayed afloat.

"Goddess' blessing," Hyunok murmured as she hugged Harin.

"Goddess' heart," Harin responded in return.

They pulled back, smiled reassuringly to one another, and then separated.

Later that evening, Jeongguk finished the last of the documents an assistant had dropped off while Jimin worked on some other things. He had wanted to send them back with the same assistant but her mate had picked her up as her shift was over. He gathered the papers, cleaned up his office, and headed across the building. He slowly approached Jimin's office door and knocked. No answer. He turned the knob but it was locked.

He groaned lowly before turning on his heel.

"He could have at least told me he was leaving."

He placed the documents back on his desk in his office, locked up his office, and then headed out and locking up the Pack Office after ensuring it was empty. He slowly walked back to his home. He let the sound of the rustling trees and live rushing water fill his mind as he walked home. He crept up his porch, pausing as his eyes caught his work in progress in the distance. Not too far to be isolated but far enough to give them privacy until more families are birthed and therefore, inevitably, other houses will be built near it.

He paused when he found his mother at the dining table, papers scattered in front of her, with the kitchen light on.

"Eomma?"

She looked up at him and smiled. "Hey, welcome home."

"What're you doing up?"

"Finishing off some documents for your father. Some—" she began, holding her finger up as Jeongguk opened his mouth, "that are not pack responsibility. Rather, something personal and intimate."

"I see," Jeongguk settled for. "Well, get some sleep soon, alright?"

Harin nodded and Jeongguk pressed a kiss to her forehead as he moved further into the house and down the hallway toward his room. He gathered everything he needed and then slipped into the bathroom. He washed away as much stress as he could, mentally complaining about the hardest week of his life. He roughly scrubbed his face and chest before finishing up, drying off, and getting dressed. He laid in his bed and stared up at the ceiling.

"What am I meant to do with myself?" he whispered into the air, knowing he wouldn't hear an answer through his own ears.

Jimin heard the familiar popping of lips when someone was whispering. He cracked one eye open and looked down to see Jiyeong gently patting his chest as he spoke to himself quietly. Jimin smiled gently before shifting to wrap his arms around Jiyeong to kiss him all over his face.

"Good morning, Papa."

"Good morning, Daddy," Jiyeong giggled.

"You hungry?"

"Not yet."

"Feelin' lazy?" Jiyeong nodded and Jimin chuckled before he sat up. "Then you stay here. I'm gonna get some water."

Jiyeong nodded in understanding and rolled onto his back to count all the painted squares on the ceiling. Jimin slipped on some pants over his boxers and squeaked his bedroom door open. He shut it behind him and made his way down the hall toward the kitchen. As he passed the living room he paused.

"Omega Harin?" he questioned aloud as he made his way into the kitchen.

"Come here, Son," Hyunok called while Jimin poured himself a glass of water.

Jimin walked out of the kitchen and toward the living room. He plopped down on the couch across from the two women and began to lightly sip on his water as his eyes jumped between the two women.

"Where's Papa?" Hyunok wondered.

"He's awake. Just laying down. I'll probably take him down to the play center later before we go out to hunt."

Hyunok nodded before turning to Harin who cleared her throat. Jimin wordlessly bowed his head to her and she bowed back.

"I don't know how to say this so I'm just going to say that your father and my husband made an agreement when you were little. Very little." She slid the papers over to Jimin just as he downed the rest of his water. "Those two men, with the High Priestess and us as witnesses, made this agreement."

Jimin's forced his eyes to look back up at the women before him as he held back from scrunching up the paper in his hands. He slowly sat it down and sat his glass down a bit harder than he intended.

"I'm betrothed to Jeon Jeongguk?" Jimin rhetorically retorted calmly, eyes sickly gliding between Harin and Hyunok.

"Only because Jeonghoon and Jisu have passed and you are both unmated."

"Did they think this through? I'm Chief and he's Head. If we're mated and have kids, who takes those places? It makes those positions in the family when they shouldn't be."

"Well, it'd be passed to your second oldest sibling… as stated in the document…" Harin cringed.

"Hyunmin!?" Jimin hissed. "Are you kidding me? I'm not giving up a position I was primed to be in to my sister just because two men made a decision without considering the future!" Jimin seethed. "I've worked hard, extra hard since I presented, and extra extra hard since Jiyeong. I'm not giving that up."

"No, Son," Hyunok shook her head. "After you pass, it goes to her. Then after her, her child. You will be Chief for as long as you live."

Jimin took in a deep breath and shook his head. "What about that omega he was courting?"

Hyunok and Harin's eyes bucked. Jimin rolled his eyes.

"Just because I don't gossip or go to little teas with the other omegas, doesn't mean I don't hear things."

"It's been called off," Harin answered simply.

"What about my pup, huh? How does he feel about him?"

"Well, we haven't told him yet," Hyunok sighed.

"Mama," Jimin cut his eyes.

"But my son will take care of you both. Even if he isn't delighted about the arrangement."

"Omega Harin, I know he thinks of me like everyone else. I don't want to bring myself into an environment like that, let alone my son. I can't do it."

"Chief Park, this agreement was pushed by the High Priestess. There is no can't or won't, Dear. I'm sorry."

Jimin tightened his fists and shook his head. "I can't even think about? He just lost his father and omega. At least for him."

"Knowing my son. He'll do anything to move forward."

Jimin looked down at his lap and scoffed and shook his head before standing up. "I reserve the right to punch his face in behind disrespect."

"Jimin!" Hyunok hissed.

Jimin walked around the couch and glided down the hallway and slipped into his room. He stopped when he noticed his pup had fallen back asleep. He exhaled softly and snuggled in beside him. He smoothed his hair down and gently kissed his forehead.

What the hell was going on? Why him? Why did he have to be assigned to Jeon Jeongguk? He would rather be betrothed to anyone else, any other alpha or beta, hell even another omega. He would rather be with someone who didn't look at him with distrust and distaste.

How could his life go this way?

Jeongguk stood by the Hut—the middle point of the pack where everyone tended to come together for big events, festivals and ceremonies—and watched as Chief Park, the only omega on the hunting pack, followed the rest of the Hunting Team. His lips unwillingly curled down when he noticed the way the omega's younger siblings took his pup away. Chief Park was arguing with someone, a hot snarl on his lips as they stepped toe to toe.

"Hmm," Jeongguk settled on and turned on his heel, deciding to work on his home once again.

He didn't want to be bothered so he decided to work by himself. He needed the peace and the time to think. He had meetings to arrange and get used to his position of authority and responsibility. Spring was coming to an end and Summer is quick to take her place, but with her presence Autumn teases her power, and with Autumn, Winter follows.

Jeongguk worked until the sun began to grow sleepy, he worked until his body pulled itself taut and burned, he worked until sweat soaked his pants and shirt—so much so he had to remove his shirt to focus. He worked until his eyes grew blurry and heavy, he worked until he couldn't tell the different between a nail and a screw.

He cleaned and dried his hands, covered up the structure to the best of his abilities, threw his shirt over his shoulder, and then sluggishly made his way home. He could still hear a few voices in the air as he crossed the pack grounds toward his home. His movements slowed when he noticed Jieun sitting around a small fire with her friends, they were snickering and looking at someone. Chief Park.

As usual he held his head high and began to walk past them but they said something. Something that struck something inside of the omega. He paused and jerked his head to them. One of Jieun's friends stood up and cackled in his face, waving her hand around him with a smirk. Jimin's shoulder curled forward and he stepped forward.

Jeongguk's ears twitched and strained, trying to hear what they were saying.

"I mean, come on? Clearly you can't keep an alpha," Seosoo, the friend, giggled.

"I sure hope that pup of yours doesn't wind up an omega," Juha, another friend, snorted.

"Yeah, because if he does, he might end up just like you. Opening his legs for whoever looks his way," Daehee, a different friend, mocked.

"You watch your fucking mouth talking about a child like that. Are you out of your mind? Did your parents raise you in a mud-pen? Your tongue is fatter than your brain, you ignorant fucker," Jimin seethed with his fists balled up and feet apart.

The women gasped and shot up. They moved closer to him and Jeongguk worried it'd get bad. He knew Jimin was a fighter. Hell, everyone knew Jimin was a fighter. Jeongguk did not want to have to deal with the paperwork since it'd be his job now, and especially because it'd be lengthy with Jimin being Chief.

"Hey!" he shouted their way.

They all stopped and contorted their bodies pin straight, except for Jimin. They all looked at him quickly while Jimin subtly shook his head, back still to him.

"It's late. What are you all doing out?"

"We were just having a chat, Alpha Jeon!" Daehee assured with a small smile.

"Yes! And enjoying the cool air before it gets too cold," Jieun added, batting her eyelashes at him.

Jeongguk's heart moved in a way that disgusted him. He exhaled through his nose and waved them away. "Head home. It's too late to be out now."

"Yes, Head Alpha," Seosoo bowed her head with a soft smile.

They cut their eyes at Jimin but Jimin didn't have much of a response to that. As they walked away, Jimin still stood there and watched them go.

"You too, Chief Park."

Jimin slowly turned to look at him. He folded his lips in, looked him up and down, and then rolled his eyes as his teeth pulled at his top lip. He walked off toward his home without any further acknowledgment. Jeongguk watched him go before continuing his journey back to his own home. He pushed the door open and shut it behind him with a groan as he kicked his shoes off. He paused when he noticed Park Hyunok sipping tea with his mother.

"Omega Hyunok," Jeongguk bowed his head with an incredulous look.

"Have you eaten?" Harin asked as she stood up.

"Yes, Eomma. What's going on?"

"Just go wash up and come back. We need to speak with you."

Jeongguk raised an eyebrow. "Chief Park has already given me everything Appa was working on—"

"It's more personal than that, Alpha Jeon," Hyunok smiled softly.

"I see…" Jeongguk hummed as he balled up his shirt between his hands. "I'll return."

Hyunok and Harin nodded in understanding, non-verbally excusing Jeongguk to head to the bathroom to wash up. Potential conversations and reasons as to why the two women wanted to speak to him filled his mind as he cleaned the day from his skin. He exhaled slowly as he dried his hair. He stepped out of the bathroom and slowly joined the two at the table.

They slid some papers before him and waited until he grabbed them. He slowly lifted them up and eyed the two women and then began to read. His eyes shot back up.

"What is this?"

"You are betrothed to Chief Park."

"What?" Jeongguk grunted. "That doesn't make any sense. He has a child."

"So?" Harin raised an eyebrow at him.

"That has to break the contract, doesn't it?"

"Why would it?" Harin pressed.

"Well, just because there's clearly someone out there he wants. Someone who wants him."

"If that someone wanted him, wouldn't they be here?" Harin frowned. "Unmated and fathers passed on. The criteria is met. You will be wed."

"Eomma—"

"Head Alpha, please," Hyunok whispered. Jeongguk turned his head to her and his brows raised and furrowed.

"Omega Hyunok—"

"This pack looks down on my son. I'm worried he'll never mate. While there isn't much choice here as this was signed by the High Priestess, I ask that you'll at least go through this process smoothly, that you'll at least protect my pup and grandpup."

Jeongguk pinched his nose and then moved to rub his brow. "I doubt he wants—"

"He already knows. We told him earlier. We've also received word from the Priestess assistant. She's expecting this," Harin cut off.

Jeongguk sucked in a breath and held it in for a moment, eyes floating from Hyunok to his mother. Her desperate pleading to her glaring warning. He exhaled.

"I see. Alright."

Hyunok smiled brightly and gratefully took his hand. "And I'm sorry about the young omega from before."

Jeongguk scoffed and shook his head. "Its the past."

Hyunok nodded carefully before standing. "I should head home."

"I'll walk you," Jeongguk stated.

"Oh no. You just got cleaned up and besides my son waits on the porch for me every time I'm out too late. I'll be alright."

"I'll watch then."

"Alright," she chuckled.

The two women hugged and said goodnight and then parted. Harin went to bed and Jeongguk stood out on the porch while Hyunok crossed the grounds toward her home. There stood Jimin with his hands on his hips and a small smile on his face as Hyunok grew closer.

Once she reached the steps, Jimin took his eyes off of her and they landed on Jeongguk. His smile dimmed and he looked away, preferring to shut the door behind his mother. Jeongguk cleared his throat and sighed.

Was this the meaning behind his father's words?

"I mean think about it? From Jieun to Jimin? From someone single, beautiful, and soft-spoken, to someone with a pup, headstrong, and mean."

Yoongi rolled his eyes. "You'd be mean too if people kept eyeing you whenever you left your house."

"I haven't done anything to him yet he throws daggers at me like I've said anything."

"Well, have you done something for him?" Namjoon offered while slipping a nail from between his lips, securing the stairs and porch to the house.

"Like what?" Jeongguk grumbled as he smoothed out a slab of wood.

"Like not judge him like how you are right now," Yoongi sneered.

"I'm not judging—"

"You basically insinuated that him having a child is a con."

"Wolves will talk if I take him—"

"Wolves talk already," Yoongi deadpanned.

"And when you take him. You're getting mated."

Jeongguk hummed. "You're right. He will be my omega and by default I will also be getting a pup. I'm more frustrated with the fact that there will be rumors around and the messy situation with switching powers since Head and Chief will be together."

"Didn't you say it goes to his sister after he passes?" Namjoon questioned.

"Yes."

"Why not make it so his son takes over Chief and the child you two have together becomes Head?" Yoongi offered.

Jeongguk paused and then looked up. "The boy's other father is an outsider."

"Well, the boy's present father is a part of a long-standing family in our pack," Yoongi argued back.

Jeongguk shook his head. "We'll discuss that when the time comes." He leaned back and exhaled. "This will be a good for me. A good distraction."

"From what?" Namjoon teased. "Jieun?"

Jeongguk rolled his eyes as he sat the smoothed wood down with the other planks. "Our pillowtalk will be about business and pack treaties."

Yoongi and Namjoon snorted and joked around with him before continuing their work.

Meanwhile in the greenery of the forest sat a group of wolves after another successful hunt.

"Well, he hasn't said anything," Jimin's close alpha friend, Hoseok, informed.

"That we know of," Jimin's best alpha friend, Taehyung, countered.

"Hobi, you haven't seen the way he looks at me. He looks at me, at Jiyeong, like everybody else."

"Are you sure?" Hoseok frowned.

"We can ask Seokjin when we get back. He's seen it. He looks at me like some embarrassment or disgrace. How am I supposed to spend the rest of my life with someone who thinks my pup is a mistake?" Jimin pushed himself up and pulled his shirt over his head, holding a few rabbits in his hands.

"Well, you don't know that for sure. He hasn't said—"

"Hobi," Taehyung laughed, "stop playing Devil's Advocate. Head Alpha Jeon isn't around. You don't have to blow him."

Hoseok scoffed with a playful scowl. Jimin looked at them with a small smile and shook his head as he lead their trio toward the rest of the group and headed back to the main pack grounds.

"At least this will make work easier. I won't have to walk across the grounds to his home or go all the way to the office. I can just roll over," Jimin shrugged.

"Or look up," Hoseok smirked.

"Or look back," Taehyung teased with his tongue between his teeth.

"You people are so disgusting," Jimin groaned as they continued the trek through the forest.

Once they arrived, betas and omegas rushed toward them and showed their gratitude as they took the meats to prep them and store them. The trio decided to swing by Taehyung's home to conversate with Seokjin about the topic.

"Oh great, a bunch of smelly people in my home," he groaned once they all got inside, barely acknowledging the fat kiss Taehyung pressed against his cheek.

"Has Head Alpha Jeon looked at Jimin like everyone else in the pack?"

"You mean like everyone else without an ounce of empathy?"

Hoseok groaned. "Yeah, sure."

"Sometimes."

"See," Jimin scoffed.

"I can't believe it. Late Alpha Jeon always spoke so highly of you. I would've thought—"

Jimin shrugged as he wiped his face and hands clean. Seokjin plopped down onto the couch and continued slicing up fruit as he spoke.

"Why do you ask?"

"He and Jimin are getting mated."

"What!? Wasn't he with that omega, uh, what's-her-face?"

"Yeah, Oh Something-Something," Taehyung nodded.

"They broke it off, I guess."

"No. She broke it off. You don't notice she hangs off of some alpha instead of floating around him?" Jimin snorted as he sat beside Hoseok.

"But how?" Seokjin frowned.

"Our fathers and the High Priestess arranged it. If we both were unmated or simply not in a committed relationship by the time both of them passed, we would be mated."

"That seems… quite nice?" Seokjin tilted his head.

"How so?" Jimin scowled.

"Because it seems it was written so you aren't overbearingly forced, only under certain circumstances. You've both had 28 years to find someone."

"That's my entire life, mind you," Jimin aimed at Taehyung and Hoseok who chuckled in response.

"Do you think he'll be a good mate?" Taehyung wondered toward Jimin.

"As far as I can tell, he's uninteresting. He's always been about his position as next in line to take over the pack. As soon as he presented, he disappeared from my life. He judges me and he's overly stoic. I don't even know if he's against this or if he cried when Jieun practically spat in his face."

"I guess you'll find out soon, huh?"

"Yeah…" Jimin breathed.

"Do you think Jiyeong will be excited?" Seokjin smiled softly.

"A bit, maybe. I don't know. He loves people so maybe. But better question is. Will he be tolerant of my puppy?"

The room grimaced.

"Goddess' Blessing."

"Papa," Jimin called softly as he washed Jiyeong's back.

"Yes, Daddy?" the little pup called back.

"Daddy… Daddy is going to be getting married."

Jiyeong tilted his head. "Marry?"

"Like how Harabeoji and Halmeoni were married. Or how Uncle Jinnie and Tae are married."

"Wah! Really?" Jiyeong beamed.

"Mhm."

"Does that mean I get another daddy too?"

"Uh," I don't know, "I think so."

"I go with you right?"

"Oh, of course, Papa."

"But won't Halmeoni get lonely?"

"Why would she?"

"Because we will be gone and Auntie Hyunmin and Auntie Hyunah and Uncle Jiro leave sometimes."

Jimin smiled softly and kissed his son's wet hair before snatching him up out of the tub and kissing his cheek as he wrapped him in a towel.

"She's very happy that Daddy's getting married. So she'll be okay."

"Promise?" A little pinkie popped out from the towel and Jimin kissed it with a grin.

"Promise."

"When will I see him?"

"Uh—"

"Jimin," Hyunah called with wide eyes as she slid to a stop in front of the bathroom door. "The High Priestess is here."

Jimin's shoulders tensed and he held his precious babe closer to his chest. "Now," he breathed out lowly.

The Park family dressed and headed toward their conference building. This made it real. Jeongguk and Jimin never spoke about their arrangement over the three days between finding out and the priestess' arrival. Jimin wasn't sure if it was because they wanted deniability or because there was nothing to say. He heard the whispers as they walked but like always, he held his head high.

They entered the building and headed toward the small room they agreed to meet in. At the head of the square-C shaped table sat the priestess, and to her left sat the Jeon family. Right beside her was Jeongguk, meaning Jimin sat right beside her on her right. Jimin sat down with Jiyeong in his lap after bowing to her.

She smiled at him and his family followed suit.

"Hello, little Jiyeong."

A mouth full of tiny teeth beamed at her and a sweet milky scent soaked the air. "Hi, Ms. Priestess!"

Everyone grinned at the preciousness before everyone's attention was brought to what they were there for.

"I'm sure you both know how this goes." Priestess Eunji looked between the both of them. They nodded.

"Then we'll make an announcement, you will make your preparations for the ceremony, the ceremony will be held before the Moon Goddess, and all will be well. The promise your father's made will hold firm and be fulfilled."

"Priestess," Jeongguk began. "Is it possible the ceremony is intimate? Not so much a spectacle, but just a union."

If Jimin didn't know any better, he would have thought Jeongguk actually wanted something small and intimate for emotional reasons and not just because he was embarrassed.

"The head alpha mating is always a spectacle, Alpha Jeon," Priestess Eunji hummed with a raised eyebrow.

"I understand but… I thought this would be better."

She hummed and then turned to Jimin. "Chief Park? Your thoughts?"

"I don't mind. I'm sure my mother would want the spectacle because she loves the glamor of it all." Jimin turned to look at Jeongguk whose eyes were already set on him. "Is that alright?"

Jeongguk's lips quivered slightly before he sat back and gave one simple nod. "Whatever you want."

Jimin folded his lips in and turned his eyes back to Eunji. She rubbed at her chin for a moment before lifting her hand.

"I would like to speak to the betrothed alone."

Mothers and siblings stood, Jiro snatching up a giggling Jiyeong, and there the three sat alone.

"Are you two alright?"

"We will be fine," Jeongguk answered.

She eyed him before turning to Jimin. "Child?"

"This will be good for my son, Priestess. That's all that matters to me."

She hummed. "Have you two spoken about your arrangements?"

"We haven't, no."

"Will you and Jiyeong be all in the Jeon house, then?"

"Until I am done," Jeongguk answered.

"Done?" she murmured.

"The house," Jimin let flutter from his mouth without much thought.

"Yes. I am building a house. I," Jeongguk stopped himself and flexed his fists before looking up at Jimin. "I suppose, rather, I am building our house."

"And Jiyeong and I will be living in your home until it is done."

"It is only appropriate. You couldn't possibly stay with your mother."

"Right." Jimin held Jeongguk's eyes.

"Then everything is settled. You both will be fine?"

"Yes," they both answered airily.

"The ceremony will take place in four days time at the Hut."

"Yes, Priestess."

"Goddess' Blessings."

"Goddess' Heart," Jimin and Jeongguk uttered together, neither sure what they were hoping to achieve in this arrangement.

They rose from their seats and left after the High Priestess. They joined their families outside but something in Jeongguk remained unsettled. He couldn't name it nor place it.

He called out. "Chief Park."

Jimin turned around, young pup clinging to his leg. Jeongguk walked over and ignored the eyes on them, the eyes that had been watching them since they entered and exited the building. He held his hand out, eyes calm and hooded. Jimin looked down at his hand, his right hand coming up to anxiously rub his pup's hair.

"I imagine I won't have to beg for your cooperation," Jeongguk whispered to Jimin, the only other ears that caught it being that of the pup.

Jimin scoffed and gently pushed Jeongguk's hand down. "I do my job, you do yours."

Jeongguk flexed his hand as his eyes danced across Jimin's face. He did grow into a gorgeous adult, his child features more matured with a sort of soft elegance to them. He couldn't say the same for his personality. His eyes floated down to the small hand that pulled at his coat. Starry little eyes looked up at him.

What luck Jimin's pup with some outsider alpha looked more like him than the alpha. If Jeongguk hadn't seen Jimin pregnant the few times he left his home or didn't know a thing about biology, he would've thought Jimin created him all on his own.

"Um, Mister, you are marrying my daddy, right?"

Jeongguk nodded slowly. "Yes, I am."

"Then that means I live with you too?" Jiyeong grinned up at Jeongguk.

A sense of unease rushed through Jimin. This man was going to reject his pup. He could feel it. While he didn't care at all for Jeongguk's validation, he couldn't bear to watch with his own eyes as someone looked at his son with such discontentment.

"Yes. You'll be living with my family for a while. But soon you will have your own room and all of your own things."

Jiyeong beamed and hugged Jeongguk's leg. Jimin's body tensed and his hands jerked, itching to pull his baby back especially with the way Jeongguk's body pulled taut. The alpha looked away and just barely patted his shoulder. Jimin took in a breath, a feeling similar to embarrassment flooding him when Jiyeong's big eyes found his, confusion wrapping around his irises. He ignored the chatter and burning glares, picked up his pup and fixed his eyes on Jeongguk. He bowed his head slightly and turned on his heel and left.

He held Jiyeong tightly and made his way home, his siblings and mother around him. Once inside, Jimin got Jiyeong ready for bed after everyone ate. Jimin sat in the living room going over documents, trying to forget his impending future. As he feverishly wrote something down, the smell of warm baked goods and honey filled his nostrils and wrapped around him like a familiar hug. He didn't have to look up to know his mother sat behind him on the couch.

"What thoughts are swirling in that intelligent mind?"

Jimin couldn't even force himself to smile. "He is uncomfortable around Papa."

"Jimin—"

"Not in that of a way of a man who has never been around children or is unfamiliar. No. In a way everyone always acts around him. Mama, I'm worried I might kill him."

"You won't. Honey, come on. This is just all so new. Give him a chance."

"He's embarrassed of us I'm sure. Of me. Of Papa."

Hyunok exhaled softly. "Don't let Jiyeong feel that then. Hmm? You already fill in both roles. Now, you won't have to physically protect him all by yourself. You can rest. So, you can put your all into loving him."

Jimin turned around and held his mother's eyes. Hyunok reached out and rubbed his cheek, he leaned into the touch and exhaled. "Yes, Mama."

Meanwhile Jeongguk sat on the secured steps of his creation, hoping he'll be finished before winter. If he kept at his pace he would. He hoped Jimin would simply stay in his pup's room instead of having to find a way to fit another room into the floor plan. They couldn't possibly stay in the same room. But if they had a lot of pups they'd need the space…

Jeongguk made a mental note.

Anyway, Jimin wouldn't want that and Jeongguk was sure he wouldn't be able to fully relax if they did. It was their normal. Jimin slept in the same bed as Jiyeong and Jeongguk slept alone. They would only share a bed when they had to come together for mating and to conceive the next Head.

Goddess. Mating. Where were they supposed to that? At his home? Where would Jiyeong go? Would they all cram into his room? Into his bed? The planning on their fathers' parts was not good. They were too unprepared. Most things would have to stay at the Park residence until the house was completed.

"What are you brooding about, Brood?"

Jeongguk looked up to see Namjoon and Yoongi, small smirks on their faces.

"Guess."

"Well, considering the High Priestess is staying in the guest house and the entire pack—practically—watched you and Chief Park leave the conference building," Yoongi waved his hands around vaguely with a low pout as he looked up, "I'd guess something about that."

"You should work at the temple," Jeongguk deadpanned as he stood up, the two laughed. "What are you two doing here, anyway?"

"Well, we figured the plan to finish before winter was still on and you need something to focus on, so we wanted to help," Namjoon smiled gently with his shoulders up.

"Because there's no way you're getting this done otherwise," Yoongi shrugged as he snatched up a thick plank of wood.

Namjoon held the wood in place while Yoongi collected some screws and nails. "Most of the hard part is over. It's putting up the walls, electricity, and pluming left."

"And you can leave the decorations to your omega," Yoongi grinned cheekily with a nail between his teeth.

Jeongguk shook his head with a laugh. "What would I do without you both, huh?"

Jimin didn't care about the preparations at all. He focused on work and his baby. He left it all up to his mother. Work wasn't too strange. He and Jeongguk had to sit beside each other during meetings and had to handle the way questions bubbled behind everyone's eyes. Nothing in Jeongguk's woodsy-sweet scent gave off how he felt. So, Jimin ensured his fresh-sharp scent remained the same way.

"What do you think we should do?" Jeongguk's even voice echoed in the conference room.

Jimin looked up from where he was collecting his papers, preparing to leave. He stood straighter and looked down at Jeongguk who sat back in his seat and looked at Jimin.

"I think we should make sure we have enough for ourselves this winter before sharing with others. Gems are nice for trading, not surviving the harshest season."

"You run with our teams. You bring back a surplus, don't you?"

Jimin jutted his hip out and looked him up and down. "Bringing in a lot means nothing when we don't have a proper rationing plan."

"What'd you mean?"

"The months leading up to winter, we've always given more meat, thinking if we fattened up we'd survive. Sure, we're still here, but its not a fool proof plan. We should be using less of the things that are insanely hard to get when the ground is covered in snow. That way when we can't find it, there will be a surplus stored away to feast on when needed. We do it with medical herbs and concoctions. Why not food?"

Jeongguk rubbed at his lips with a raised eyebrow. "If you're so confident in this plan, why haven't you implemented?"

"Because of your father," Jimin gritted through his teeth.

Jeongguk pushed himself up and stood before Jimin. "Is that right?"

"It is. What? Are you going to let me implement my plan, Alpha? Or are you going to continue this risky plan?"

Jeongguk leaned closer to Jimin, just a bit, and looked over his face. He hummed. "Write it down. Put it on my desk. We'll discuss it and if we agree, we'll put it in place after the ceremony. A rush of changes with a change in leadership."

"The change in relationship between leadership," Jimin corrected.

"Aren't you a little smart bird?"

Jimin bared his teeth before turning and gathering his things to leave. Jeongguk left right behind him. Eyes watched as the men exited, fixated on their faces and clothes—wanting to see if there was more to this mating than prior obligation. There wasn't.

Before anyone knew it, the ceremony was the night of that day. There was a small practice held the night before with just the couple and the priestess. They hadn't discussed if they would mate that night or still hold some pride in their hearts and wait. However, with the priestess announcing her need to depart but only once there was a mark upon their necks, they knew what their night entailed.

Jimin and Jeongguk alike were scrubbed clean by elders and pampered by their mothers. Jimin hugged little Jiyeong so tight before it was time to stand before all of the pack and announce their union under the moon. Jiro was still a pup to Jimin. Only seventeen years old. Yet, he fought to be the one to hand-off Jimin to Jeongguk. Once presented Jimin pecked his cheek and Jiro pecked his back in response. Then he sat down beside his mother, Jiyeong seated in his lap. The two stood before the high priestess.

"Goddess' Blessing," she announced.

"Goddess' Heart," everyone answered back.

"We are here today to bless Head Alpha Jeon and Chief Park in their marriage. We are here to promise commitment to your leaders and for them to promise commitment to each other and you all as their people." Everyone hummed as she looked between the two. "Join hands and enter the water."

Jeongguk held his hand out and eyed Jimin. Jimin turned his head to him, looked down at his hand, and then took it into his own. They wadded into the water and then moved to stand face to face, both hands clasped together.

"Do you swear to honor and protect your mate?"

"I do," they said together.

"Do you swear to commit your abilities to the well-being of your pack?"

"I do," they said again.

"Do you swear to be fruitful under the Moon Goddess's blessing?"

Jimin hated that part in vows. While he knew it didn't only mean pups, most people took as to mean pups and that disgusted him a bit. Well, more than a bit.

"I do," they uttered once more, though Jimin struggled through it.

"And do you, Jeon Pack, swear to respect and honor your Head Alpha and Head Omega?"

"We do!"

"And do you swear to take care of them as they take care of you?"

"We do!"

"Under the Moon Goddess' moon, so you all have sworn. Alpha Jeon, Chief Park, seal your vows."

Jimin and Jeongguk slowly submerged themselves under the cold water and then moved near each other, sealing what they spoke with their lips against one another. They pulled away and came back up out of the water. Their wet bodies shined in the moonlight, kissing their cheeks, back and chest, and hair.

The stared at each other and the sound of cheering and clapping was deafening. Jimin couldn't tell which were fake for him and real for Jeongguk. Jimin couldn't help but wonder how he and Jiyeong would be treated now. Jeongguk is well adored not just because he was the Head Alpha's son but because he was a wolf's wet dream. Everyone wanted him or wanted to be like him—in strength, communication, looks, or romantic pull.

The two were helped out of the water and wrapped up in a towel. Hyunmin roughly dried his hair while Taehyung, Hoseok, and Seokjin also crowded around him. Jiyeong held his hand and spun himself in semi-circles while he looked up at him with a huge grin.

"I guess we won't be seeing you until the afternoon?" Taehyung smirked.

"You're disgusting," Jimin scowled. "I'm genuinely dreading being taken away."

"What do we call you now?" Hoseok raised an eyebrow as he tapped his chin. "Head Omega Chief Park? Head Omega Chief Park-Jeon? Jeon? Jeon-Park?"

"Chief Park, I'm begging."

"I think it'll depend on what we need him for and where he is at the time. They'll probably call you Head Omega Jeon around the pack but Chief Park for external affairs." Hyunah nodded confidently to her words.

"Chief Park," Harin called.

"Or whatever they're comfortable with," Seokjin mumbled to the group as the older omega walked over.

"Omega Harin," Jimin bowed his head.

"Jeongguk has called for you."

"Ooh!" Everyone around him, except for his mother, teased as they shoved him around.

"Oh. Well, where are—?"

"They're staying with us for the night," Hyunok answered as she wrapped her arm around Harin's.

"So, I'm really being left alone." Jimin pulled his lips back and folded them in as he bent to hold Jiyeong's arms. "Papa, go with Halmeoni, okay? Daddy has to go with Alpha Jeon but I'll be back in the morning."

Jiyeong frowned slightly but nodded. "Okay."

Jimin kissed him all over his face until he giggled uncontrollably and then he stood. He bowed to the Jeon family and then stepped past them to fall into step with Jeongguk to the current Jeon residence, the current Head Alpha house. Jeongguk held the door open for him and then shut behind them. They removed their slip-on shoes and Jimin followed Jeongguk through the house.

"Would you like to shower?" Jeongguk asked while tearing off his wet shirt and tossing it down, setting a towel down on the bed before moving the wet cloths to a basket.

"No," Jimin shook his head as he shut the bedroom door and began to take his own clothes off. "Let's just get this over with."

Jimin climbed onto the bed and flopped down on his back with his hands on his stomach. Jeongguk moved around his room for a moment before climbing over Jimin. They stared at each other in silence for a moment, Jeongguk's hands on either side of Jimin's head.

"Do you want it like this?"

"I don't want to feel like a whore. If this is gonna be uncomfortable, it'll be uncomfortable for both of us," Jimin answered simply.

Jeongguk's eyes slowly closed. "I was going to suggest on your side or both sideways or riding. Something a bit more comfortable with knotting."

"This is fine."

"Fine," Jeongguk exhaled through his nose. He leaned back on his knees and pulled Jimin's legs up and spread them. Jimin's eyes followed him as he reached around for a bottle of oil.

"You do know I produce that naturally, right?"

Jeongguk kept his head down but shifted his eyes up. "I also know it secretes due to arousal. Are you at all aroused right now?"

"Arouse me."

"Why are you being difficult? I thought you wanted this over with?"

"I'm trying to make myself feel better," Jimin hummed as he turned his head to the side to stare at the basket Jeongguk kept his clothes in.

"Arouse yourself," Jeongguk sighed.

"That's mortifying. I'll just be quiet."

"You know you won't."

Jimin whipped his head back and sat up on his elbows. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"I've never known you to not talk."

"You haven't known me for years," Jimin sneered.

Jeongguk rubbed his brow. "You're getting angry instead of aroused. We're getting nowhere. Maybe we'll get somewhere if you prep yourself and I watch."

"Pervert!?"

"And if you prep yourself silently," Jeongguk frowned as he tossed the bottle onto Jimin's stomach.

"You—"

"Will you relax enough for me to get a finger in? I don't think so. Let's hurry this up because the bite doesn't feel horrible as long as I knot you."

Jimin dropped back down and stared at the ceiling. He popped open the bottle and poured some on his fingers without looking, too irritated with the alpha between his legs to even let his eyes fall on him. He slid his hand down and slid a finger in, closing his eyes and releasing the breath that was stuck under his ribs.

Jeongguk's scent was distracting so he couldn't fully relax. He knew the man was there so he couldn't even act like he was by himself during his heat or something. He was fresh out of luck. After three fingers were shoved knuckles deep inside him, Jimin started to get self-conscious. He lifted his head and huffed.

"Are you just gonna stare at me—!?" Jimin stopped as his eyes fell onto where Jeongguk was stroking himself.

Oh.

"Are you done?" Jeongguk's voice came out tight and low.

"I guess," Jimin mumbled as he threw his head back down and rested his hands on his stomach and stared up at the ceiling.

He felt Jeongguk get closer and then felt the tip of his dick push against him. He unwillingly made a face as Jeongguk pushed in. He sucked in a slow breath and kept his body steady. Once Jeongguk bottomed out, Jimin released his breath but his view of the ceiling was blocked. They stared at each other once again, Jeongguk's hands on either side of his head once again.

Jeongguk pulled out slightly and pushed back in and Jimin's brows furrowed. Jeongguk seemed to be watching his face for discomfort but the way he was staring made Jimin more uncomfortable than being split open for the first time in years. Jeongguk repeated that movement a few times before gaining a pace. It was fast. Jimin's breath got caught in his chest a few times and he wasn't sure when it happened but his hands went from on his stomach to around Jeongguk's wrists beside his head.

His mouth fell open a few times but nothing came out, he made sure of that, and his brows remained furrowed throughout the entire ordeal. Jeongguk's brows were also furrowed and he wore a scowl, it wasn't a scowl with any malice behind it more so concentration. The headboard slammed against the wall more times than Jimin was comfortable to coming to terms with. Jimin wasn't sure when but he felt slick mix with the oil and he could only hope Jeongguk didn't notice how his body betrayed his means of protest.

His only means of control was holding down every embarrassingly pathetic moan that threatened to rip through his throat. But he knew the moment he threw his head back, tightened his legs around Jeongguk's waist, and dug his nails into Jeongguk's wrists, none of that mattered.

His embarrassment was all over his stomach and chest.

If he let out a noise, he didn't care. Not then because Jeongguk sunk his canines into his scent gland. He managed to return the action all while Jeongguk continued to ram into him. They both lapped up the blood and Jimin barely focused as Jeongguk knotted him.

He was going to be so damn pissed if he wound up pupped after this.

Jeongguk slowly laid on top of him and caught his breath. Jimin caught his breath with his hands beside his head and his legs limply on Jeongguk's hips. He stared up at the ceiling once again while Jeongguk laid his head on the pillow under Jimin's head, his head turned away from him. Their bodies were covered in sweat and sticky with Jimin's cum, their hair stuck to their foreheads, and between their legs was hot and messy with slick and sweat.

Jimin wanted to shower but he was so tired. He's been tired. Jeongguk wasn't moving so he figured he was asleep too. But he wasn't. He was thinking about his life and where they'd go after this. He was also thinking about how the sex wasn't terrible, it was just emotionally cold. Passionless. He felt like an animal fucking Jimin the way he did.

Well. You get his point.

It felt so disconnected and he never thought he'd have to do something like that. He always thought he'd have this moment with her. Brush her hair back, kiss her, take his time, listen to everything she needed or wanted. It wouldn't be their first time but it was something that was meant to be intimate and special.

A shame.

Jeongguk wasn't sure why he was still awake after two hours. Maybe he needed to get away in order to feel at peace and fall asleep. It took two hours for his knot to go down and once it did he slowly sat up and found Jimin was fast asleep. He folded his lips in tightly as he slowly pulled out.

"A mess," he mumbled quietly.

He stood up and quietly left the room. He went across the hall to the bathroom and wet a towel. He cleaned off himself with one side and then cleaned Jimin with the other. He tossed it with the rest of their clothes that he made a note to wash himself. He'd die if his mother cleaned them. He was sure Jimin would too.

He carefully rolled Jimin off of the towel and under the thin comforter, making a note to ask if he was a nester since they'd be sharing a bed for a while.

Of course he was a nester. Was he stupid? He's an omega.

He tossed the towel with the rest of the dirty garments and cloths. He stared at Jimin's bare back with his hands on his hips and thought about sleeping in another room but that was his bed. He might as well get used to sharing a bed with him since for a while he'll have to do so starting tomorrow night. Well, tonight, he supposes.

He slid in behind Jimin and laid on his back. He let his body relax, aches rushing over him like ice cold water, and then he finally fell asleep.

Jeongguk just barely woke up the next morning because he was being suffocated. He shot up and shoved the pillow away. His hair went every which way and his eyes were wide and crazy. There, beside him, sat a naked puffy eyed Jimin with messy hair and a scowl.

"You're a snorer?" Jimin more so stated than asked.

"Did I forget to mention that?" Jeongguk scoffed as he rubbed his face.

"Yeah, I fear between the mean looks and external affair conversations you forget that little fact. I have to deal with that for the rest of my life," Jimin groaned into his hands.

Jeongguk shook his head as he scratched his head and looked around the room. He pushed his legs to the side of the bed and rested his elbows on his knees as he rubbed his achy neck and yawned.

"When's everyone coming back?" Jimin grumbled as he moved around behind Jeongguk.

"They told me they wouldn't even come near the house until one of us came outside."

Jimin snorted as he crawled past Jeongguk and stretched his body. Jeongguk's eyes racked up and down Jimin's body, noticing different scars littered over his body, not doubt from hunting. Such pretty skin, beaten by hunting. Jeongguk looked away from the omega and stood up.

"I doubt I have anything that can fit you so you can either stay here until someone can bring your things or you can walk around in these," Jeongguk held up some small boxers and an oversized (normal sized for Jeongguk) shirt.

"Do you have pants?" Jimin deadpanned.

"That won't fall off of you? Probably not."

"Could you look?" Jimin cut his eyes at Jeongguk.

Jeongguk stared at Jimin before slowly turning his head and moving some clothes around. He pulled out some shorts with ties. "You can tighten this."

"Thank you so very much, Alpha," Jimin mocked as he took them from Jeongguk and began to get dressed.

Jeongguk didn't feel like asking Jimin to not call him that because he didn't want to come to terms with the fact that he liked being called that.

"You move everything in here."

"Uh, are you helping?" Jimin asked incredulously.

"I'm working on the house. I've finished the most important documents. Like how you want a food supply for winter, I'd like for us to have our own home and not be cramped with my mother and siblings."

"I see, I understand," Jimin hummed as he opened the bedroom door and slid down the hallway.

Jeongguk followed after him once he slid some pants on, too warm to bother with a shirt. Jimin entered the kitchen and Jeongguk followed, Jimin got a pear and Jeongguk simply filled a glass with water.

"Does it hurt?" Jeongguk hummed after setting his glass down, rubbing at his wrists where Jimin's nails left indents.

"No," Jimin grunted as he munched on his pear, subtly rubbing at his healing mating bite. "Not physically anyway. Just my pride."

Jeongguk stared at Jimin before turning his back to him and setting his glass in the sink. "Great."

"Where are you going to sleep?" Jimin asked after Jeongguk as he left the kitchen.

He stopped and turned around. "In my room?"

"We're all going to cram into your bed?"

"Your son could stay with your mother until the house is done. Or you both could stay there."

Jimin's lips twisted bitterly. He turned around, threw his pear core into the waste in, and then shoved past Jeongguk. He jammed his feet into his shoes from the night before and threw the door open.

"Jimin, you are indecent," Jeongguk sneered as grabbed his arm, yanking him back and shutting the door.

Jimin yanked his arm away. "Shirt, pants, shoes. I think I'm decent enough. Move."

"I'll call your siblings to bring your stuff over. You can't leave."

"Who are you to tell me I can't go outside? Don't let this mating thing get to your head. We don't have anything intimate to do with each other."

"Your hair's a mess, your neck is red, you're wearing my clothes, and you reek of sex and me. We're mated, if you go out there people will talk and people will look."

"People always talk Jeongguk! Come on! You know that. That can't be your reasoning."

"I have to explain why I don't want everyone to see my partner post-sex?" Jimin cocked his head to the side and looked up at Jeongguk. Jeongguk dragged a hand down his face. "At least put a jacket on."

"It's hot!"

"I don't care."

Jeongguk dropped a thin jacket around Jimin's shoulders and held both sides closed in one hand, waiting for Jimin to shove his arms through, then he zipped it up.

"Ridiculous," Jimin grumbled as he pulled the door open and jogged down the stairs and made a beeline for his home. Well, his mother's home. His eyes glazed over the few people that seemed to stop whatever they were doing to watch him.

Did they mate? Do they like each other? Did Head Alpha Jeon reject him? Is Chief Park angry?

Whatever.

Once he got inside he found everyone sitting in the living playing a game, Jiyeong sat in Jeonghee's lap and he looked overjoyed. Jimin smiled to himself as he slipped his shoes off. Jiyeong looked up and squealed happily.

"Daddy!"

"Hi, Papa!"

Jimin knelt down and scooped him up, peppering kisses all over his face and the pup giggled before pulling away slightly with a frown.

"You smell weird."

Jimin laughed. "I know, Papa. I'm sorry."

"Are you going to smell like this forever?"

"I think so," Jimin pouted.

"I guess I will get used to it," Jiyeong pouted back as he hugged Jimin around his neck.

"And while you do, let's pack to head over to our new temporary house, okay?"

"Okay!" Jiyeong squealed.

They got to work packing everything of theirs and deciding what would go over immediately and what would wait until Jeongguk finished the house.

Jeongguk had watched Jimin go, his arms crossed over his chest with his brows furrowed slightly. He let himself look over his pack and he found Jieun. She stood with her friends and they all muttered among each other as their eyes followed Jimin until he was out of sight inside. Then her eyes moved and they made eye contact. She stood straighter and seemed to ask him a question with her eyes but he couldn't decipher what. He turned away and went back inside to clean up and dress up to get to work.

As he left his cabin, he noticed the Park family and his family leaving the Park residence and making their across the grounds toward the house. Jeongguk slowed his walk to the construction site and waved at them when they noticed him. Jimin didn't look at him as he held one round basket with his left arm and held Jiyeong's hand with the other free one. The young pup waved happily at Jeongguk even though Jimin hadn't even glanced his way.

Fine.

Jeongguk continued his journey to the construction site, sighing contently at the fact he believed he'd be done by late autumn rather than during winter. He got to work patiently. He wasn't going to rush the project because it'd be horrible if the house didn't properly vent smoke, or had flickering lights, or didn't retain heat inside and repel heat outside.

Yoongi, Namjoon, and a few other alphas joined after a bit. The base structure was in place. Walls, flooring, support beams, porch, rooms, stairs. The roof was the plan for that day. They wanted that done and secure then they could work on the inside, the fireplace, shower, toilet, plumbing, electricity, gas, the likes of that.

"Are you going to the bonfire two nights from now?" Jongsoo asked toward Jeongguk as he secured a part of the roof he was working on.

"I wasn't aware there was a bonfire at all," Jeongguk mumbled around a couple of nails and he hammered a few thick ones into the thick plank before him.

"Yeah, apparently its to celebrate you and Chief Park," Chanyeol offered for understanding as wiped his brow.

"Is that right? And who organized that?" Jeongguk hummed as he tugged at his sweaty tank top.

"One of his friends I believe. Hoseok, was it?" Giwoong answered as he looked up the sky, scouring his memory for the wolf's name.

"No way, it had to have been the other one. The one with a mate. Do you know how strange it'd be for an unmated alpha to hold this event?" Chanyeol laughed as he carefully crawled over to the other side of the roof where the kitchen area would be.

Jeongguk paused and looked up at Chanyeol. "They're both alphas?"

Everyone nodded.

"He's around mostly alphas and betas, Jeon," Yoongi laughed lightly as he wiped sweat from his chin.

"He is on the hunting team," Namjoon murmured with his lips pulled down to the side.

"A fantastic hunter, apparently," Giwoong said offhandedly.

Jimin was around alphas often. He shifted around alphas often. Jeongguk wasn't sure why but he didn't like that. But what could he do? Tell Jimin he couldn't hunt anymore? That wasn't his place. Well, it was but it wasn't. Jimin wouldn't listen.

"Also, a little fly on the wall reported that he plans to change how meat is rationed this coming winter. That true, Head Alpha?" Jongsoo raised a teasing eyebrow at Jeongguk who leaned back against the roof for a well-needed break, staring up at the bright blue sky.

"Whatever parasite reported to you, it's right. So, I have to kill it."

The men both on the roof and on the ground cackled.

"After all these years?" Namjoon wondered a loud.

"Apparently, he's been pushing for it for years but my father wouldn't go through with it."

"Ah, he used your moment of weakness—a broken heart—to take advantage of you and push his agenda," Jongsoo nodded.

"Ah, don't say it like that," Jeongguk laughed lightly.

Everyone snickered with him.

"Are you really over her, dude?" Giwoong sniffed as he crossed his arms.

"Couldn't tell you. I've got too much on my plate to think about her. This house, moving Chief Park and his son into it, making sure we survive another winter, ensuring the pack runs safely and smoothly." He exhaled slowly and closed his eyes. "There's just a lot."

"Yeah, and I bet your omega wouldn't like you dreaming about someone else," Namjoon pinched his side jokingly.

Jeongguk swatted his hand away and rolled his eyes. "Oh, please."

"Alpha Jeon," a soft voice called.

Jeongguk's widened and the men around made different noises of confusion and amusement. He slowly sat up and his eyes landed on Jieun.

"Could you be of help to me?"

"Ooh," the men around said as they looked away to pretend to work.

"What for?"

"My sink won't run. I would ask Rody but he's hunting."

"Ouch," Yoongi whispered as he climbed down the ladder beside Jeongguk against the house.

"There was no other alpha? Any of the ones here?"

"I don't trust them to be in my home, Alpha Jeon."

Jeongguk rubbed at his temple before waving her off. "Fine."

Jeongguk climbed down, wiped his hands clean and dry, grabbed a few tools he knew he'd need, and then walked past Jieun toward her house. Attention was on them. He greatly disliked it. He climbed the stairs and pushed the door open, heading toward the familiar kitchen. He turned the handle and nothing came from the faucet.

At least she wasn't lying. He thought as he turned the handle back.

He knelt down, opened the cabinet doors, and moved everything out from under the sink. He moved to lay down on his back and got to work. It was silent—thankfully—most of the time. Until—

"Would you like some tea?"

"No."

"Cookies?"

"No."

"Fruit?"

"No."

Jeongguk knocked against the pipe with his knuckle and then exhaled. "Could you turn the sink on for me?"

Jieun moved silently and before Jeongguk knew it, instead of standing to the side to turn the handle she stood over Jeongguk, her feet on either side of his waist.

Goddess.

Jeongguk exhaled and focused his eyes on the pipe before Jieun sighed. "Nothing."

"Alright, turn it off," Jeongguk sighed as he loosened the pipe.

He ignored the fact that she had yet to move and worked to see what was wrong with the pipe. Once he detached the pieces he sat up with a question on his lips that died when he noticed Jieun had opted to squat over his legs. They came face to face and he just stared at her and she smiled back.

"Have you been putting food down here?"

"Huh?"

"Have you been putting food down here? These pipes aren't as strong as the bathroom ones. It's clogged."

"Oh. Maybe Minho has been," Jieun giggled scratching her neck.

"Right," Jeongguk eyed her as he slid away from her and stood up.

He cleaned out the pipe and tossed the chunks into the waste bin. He walked past her and fell back on his back to reconnect the pipe. Before he could secure it he started to feel it drip.

What?

Water rushed down and splashed his chest and face.

"Shit!" Jeongguk sat up and hit his forehead on pipe. "Turn it off!"

"Oh! Sorry!"

The water stopped and Jeongguk groaned loudly before quickly securing the pipe finally. He sat up from under the sink and eyed Jieun out of his one squinted eye. She held out a towel with big eyes. He took it and wiped his face, chest, and neck dry. He stood up and checked the sink to ensure it worked and wasn't leaking.

"It's fine," Jeongguk mumbled simply as he handed the towel back and then walked toward the front door.

His tank top now stuck to him uncomfortably and he… he smelt like her.

Goddessdammit.

That towel was drowned in her scent. He tugged at his top as he jogged down the steps, everyone was looking at him. Questions and assumptions swam in their eyes. He ignored it. But Jimin was standing with a few other people, mostly betas and alphas Jeongguk had noticed. Jimin had this look in his eyes as if to make out a valid reason for Jeongguk to be exiting from that house.

"Thank you, Alpha," Jieun cooed after him.

Jimin's eyes darted to Jieun behind him though Jeongguk didn't turn around as he kept his walk away from the house. Jimin scoffed to himself with a sarcastic smirk as he turned back to the wolves around him with his arms crossed, an amused expression all over his face. What could he be thinking?

Well, he was thinking how stupid Jeongguk had to be to get caught in broad daylight the day after their mating with his ex. Especially considering they had to meet with the high priestess before she left for the temple. What was his excuse? "Oh no! We didn't have sex. I was just fixing her leaky pipes. That's why my shirt is drenched." Please. The least he could do was wait a week. Did he forget or something? Embarrassing.

Jeongguk knew he wouldn't have time to shower before hand because he didn't plan a shower in between working on the house and seeing off the priestess. He didn't plan to smell like anything but hard work. himself, and unfortunately Jimin. He joined his crew and they eyed him but said nothing. They worked in silence until the sun began to set.

"Alpha," a dry monotone voice called. Nothing like… well.

Jeongguk looked down from where he was establishing the chimney. Jimin stood with his hands on his hips and his hair pushed back.

"High Priestess Eunji is preparing for her departure. She needs to ensure we're established."

"I'll be down."

"Are we done for today?" Yoongi asked from where he was leaning against the unpainted exterior wall.

Right. Painting.

"Yeah. I'll probably be back out tomorrow but you all don't have to join."

"The sooner we get this done, the sooner I can get away from you," Giwoong teased as he lightly bumped Jeongguk once he climbed down.

Jeongguk rolled his eyes and slipped a button up shirt over his shoulders, his tank top stained here and there. He approached Jimin and an amused smile toyed at his lip, Jeongguk just couldn't tell if it was genuine or sarcastic. Once he reached him, Jimin spoke.

"You couldn't wait a a week?" he whispered tauntingly.

"Don't."

"Had to get me off you that bad, huh?"

"You don't know what you're talking about," Jeongguk scowled as he took Jimin by the elbow and pulled him along.

"Not even a full twenty-four hours and you're already sleepin' around on me," Jimin snorted.

"Nothing happened."

"Uh uh," Jimin nodded as he pulled his arm away and crossed his arms as they continued their journey to the edge of their territory.

"Hello, you two," Eunji smiled as they came into view.

"We'll talk later."

"Nothing to talk about," Jimin shrugged before rubbing under his nose. "You reek of her."

Jeongguk closed his eyes helplessly and gently rubbed over his still tender neck. Fuck.

"Hello, Priestess Eunji," Jimin bowed with a small smile. Jeongguk bowed beside him.

"I see you two have sealed your bond," she grinned.

"Yes, Priestess," Jeongguk nodded.

"Then I hope the next time I have to come here is for the honoring of your heir?"

Jeongguk nodded while Jimin forced a smile on his face.

"I suppose you both would prefer a festival instead," she laughed with a hand over her mouth. "Off I go, then!" the alpha before them nodded with a smile, holding her hands out to them. Jimin took one and Jeongguk took the other. "Goddess' Blessing."

"Goddess' Heart."

She and her assistants turned and left. They watched for a moment to ensure they were safe off of their territory. Every wolf knew attacking the High Priestess was an unforgivable act but rouges didn't adhere to etiquette or rules. Jimin was the first to turn and head back, Jeongguk followed behind him.

"Nothing happened."

"I don't care, Jeongguk. Tell that to every other wolf that'll ask you about it."

"I just fixed her sink."

Jimin paused and immediately slapped a hand over his mouth, he closed his eyes and held in his giggles. He slowly turned to Jeongguk who was watching him with a mixed expression.

"Are you serious?"

"Yes…?"

"Are you asking me?"

"No. I am serious."

"What? Did she spill water on you?"

"She turned the sink on when I was reattaching the pipe."

"That explains the shirt. What about her scent then?"

"She gave me a towel to dry off and—"

"Her scent was all over it. Huh. Well, what can you do?" Jimin shrugged. He placed his hand on Jeongguk's chest when he stepped closer and pinched his nose. "Shower when we get back. Immediately."

"Fine," Jeongguk grumbled as Jimin turned and led the way back to the Jeon residence.

How strange that the Jeon residence and Head Alpha's residence won't be one in the same necessarily. Once they got inside, they were greeted with quiet.

"Where—"

"Everyone wanted to eat with Jiyeong and I have him on a schedule so I've put him to bed already. They've all eaten already. Go shower. I'll play dotting omega and make you plate," Jimin stated indifferently as he walked into the kitchen.

Jeongguk tugged his shirts off as he walked down the hallway to the bathroom. His bedroom door was cracked and he peaked inside to see a small lump in the bed against the wall. The sheets had been changed.

Appropriate.

He snatched up some underwear and thin pants from his dresser, then he slipped into the bathroom and cleaned up quickly but thoroughly. He took his day clothes and carefully walked into his bedroom and dropped them down into their basket. He walked back to the kitchen to find Jimin setting down a plate with utensils. Jeongguk sat down and Jimin sat down a glass and then held up two glass jugs, silently asking Jeongguk which one he wanted.

"Just leave the grape. I'm fine."

Jimin sat the grab jug down, slid the cherry one back into the fridge, and then walked into the living room to begin cleaning up. The whole house was silent. Jimin managed to put the entire house on a bedtime. Or rather, the addition of Jiyeong and everyone absolutely adoring him put them on a bedtime for the night. How funny.

He watched Jimin move as he folded tiny articles of clothing and sat them in a woven basket. He'd tuck his hair behind his ear every so often before moving to something else.

"Jeongguk."

"Mm."

"Could you add a bookshelf to the house?"

Jeongguk slowly turned to look at Jimin as he stared down at something else.

"What for?"

Jimin turned to him with squinted eyes. "Books…"

"Why do I try talking to you?" Jeongguk grunted as he stood up and took his dishes to the sink after downing his drink.

"Jiyeong likes to read."

Jeongguk and Jimin stared at each other. They seem to do that a lot. Jimin was gauging his reaction. What would he say? What would he do?

"We'll see. I started planning and building this house way before you came into my life."

"Again."

Jeongguk sniffed. "Again."

"Fine." Jimin picked up the basket and began his walk down to Jeongguk's room. "I'm going to bed."

Jeongguk watched him go and decided to sit out in the living room for a moment. He came to accept there was no liking Jimin and there was no getting Jimin to like him. There was only coexisting and Jeongguk could do that just fine. It was work and duty.

Jeongguk could do that.

Jimin woke up to a feeling of warmth against his back. He slowly opened his eyes and blinked at the wall in front of him. He sucked in a breath, the kind of breath you intake when you just wake up, and then let his bleary eyes move around for a moment before looking down to see a sleeping Jiyeong pressed against his chest.

He smiled softly and smoothed his hair down and pecked his forehead. Jiyeong released out a small mewl and cuddled further into Jimin's chest. Jimin slowly sat up on his elbow and rubbed the sleep from his face. He turned around and found a large body behind him, back facing him.

Oh, he did come to bed.

Jimin hadn't expected Jeongguk to come to bed, he expected him to sleep on the couch or go somewhere else. He slowly sat up and pulled Jiyeong into his lap, holding him like a newborn pup, and then lightly poked his stomach, cheeks, and neck.

Jiyeong woke up with a giggle and curled forward and away from Jimin. He opened his eyes and clung to Jimin's neck. Jimin pecked his temple and rubbed his back.

"Good morning, Daddy," Jiyeong grinned.

"Good morning, Papa. You hungry?"

Jiyeong nodded.

"Okay, let's go cook breakfast."

They crawled down the length of the bed, avoiding disrupting Jeongguk. Jimin picked out their clothes for the day and then crept out of the room across the hallway to the bathroom. They got cleaned up and dressed and then Jimin put Jiyeong on the important mission of waking up everyone in the house except Jeongguk.

Jimin looked through fridge and pantry and cabinets, grabbing this and that, and setting them on the counter near the stove. He grabbed a few pans and baking sheets. As he washed his hands he could hear everyone coming out of their rooms.

"Good morning, Jimin," Harin smiled brightly as he tied her hair up and walked over to him.

"Good morning, Omega Harin."

"Mm," Harin shook her head. "Call me Eomma or whatever you feel comfortable with."

"Is Mother Harin alright?"

"Perfect." She patted his lower back and then moved to wash her hands as Jeonghee and Hawon walked into the kitchen, Jiyeong on Hawon's back giggling happily.

"How'd you sleep with, you know, being in that totally huge bed with that snorer?" Jeongghee grinned as he took his place at the sink to wash his hands.

"Oh, I forgot all about that," Hawon giggled. "That sounds horrible."

"You know, I noticed two nights ago but I didn't notice last night. I hadn't even realized he came to bed except when I woke up," Jimin answered honestly as he mixed the water and egg into the flour with the scallions.

"When did he go to bed? I heard him up late," Jeonghee asked as he cracked a few eggs into a bowl, beginning to mix them with some seasonings.

"No clue."

"Must've been late," Harin hummed as she sliced up some fruits.

"So, that's why the one who's normally up first isn't up right now," Hawon snickered as he turned the fish over in the pan before her.

"He's getting Head Alpha treatment," Jeonghee snorted.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Jimin turned to him amused as he flipped a finished pancake onto a plate, pulling a small piece off to feed to Jiyeong as he sat at the table reading. "Good?"

"Mhm!" Jiyeong grinned, jaws happily moving.

"Good," Jimin smiled.

"He came home, dinner was done and presented to him by his omega. He wakes up and breakfast is done and ready. Typical," Jeonghee shrugged.

"He better not get used to it," Jimin scoffed lightheartedly as he flipped over another pancake.

"The honeymoon phase lasted a day and a half," Hawon joked toward her brother who cackled in response.

Jimin and Harin shook their heads at them with small amused grins. While Jimin moved to check on the rice, he could hear Harin speaking with Jiyeong. He turned slightly and caught the end of the conversation.

"Alright then, go wake up Appa for breakfast, okay?"

"Okay!"

As Jiyeong hopped down with a huge grin and fast feet, Jimin's heart plummeted to his stomach. He felt nauseous and his grip unconsciously held the wooden spatula tighter. He swallowed roughly as he watched Jiyeong push the door open and skip in. Was that appropriate? What if Jiyeong started to call Jeongguk that? What if Jeongguk told him not to?

Jimin was going to throw up.

He turned around and focused his attention back on finishing the pancakes. Jeonghee seemed to notice his change in demeanor because he bumped him with his elbow lightly. Jimin looked at him and forced a smile but didn't say anything past that.

Down the hall, Jeongguk woke up to the feeling of a small hand shaking his head and patting his cheek. When he cracked on eye open, he paused to register the little face in front of his. He closed his eyes for a moment and then exhaled before opening them back up.

"Good morning," he mumbled out.

"Good morning!" Jiyeong squealed.

Jeongguk rolled onto his back and sat up. He rubbed at his neck and noticed the lack of Jimin.

"Where's your daddy?"

"Cooking!"

"Then what are you going in here?" Jeongguk raised an eyebrow at the pup, watching as he crawled up onto the bed and plopped down between Jeongguk's extended calves.

"To wake you up!" He cheesed, shoulders to his ears.

Jeongguk rubbed at his eyes and nodded. He picked Jiyeong up by his armpits and plopped him back down on the floor before he made the bed. As Jeongguk moved to exit the room, Jiyeong grabbed onto Jeongguk's index and middle finger. Jeongguk looked down at him but Jiyeong kept his eyes forward, waiting for Jeongguk to start walking. Jeongguk decided to take that as his cue to head out.

Jiyeong lightly pulled him along to the kitchen with a blinding grin on his face. "I got him!"

"Good job, Pup!" Jeonghee chuckled as he sat down plates, bowls, utensils, and cups around the table.

Jimin turned and held his breath as a messy-haired Jeongguk entered the kitchen with his pup gripping his fingers. Their eyes met but Jimin looked back to the dish he was washing while everyone else moved to set the table.

"Is there anything I can help with?" Jeongguk's scratchy voice rung out.

"We're done already, Sleepy Head," Hawon snorted as she patted him on the shoulder, passing him to put a juice jug down.

"Why didn't you wake me earlier?" Jeongguk groaned as he slipped his fingers from Jiyeong grip, lifted him by his armpits, and sat him down at the table.

"Ask your mate," Jeonghee teased.

"Yeah, he's the one who sent Jiyeong to wake us up," Hawon smirked as she eyed the two.

"Eomma sent Jiyeong to wake you," Jeonghee added, as he stood beside his sister with his arms crossed.

Jeongguk walked over to the sink where Jimin was drying his hands and raised his eyebrows at him, asking him what he had already stated without saying it.

"What?" Jimin mumbled, keeping his eyes downcast.

"You had to crawl over me to get out of bed. Why didn't you wake me up?"

"Is it that important? I would've gotten you up if it were important. You needed the rest considering you stayed up so late. You need your mind for our meeting." Jimin looked up at him. "Or are you going to be too busy for that?"

"With the head of the Willow pack, right?"

"Mhm," Jimin nodded as he turned to head to the dining table, Jeongguk right behind him.

They sat down, Jimin held Jiyeong on his lap since there hadn't been enough chairs they could've brought to the table. Everyone looked at the two with such awe except for Jeongguk, he sat back in his seat and ran through why they would be meeting with that pack.

"What do they want?"

"You don't know?" Jimin eyed him as he helped Jiyeong cut up his food into smaller pieces.

"No," Jeongguk squinted.

"That's because they haven't told us yet," Jimin grinned as he took a bite of his own food.

The table erupted in giggles and Jeongguk closed his eyes, releasing a low breath.

"When are they arriving?"

"Should be in an hour or so. So, no, you won't have time to work on the house," Jimin shrugged as if he had read Jeongguk's mind.

The alpha wanted to deny it; that wasn't what he was thinking at all. But he'd be lying. He gave a small snarl before eating himself. It was good. Everything was good. Except for the recently mated couple, everyone held light banter. Somewhere in Jimin's mind, Harin referring to Jeongguk as "Appa" to Jiyeong swam around; somewhere in Jeongguk's mind, the way Jiyeong seemed to comfortable and content with him swam around.

They had nothing to say, they thought they had nothing to say. All the while they were thinking about the same thing. How could they make Jiyeong comfortable throughout this entire process?

Jeongguk wasn't completely open to being Jiyeong's Dad, rather just his other parent, his father's mate. But he also couldn't be disgusted with the pup. Despite all his feelings toward his first "pup" not even being his own and all the chatter that came with that, none of that was Jiyeong's fault. It isn't his fault his biological father disappeared and it isn't his fault that his and Jimin's father made life long plans without ever telling them.

All the while, Jimin was worried about Jiyeong getting too attached. He didn't think he and Jeongguk would ever be mates, in the fluffy glittery romantic sense of the term. Therefore, Jeongguk wouldn't be his Appa either. He knew his pup was sweet and welcoming but he didn't believe Jeongguk would be receptive to him at all. And he hated that. Could Jeongguk at least be kind to his pup? That's all he really worried about.

After breakfast everyone got ready to start their days. Jeongguk sat on the couch waiting for Jimin so they could head out for the office. Harin, Jeonghee, and Hawon had already left for class or work so it was just the three wolves left. When Jimin came out with a glittery eyed Jiyeong behind him, Jeongguk stood up. Jeongguk held all their documents and Jimin held Jiyeong on his hip as they walked over to a "friend's house," Jimin had said.

The door opened and an omega appeared with dark thick hair and full lips. He was beautiful. Jeongguk remembered him as their pack's healer. He remembered his omega father quite well.

"Hey!" he greeted Jimin before bowing his head to Jeongguk. "Head Alpha Jeon."

Jeongguk nodded back as Jimin handed over Jiyeong.

"I don't know when I'll be back so if I don't get back before sunset just bring him to the house."

"The house…" Seokjin eyed with a raised eyebrow.

Jimin exhaled with his eyes closed and hands on his waist. "You know which house."

"I suppose," Seokjin hummed with a smirk as he sat Jiyeong down to run inside. "Goodbye, you two." Seokjin looked between them as he shut the door.

As they walked Jeongguk spoke. "Why isn't he in daycare with the other pups?"

"Why is that any of your business?"

"He's nearing school age. He should be used to being around people his age. Not adults."

"My pup adapts well."

"Jimin—"

"I don't trust anyone in there with my pup and I don't trust the other pups will be nice."

"What're you talking about?"

"You're acting like you're stupid or something. I'm keeping my pup safe from people messing with him just because he's mine; just because he's half-me half-unknown."

"Put him in daycare starting tomorrow."

"Are you even listening to me!?" Jimin stopped his walk in front of the stairs leading into the office, spinning around to block Jeongguk's way.

Jeongguk's face was blank, but his eyes were hard. The pinewood in his body seeping out and overpowering the honey that tended to be there, Jimin's addition of rain causing it to smell like the forest around them. "You're my mate and he's your son. He's my responsibility too. Everyone knows he's yours and, by default, now mine. No one's gonna mess with him."

Jimin searched his eyes and opened his mouth to retort but Jeongguk raised a finger to ghost over his lips.

"He'll be fine. I'll even take him myself tomorrow before I go work on the house. How will anyone get used to him if he's always locked away?"

Jimin slapped Jeongguk's hand away and sighed as he looked away. His scent smelled of wilted and wet lavender, the rain in his scent heavy and soggy. Intertwined with the sharpness of lavender was Jeongguk's honey scent. He looked back at him and begrudgingly agreed.

"Fine. Fine. But if something happens—"

"You let me handle that."

Jimin's eyes fluttered from Jeongguk's left to his right before turning on his heel and marching up the steps. They went to their separate offices and prepared for their meeting. Jeongguk picked Jimin up from his office and they walked down to the conference room together.

A few assistants led the Willow Head Alpha and his representatives to where they'd be meeting. Jeongguk and Jimin rose, greeting them all before sitting down. The two sat across from the head, Gynin Willow, and his chief, Helvin Finn.

"Alpha Willow, Chief Finn, welcome," Jimin greeted with a polite smile.

"Thank you for having us," Gynin nodded with an awkwardly huge grin.

"What is it that you wanted to discuss?" Jeongguk sat up straighter, hands interlinked on the table.

"Well, you're a large pack and full of plenty of pleasantries. What could you need? That's what we were thinking when we were thinking of a way to get you to agree to work with us. Healers and medicine."

"That's what you're offering?" Jimin hummed as he leaned forward, intrigued.

There was one healer in the pack and that was Seokjin. He came from a family of healers but he was the only child born of his parents before they passed. He hadn't really had anyone to pass it onto and they couldn't really wait until he and Taehyung had pups and those pups grew. This wasn't a bad agreement.

"Yes," Helvin nodded.

"And what from us?" Jeongguk hummed as he leaned back.

"Fish."

"Fish?" Jeongguk and Jimin bawked together.

Gynin chuckled. "We don't have any real means of water around us. We capture much of our water from the rain or neighboring packs. We ask for fish and water. We assume you can lend that much."

"We've heard that you have amazing hunters in this pack as well," Helvin grinned towards Jimin, leaning further up on the table on his elbows. "I'm sure you always have a surplus every hunting run."

Jimin blinked at him and slightly tilted his head. "Thank you, Chief Finn."

"Of course, Chief Park."

Jeongguk felt miffed. He wasn't sure why but there was some soft of itch in his bones at the way Jimin and Helvin smiled at each other.

"I think that's something we could do," Jimin nodded. "We'd just have to establish how much fish is equal to how much medicine and—"

Jeongguk knocked his knuckles on the wood table. He held his hands out with his eyebrows raised.

"We need to discuss this, Chief Park."

Jimin furrowed his eyebrows at him. "What for?" he whispered.

"Discuss it privately."

"Alpha Jeon, I—"

"Excuse us," Jeongguk bowed his head and stood, pulling Jimin up with him.

"What? Jeongguk, what?" Jimin whispered after him as they walked down the hall, a bit of ways away from the room they were in. "What is wrong with you?" Jimin bit as he snatched his hand away.

"I thought we couldn't afford to share meat before we established there was enough for us."

"Jeongguk, they want fish and water. That's not the same as wild boar or elk."

"How is it not?"

"We have easy access to fish. We have a lot of bodies of water. Plus, they're offering us something that we need. Not fucking gem stones."

"So we can afford to share?"

"Why are you being difficult? You're the Head Alpha of the Jeon pack. You should be jumping at this opportunity."

He's right. He should be. Why isn't he? What's wrong with him?

"Do you really believe in this?"

"I do."

"As much as your rationing plan?"

"Much more."

"Fine."

"Okay," Jimin nodded, eyeing Jeongguk weirdly before turning around and heading back into the conference room.

He apologized to the two men before sitting back down, Jeongguk following suit in apologizing and sitting. They worked on the contents of their agreements and whether it would be all year long or during certain seasons and when this agreement would be renewed and/pr redone.

While the Heads spoke and went over different details, Jimin and Helvin stood outside. Jimin watched his pack, watched the flow the followed and comfort they all lived in. He loved his home and he felt loved by his home for most of his life. Just the past four years its seemed like the world was against him.

He wanted to feel pretty, not like a whore. He wanted to be admired as a parent, not looked down on for being unmated. He wanted to catch an alphas eye because of his talents or being, not because of rumors people spread about him. He always had to deal with other omegas trying to bad mouth him because of his closeness to Jeongguk when they were younger, but nothing really stuck. Alphas always thought he was marvelous.

Whether he was an equal match for fighting, wrestling, or hunting; or they just thought he was beautiful and they wanted to court him. But all it took was for him to be a fool. To let his guard down around some unknown alpha he met while traveling the outskirts of their woods.

He had his precious Jiyeong and the people around him had ammo to fire at him. This time it penetrated.

Alphas still liked to look at him like he was something marvelous and tried to speak to him but for his own well-being, his son's safety, and to avoid getting that alpha in mess, he'd reject their advances. How was he supposed to know if the alpha was genuine? What if he hated Jiyeong? What if he made a fool out of Jimin all over again? At least he doesn't have to worry about that too much now.

Kind of.

"Is it true that thee best hunter in the Jeon pack is omega Chief Advisor Park Jimin?"

Jimin stood up straight, pushing away from the railing he was leaning on as Helvin came to lean his back against it beside him. He laughed a bit.

"I wouldn't say I'm the best."

"So every wolf has lied?"

Jimin laughed and shook his head. "I guess I'll just take the compliment, huh?"

"You should. You should be showered with them. Gorgeous, excellent hunter, and terrific chief of this pack. Wah, what a treasure," Helvin cooed as his eyes seemed to glitter and glaze over as he gazed at Jimin.

"There's no need to flatter me," Jimin chuckled. "You've already sealed the deal."

"No, I'm speaking for myself," Helvin hummed as he stood up straight, facing his body toward Jimin.

"If you're trying to snatch me up, I fear you're a bit too late," Jimin joked, eyes glinting with mirth.

Helvin's eyes dropped to his neck as he gnawed at his bottom lip. "I know. I hope the lucky wolf treasures you deeply. This is my third time seeing you but my first time genuinely speaking with you and I regret not stepping forward sooner."

Jimin looked up at him with wide eyes. Helvin held his eyes and smiled softly.

Oh.

He was serious. He was seriously serious. Genuinely serious.

"Oh. I—"

The door to the office building swung open and there stood Jeongguk. He looked between the two of them and then stared at the very small gap between them. He looked back at them and then stepped aside for Gynin to walk out.

"I look forward to working with you both, Head Alpha Willow and Chief Finn," Jeongguk stated evenly, bowing his head to the both of them.

"Us as well," Gynin beamed as he stepped down, beckoning Helvin to follow him.

"Hyunjin here will show you to the guest house," Jimin called after Gynin. "We hope you'll enjoy your stay," he managed to push out as his eyes stuck to Helvin's like a magnet as he walked past to follow Gynin.

Jeongguk came to step beside him, he watched at the group of foreign wolves make their way to the guest house.

"You'd better tell Seokjin about this arrangement."

Whatever trance Jimin was under, it snapped once Jeongguk spoke.

"Oh, right!" Jimin turned to rush down the stairs but Jeongguk reach out and jerked him back. "Ah-ow!" Jimin yelped as he winced, free hand coming to clap around Jeongguk's fist. "What is wrong with you!?"

"What was going on out here?"

"What are you talking about?"

"My nose works, Jimin."

Jimin didn't understand until he registered his fresh bloom scent. He pulled at Jeongguk's hand to release himself as he shook his head.

"It's not like that."

"Are you trying to embarrass me?"

"You're reading too much into it," Jimin sighed. "Besides, no one saw anything and I'm not covered in his scent."

Jeongguk dropped Jimin's arm and the omega staggered back as he rubbed his arm with a scowl. Jeongguk pinched the bridge of his nose before heading to the stairs.

"Tell everyone I'll be home late. Don't stay up."

"Didn't plan on it," Jimin mumbled as he split off away from Jeongguk, heading for Seokjin.

Jeongguk watched him go but didn't dwell on the fire under his skin, deciding to head to the house and get as much done before the sun burnt out.

Jimin was overtly conflicted with his emotions. He couldn't even name what he felt. When he reached Seokjin's home, he took a breath before knocking. The door opened and Seokjin smiled at him, holding the door open for Jimin to slip inside. On the floor, Jiyeong laid sprawled out like a star and softly snored.

"You stink," Seokjin mumbled as he stepped past him after shutting the door. "Who bit your tail?"

Jimin sighed as he gently sat down on the blanket beside Jiyeong, smoothing his hair off of his little forehead.

"I can't even ask you for advice because you love Tae."

"So, your mate did?" Seokjin teased as he dropped down on the couch in front of where Jimin and Jiyeong were.

"He's just being weird. I don't know how to explain it. I can't tell if he cares or if he's just being, well—"

"An alpha?"

"Yeah," Jimin answered exasperatedly as he turned to look at Seokjin.

"Perchance he's fighting man and wolf," Seokjin suggested with a shrug.

"Like… instinct verses reason?"

"Mhm!"

Jimin's face scrunched up in thought and confusion before turning back to look down at his sleeping babe. The house was quiet for a moment before Seokjin spoke up.

"You do remember Hoseok is hosting a bonfire for you and your mate, right?"

"Shit," Jimin grumbled.

"You forgot."

"I've got a lot on my plate, alright?"

"It's at sunset."

"Yeah, yeah."

"And everyone expects you both there."

"I don't think he even knows about."

"Tell him."

"I don't want to talk to the cretin right now."

"You've been mated for three days! What could have possibly happened?" Seokjin giggled quietly as he leaned forward on his knees.

Jimin dropped down onto his back and stared up at the ceiling. "He went to her house."

"Jieun?"

"Is that her name?" Jimin hummed noncommittally.

"Yeah, yeah, you don't like her," Seokjin rolled his eyes. "Continue on."

"Smelt like her. Everyone saw. Today, Head Alpha Willow's chief, he was being sweet to me. First during the meeting—which Jeongguk dragged me out of in the middle of it over some BS reason. Then outside when we were waiting for Jeongguk and Alpha Willow. He flipped out on me."

"Did he really?"

"I guess I'm being dramatic but he basically insinuated I was entertaining him."

"Huh."

"Yeah. Huh."

"Maybe he doesn't like you but doesn't like cheating much much more."

"You ignored that he went to her house."

"I know you don't give a damn about that."

"Fuck you," Jimin mouthed when he turned his head to look at Seokjin.

Seokjin smiled. "It's the whispering, huh."

"It's already annoying as is, but now there will be whispers that I'm such a horrible partner that the great Head Alpha Jeon is still going back to his taken-ex-lover. Yuck," Jimin gagged.

Seokjin snorted as he sat back to cross his legs. "Start kissin' him in front of everyone."

"Absolutely not. We've kissed once and I personally think that's enough."

"You're kidding me!" Seokjin snickered with a hand over his mouth.

"I'm serious," Jimin groaned as he sat up. "But that's enough about me. I came here to tell you how the deal went."

Seokjin raised an eyebrow. "What for? That isn't my line of expertise."

"This time it is. We've secured a deal to get more medicine and gain more healers."

Seokjin blinked. "What? Actually?"

Jimin nodded. "The Willow pack will be sending some of their healers and help you train some willing wolves to be healers. I suggested just inviting some to move here if they would rather live here but—"

"Our pack doesn't really like outsiders."

"Yeah," Jimin mumbled. "Well, anyway, watch my baby for a bit longer," Jimin hummed lightly as he leaned over to peck Jiyeong's forehead.

Jimin stood up and Seokjin shut the door behind him as he left. He decided to go for a run. There was no hunt and he didn't want to risk running into anyone by going to the office.

Meanwhile Jeongguk worked on the inside of the house by himself. The outside was completely finished. Now, it was just the interior and working amenities.

Jimin thought about him. Why wouldn't he? As he walked along the lake he let his thoughts wonder to how to make good out of his situation. He and Jeongguk were partners in a lot of things now. Life, raising pups, running their pack. They had to be on the same page or at least reading the same book. Right now, it seems they're reading the same author only.

Goddess help them.

Jimin didn't think Jeongguk was serious. As he washed the left over dishes from dinner, he realized how dark it was outside and how there was still no sight of Jeongguk. Everyone had gone to bed or at least to their rooms and he had put Jiyeong down for bed as well.

He sighed defeated as he dried his hands.

He wasn't even sure if Jeongguk had eaten since breakfast and it had been hours. He turned on his heel, grabbing a few large bowls and began to fill them with the dinner he and Harin made. Every wolf helped of course—best they could anyway.

"Jeongguk still isn't back?" Harin's soft voice uttered from behind him.

Jimin gently shook his head as he wrapped up the bowls and placed them into a woven basket that was hidden under the sink. He covered it with a cloth of proportion size and turned to her.

"I'm gonna take him dinner."

Harin smiled gently and held his hands in front of her. "How kind of you."

Jimin shrugged as he brought the basket to the door where he slipped on his shoes. "I hope to return with your son," he nodded as he exited, leaving a tittering Harin behind him.

His mind was mostly empty as he walked to the well–constructed house. He looked around for Jeongguk when he arrived but couldn't find him. He strained his ears and eyes and noticed a bit of light coming from inside the house. He crept up the steps and lightly pushed the door open, knocking on the doorframe.

"Alpha, it's late," Jimin mocked as he watched Jeongguk smooth the floor with sandpaper. Jeongguk looked up at him, eyes a bit red and tired, sweat beading down his chest and temples.

"What're you doing out here?"

"What are you doing out here?"

"Working. Clearly. What's your excuse?"

"Feeding you," Jimin held up the basket. "I'm assuming your lover hasn't come to bestow you a freshly baked pie or something." Jeongguk rolled his eyes and grumbled as he continued smoothing out the floor. "So, you're stuck with me and some hearty cooking."

"You didn't have to do that. I was going to come home."

"Mmm, but you didn't. So, I'm here."

Jimin walked over and dropped the basket down near him. "Don't stay out too late," Jimin hummed as he turned to leave.

"Stay," Jeongguk ordered simply as he tossed the sandpaper in a pile with a few others as he pulled back the cloth.

"I've already eaten."

"That's not why. I'm not letting you go back by yourself. You shouldn't have come here by yourself anyway, especially when it's this late."

"I can take care of myself," Jimin scoffed.

"I don't care," Jeongguk quipped as he began to tear apart the fish to sit atop his rice. "Shut the door."

Jimin stood there for a moment, debating just leaving but there was a chance Jeongguk got up and pulled him back and Jimin didn't want to fight that battle. He shut the door and leaned up against while Jeongguk ate.

"Do you want to look around?" Jeongguk mumbled as he chewed, eyes still focused on his food.

"Oh. I thought this was like supposed to be a surprise."

"Not for you."

No. Don't do that.

Jimin swallowed whatever emotion tugged at his throat and stood up. He walked around, slowly envisioning where everything would go and how he would live his life in this house. He envisioned Jiyeong running around. He could see more pups running behind him like little ducklings. He could see himself working on documents or folding clothes. Maybe even leading the little duckling line.

Jeongguk?

He wasn't really present in his vision.

Even when Jimin noticed the three empty rooms. He half-assumed it was to accommodate more pups and half-realized it was probably so each of them could have their own room. Jimin gazed into one of the rooms, words tumbled from his mouth.

"Are you going to the bonfire tomorrow night?"

"It's for us, isn't it?" Jeongguk sipped on the small glass bottle of grape-cherry juice.

"Well, yeah. But you know, I'd assume you wouldn't want to go."

"Why wouldn't I?"

Jimin shrugged. "I just didn't think you'd want to give your love the wrong impression or something."

Jeongguk grunted but didn't respond. He placed all the dishes and cloths back into the basket. Jimin exited the room and walked back over to Jeongguk, arms crossed as he looked down at his feet. Jeongguk stood up with the basket in hand and eyed Jimin was he stood in front of him.

"Are you serious about taking Jiyeong to daycare?"

"Why wouldn't I be?"

"Do you ever just answer the question?" Jimin snorted humorlessly.

Jeongguk sighed and turned off the lamp he was using. "I'm serious, Jimin."

Jeongguk walked over to the door and held it open, waiting for Jimin to walk outside. He shut the door behind him and then held his hand out to Jimin. Jimin looked down at his hand and then up at Jeongguk. Jeongguk took Jimin's hand and pulled him along.

They walked quietly for a moment but they stopped when they heard talking. Jeongguk turned his head and noticed someone walking around outside. He paused.

"Hey, it's late. Head inside," Jeongguk called as he gently tugged Jimin behind him.

Jimin looked over Jeongguk's shoulders and squinted his eyes to get a better look at them. Ah. Jieun.

"Head Alpha," Jieun cooed wetly.

Jeongguk's grip tightened for a moment around Jimin's hand before relaxing. "Head inside."

"You're gonna make her go alone?" Jimin mumbled into Jeongguk's ear behind him.

Jeongguk ignored him. Jieun spoke.

"Could I speak with you?"

"I have to take Chief Park home."

"Take her home," Jimin tugged his hand but Jeongguk held on tighter.

"Please? Just for a moment. We can even speak on the porch."

Jeongguk opened his mouth to refuse but Jimin stepped forward and set his eyes on Jieun.

"Walk with us to the Head House. He'll take you there afterward."

Jieun's eyes dropped to Jimin, something flashed in them, and then glanced back at Jeongguk. Jeongguk sighed and begrudgingly nodded.

"Fine."

Jieun smiled softly and rushed over to join them. Jeongguk turned and tugged Jimin along, clearly frustrated but Jimin could see there was something else underneath the annoyance. With the hand that held the basket, Jeongguk opened the front door and pulled Jimin inside. Jieun slipped in behind them and watched as Jeongguk sat the basket down in the kitchen, still pulling Jimin around with him.

"I'll put that away," Jimin mumbled when Jeongguk began to unpack everything. "Take her home."

"You've done enough. Go to bed. I'll do it," Jeongguk retorted.

"You've been out all day working. It's fine. Go away," Jimin waved Jeongguk off, pushing him away.

Jeongguk leaned forward, his nose digging into Jimin's temple as he turned his body away from the front door.

"Why would you do that?"

"You're Head Alpha. It's your job to ensure everyone is safe and to hear everywolf out," Jimin whispered back to him.

"Are you trying to piss me off?"

"Don't be so full of yourself," Jimin rolled his eyes as he folded up the cloths after pushing all the dishes toward the sink. "Be back soon," Jimin patted Jeongguk's chest as he turned to wash the dishes.

Jeongguk dragged a hand down his face before turning on his heel to join Jieun by the door. "Let's go."

She nodded. They walked to her house silently side-by-side. Once they reached her porch she pushed open the door and held the door open for Jeongguk.

"Say what you have to say here."

"Please. Come inside."

Jeongguk's resolve crumbled and he stepped inside, shutting the door behind him. He sat on the couch and watched as Jieun moved around her home, quiet as to not wake her younger brother. She prepared some juice and sat it on the small table in front of the couch and sat down beside Jeongguk. She took a breath.

"I just wanted to apologize."

Huh.

Right before the bonfire? After his mating? What horrible timing.

"What'd you mean?"

"For how the way things ended. I wanted to apologize. I never meant to hurt you or lose you but I never thought you'd be mine. You were the heir to our pack. You are now the leader of our pack. What would I have to give to you?"

"Jieun, please. Everything you were giving me was everything I needed. I never expected more from you. Everyone loved you. My family appreciated you. We aren't together because you called me practice. We aren't talking because you practically threw everything I gave you back into my face."

"I do love you, Jeongguk."

"You love Rody."

"And you!"

"Jieun, is that all you had to say? Honestly."

"I do want Rody, okay? Because I care for him but also because I knew I couldn't have you. I mean, look. You're mated already. Rody and I are still waiting. But I still want to have a relationship with you."

"The only reason Jimin and I are together is because you chose Rody. I can't have a relationship with you. Not intimately. That would be disrespectful to Jimin. Do you understand that? That'd be disrespectful to Rody as well."

Jieun stared at Jeongguk, her lip quivering as her eyes watered. Jeongguk's face crumbled a bit and he looked away. He stood up and rolled his shoulders.

"Don't do this anymore."

"Jeongguk—"

"Head Alpha Jeon," Jeongguk corrected once more.

Jieun watched as he exited. She stood up and shuffled to the door, watching as he walked across the grounds toward his home. She gripped the door tightly and gnawed at her lips. Her eyes downcast as she shut the door.

Once Jeongguk got inside, he sighed as he leaned against the door. He checked the kitchen and noticed it was clean and smelt nice. He walked through the quiet house and gently pushed open his bedroom door. There on the bed was a sleeping Jimin and Jiyeong. Jimin was up against the wall, Jiyeong was nestled against his chest with his face buried in his neck. Jimin's arm was like a guard around Jiyeong, his arm was parallel with Jiyeong's back and head, Jimin's hand lazily guarding the pup's head.

Jeongguk walked over to his dresser and quietly picked out a pair of pants and underwear. He walked back out to wash up. He couldn't help but think about how precious the two looked cuddled up like that. His bastard of a wolf howled in his chest at the thought of Jimin cuddled up with more of their pups. The thought made his wolf swoon.

Jeongguk reprimanded it.

He walked back into his bedroom with his dirty laundry in hand and eyes a bit heavy. He tossed his clothes into his basket and then gently dropped down onto the bed. He dragged his hands up and down his face, his wolf twirled in his chest. He hadn't shifted since his father passed because he had to be here. But he was feeling a bit restless.

He felt feather light finger tips graze against his bare back. He turned his head to look over his left shoulder, eyes finding Jimin with his eyes half opened, the hand that was guarding Jiyeong reached out slightly to touch him.

"What did she say?"

Jeongguk's eyes grazed over Jimin's face before turning to face forward again. "Don't worry about it."

He felt Jimin's fingers lift, gently touch him again, before fully withdrawing. He heard him move around a bit and then heard Jiyeong whine followed by Jimin shushing him and kissing him. Jeongguk turned his head again and noticed Jimin had turned over, putting Jiyeong between him and the wall.

Something about that bothered his wolf. A feeling similar to rejection fluttered through his veins.

Did that close Jimin off? Was he even open at all?

Jeongguk turned off his thoughts and slipped under the thin blanket, his back facing Jimin's.

Jeongguk woke up first this time. He wasn't sure why. Maybe he never truly rested. He slowly sat up and rubbed at his achy neck.

"Good morning," a little voice whispered.

Jeongguk's eyes bucked and he turned to see Jiyeong sit up with his hair going every which way.

"Good morning."

"Daddy said I am going to go to daycare today." Big eyes looked to Jeongguk for confirmation, clear unsureness swimming in them.

"You are. I'm taking you."

Jiyeong carefully crawled over Jimin and sat beside Jeongguk's legs as he tugged at the end of his sleep-shirt.

"I have never been to one," Jiyeong pouted as he twisted his shirt between his little fists.

Jeongguk faintly smiled and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. "You'll be okay. I promise."

"Will you be there too? Daddy said he won't be."

"No, I won't be there either. But you're a brave pup, aren't you?"

Jiyeong nodded timidly but then crossed his arms. "But the other kids won't play with me."

"They just need to get used to you. And you to them."

Jiyeong looked up at him with a pout. "You promise?"

"To the Goddess above."

"But what if they are mean?"

"I'll handle it. You just tell me what they said and who said it."

Jiyeong grinned, mouth full of tiny teeth. "Okay!"

"Okay," Jeongguk nodded. "Since you and your dad made breakfast yesterday, should we today?"

"Yeah!"

"Perfect. Come on."

Jeongguk swung his legs off the bed and helped Jiyeong jump down and out they went. Jeongguk pulled up a chair for Jiyeong to stand on and they cooked. No one was woken up. They worked in company of one another.

To get to Jimin, he had to work with Jiyeong. Jiyeong was a smart boy. Aware and kind. Jeongguk could see the way the pup would stall when addressing him.

"What am I supposed to call you?" Jeongguk was sure that was the question that flashed in the pup's mind whenever he had to speak to him or call for him.

"Um!" Jiyeong would call and Jeongguk would turn his attention to him. Then he would say what he needed to say.

At this rate, Jeongguk's title to little Jiyeong was "Um".

As Jiyeong (with Jeongguk's help) placed the last dish on the table, doors began to open and life boomed throughout the house. Jimin came out of Jeongguk's room with a expression Jeongguk would love to decipher if he wasn't trying to ensure Jiyeong sat with Jimin instead of him.

"Papa!" Jimin gasped as he walked over to the table and scooped Jiyeong up, peppering his face with kisses as he propped him on his hip. "Did you make all of this by yourself?"

Jiyeong squealed happily and shook his head. "He helped me!" Jiyeong giggled as he pointed at Jeongguk.

"Oh, yeah?" Jeonghee raised an eyebrow at him. "Do you even know his name?" he teased lightheartedly.

Jiyeong's ears burned a bright red and he pressed himself further against Jimin. "Um… it's…"

"Leave the pup alone," Hawon scowled as she smacked Jeonghee's arm.

"No! I know it!" Jiyeong whined as he pulled away from Jimin to stare Jeongguk down.

Jeongguk looked back at him amused, his brows raised and a small grin playing on his lips.

"Um, Head Alpha Jeon? Right?" Jiyeong turned to Jimin for confirmation.

The three at the table cooed at his puffed out cheeks while Jimin comforted him. Jeongguk knocked the table and everyone's focus turned to him while Jimin finally sat down with the pup in his lap.

"You don't have to call me that," Jeongguk told Jiyeong.

Jimin's brows furrowed, his leg bouncing anxiously under the table.

"For now, you can just call me Jeongguk."

"For now?" Jiyeong mumbled as he reached for his fork.

"Mhm. Maybe, if you want to, we can change it."

Jiyeong beamed. "Okay!"

He smells sweetly in bloom, Jeongguk thought as he gazed at Jimin who quietly ate his food behind Jiyeong.

Harin decided to take up washing everything while Jeonghee and Hawon rushed off to school since they wanted to be in good standing with their teachers in order to go to the bonfire. It was for their brother after all.

Jeongguk stood by the door with his arms crossed and eyes closed, leaning against the wall beside the door. Jiyeong came running out with a small bag bouncing against his back as he collided with Jeongguk's legs. Jimin was vibrating with anxiety, Jeongguk could tell. Jeongguk scooped Jiyeong up and held him against his chest rather than on his hip, Jiyeong squeaked about how tall he was to Jimin excitedly.

As soon as the front door shut behind them Jimin's thoughts spilled from his mouth.

"Do you swear he'll be okay?"

"Of course."

"And you swear to pick him up on time?"

"Of course."

"And keep him safe?"

"Yes, Jimin."

"What are you going to do if someone hurts him or says something rude? What—"

"It'll be handled if I hear it and it'll be handled as soon as he tells me if it happens."

"Yes, Daddy! Jeongguk said all I had to do was tell him and it will all be fine!"

Jeongguk lightly bounced Jiyeong in his arm as confirmation.

"He'll be at your family's place. It's best since my family will be at the bonfire. Your mother said she was staying in."

"Okay… okay," Jimin nodded. He leaned forward, using Jeongguk's arm as leverage, and kissed Jiyeong's cheek. "Just be yourself, Papa."

"Will do, Daddy," Jiyeong nodded determinedly.

Jimin nodded back, glanced at Jeongguk with anxious eyes, and then turned on his heel to go meet with the hunting team first, later he'd be working with Helvin to organize a schedule for healers to come and train new healers in their pack. Jeongguk would be bouncing between finishing the house—except for water and electricity but he'd need plenty of help with that—and ensuring this bonfire went by smoothly.

Sufficient food and drinks and a safe enjoyment.

People looked at Jeongguk carried Jiyeong over to the daycare center for all the pups in their pack. Needless to say, people in the Jeon pack deeply enjoyed each other. When Jeongguk stepped inside he was overwhelmed with the intense scent of milk and the many chattering voices.

The teacher in charged turned and grinned brightly.

"Head Alpha! Why, I've never seen you here before," she laughed.

Jeongguk nodded as he raised Jiyeong in a ways to bring her attention to him. "Just dropping him off. I want him to get used to being around other pups."

"Oh! Chief Park's pup! I've been wondering when he'd come play with us!" she beamed as she waved at him.

Jiyeong timidly waved back.

"My name's Teacher Yoona," she announced softly. "What's yours?"

"Jiyeong," he answered as he leaned away from Jeongguk a bit.

"Are you okay hanging out with us for a few hours?"

Jiyeong nodded. Jeongguk chuckled lightly and set him down on his feet. Jiyeong looked back at him when Yoona held her hand out toward him. Jeongguk waved him toward her.

"You'll be amazing. I'll be back soon, okay? Have fun."

Jiyeong pouted and then took Yoona's hand. "Bye-bye, Jeongguk."

"Bye-bye, Jiyeong."

Jeongguk watched him join the other pups and watched how they responded to him. One little boy walked over to him and held his hand out, Jiyeong slowly took it and then the boy pulled him to a tower of blocks he made. Swiftly, Jiyeong fell into the pureness that are innocent pups.

Jeongguk left and decided to start his hard work on the house.

He could feel that something important was coming up but he couldn't remember what. All he knew, was he needed the house done before then.

Jeongguk waited as every other pup got picked up, his eyes scanning for Jiyeong. It seemed Jiyeong was looking for him too because once their eyes met, his face lit up and he came barrelling toward Jeongguk. He slammed into his legs and rapidly rubbed his face against Jeongguk's leg as he gripped his pant leg.

Jeongguk couldn't swallow his cackle as he knelt down and snatch him up and toss him in air once. He held him over his head and smiled up at him.

"I'm assuming you had a good day, then?"

"Yes! I had so much fun! So much! I wanna come back!"

"Okay!" Jeongguk nodded with enthusiasm he tried to match with Jiyeong's. Jeongguk dropped him down onto his hip. Jiyeong happily kicked his feet and buried his face in Jeongguk's neck.

Jeongguk knew the other parents were watching him but he bowed to Yoona, thanking her, and then left the building. As Jeongguk walked and noticed everyone's eyes on him, he let out a breathe. There was still a bit of time before Jimin would head to the Park residence to see Jiyeong.

"Jiyeong?"

"Mhm!?"

"Can you shift?"

"Yeah. But I have to focus really hard."

"Have you ever gone on walks with your dad?"

"Yeah. But sometimes I just sit on his back while he walks."

"Would you like to do that with me?"

Jiyeong gasped loudly with big eyes. "Really!?"

Jeongguk nodded.

"Yes! Daddy said that alpha wolves are really huge!"

Jeongguk chuckled quietly as he walked further to the woods. When they reached a good enough area, Jeongguk sat Jiyeong down and he instructed him to not look until he told him too. Jeongguk slipped their clothes into Jiyeong's bag and then took a breath. His body began to feel a familiar burn and soon, his wolf took over. He stretched happily and shook his limbs out and aired out his coat.

Jeongguk quietly huffed through his snot and heard a high pitched bark from behind him. He turned to saw a small little pup running around in a circle, his fur was dark brown like his hair; Jeongguk's fur was pitch black like his.

Jeongguk lightly nose against Jiyeong little body and motioned for him to follow, Jiyeong's bag hung around his neck as they walked. Jeongguk kept his pace as slow as possible so Jiyeong's little legs could keep up. He happily chirped beside him, weaving between his legs and under him. Jeongguk's thin lips pulled back a few times.

Jeongguk wondered what Jimin's wolf form looked like as they walked. At some point, Jeongguk decided to give Jiyeong a rest so they laid down for a moment, Jiyeong curled into Jeongguk's huge neck and Jeongguk nosed him gently.

However, back in the back, an anxious father rushed to his family home. He threw the door open and found his mother reading on the couch. She looked up at him with wide eyes and his anxiety spiked.

"Where's Jiyeong?"

"He isn't with you?" Hyunok frowned.

"No," Jimin gritted through clenched teeth. "Why would he be with me? He's supposed to be with you!"

"I know that, that's why I assumed Alpha Jeon just took him home to you."

"No, he was supposed to bring him here to you! He told me that's what he was going to do!" Jimin stressed.

"Calm down, Love. They might be at the Jeon house or he's still at daycare."

Jimin spun on his heel and rushed downstairs. The daycare was a bit closer than the Jeon house. That's what he told himself anyway. He rushed to the door but noticed it was closed and locked, a sign stating they were closed on the door. Dread filled his chest as his legs moved, he ran across the pack grounds and flew up the steps.

He threw open the door to the Jeon house and called out for Jiyeong and Jeongguk. He threw open every door but the house was empty, just like they left it.

Jimin could cry.

He slammed the door shut behind him and ran back to his mother, tears in his eyes as he stood before his mother, chest heaving.

"They aren't anywhere where they should be, Mama! That wolf fucking took my baby, Mama!" Jimin cried as he tugged at his hair.

Hyunok stood up and shook her head. "Let's not jump to any wild conclusions. Maybe they just went shopping or for a walk."

"Oh! Hey, Min," Hyunah smiled as she stepped through the opened door, Jisu stood beside her.

"Have either of you seen Jeongguk or Jiyeong!?" he rushed out recklessly.

"Uh, no," they both shook their head with a frown.

Jimin snapped to Hyunok and his eyes watered more.

"Jimin, Honey," Hyunok frowned as she held his hand tightly in hers.

"I'm so stupid. I genuinely thought he was beginning to warm up to him. But no! He was just pretending so he could get rid of him!" Jimin sobbed as he tugged at his hair.

"Woah! What's going on!?" Jiro stepped forward with a bewildered expression.

"Yeah! What are you talking about?" Hyunah panicked as she shut the door behind her.

"Your brother believes Jeongguk did something harmful to Jiyeong because they aren't here yet," Hyunok sighed as she pulled Jimin to the couch to hold him.

"Why do you think that?" Hyunah wrapped her arms around herself anxiously.

"Because he just didn't seem to like Papa. You know, some alphas have done that. They don't want pups that aren't theirs so they'll abandon them somewhere. Oh, what if my papa is gone somewhere all by himself!" Jimin sobbed louder.

"Jimin, please!" Hyunok shouted, clearly stressing herself. "He wouldn't do that."

Just then the door opened and precious giggles filled their ears. In stepped Jeongguk with a bright eyed giggling Jiyeong in his arms, Jiyeong's bag in his other hand. Jimin shot up before Jeongguk could even fully get inside.

"Oh Goddess! Jiyeong!" Jimin shouted as he sternly pulled Jiyeong from Jeongguk's arms and held him in his arms tightly. He closed his eyes tightly and repeatedly kissed his temple.

Jeongguk furrowed his eyebrows and looked around at everyone in the room. "What's… going on?"

Jimin looked over Jiyeong with frantic hands and haggard eyes. "Are you okay, Baby?"

"I'm amazing, Daddy," Jiyeong frowned. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, yeah. I'm okay."

Jimin sighed as he sat Jiyeong down. Jimin looked up at Jeongguk and squinted at him. He snatched Jiyeong's bag from him. He handed it to Jiro and then shoved Jeongguk's chest.

"What is wrong with you!?"

"What are you talking about?"

Jimin stuck his finger in Jeongguk's face and stood toe-to-toe with him. "Don't you ever take my child again! Especially without telling me! Are you out of your mind!?"

"He was in my care, Jimin," Jeongguk unwillingly let out a confused laugh.

"I don't care! You were supposed to bring him here! Isn't that what you told me!?"

Jeongguk closed his eyes and exhaled. "Okay. You're right. That was inappropriate of me. I'm sorry. I should've told you. It was a spur of the moment."

"Spur of the moment!? Are you kidding me!? I had no idea where you were, if he was okay, if he was coming back!?"

"Why wouldn't he come back?"

"Oh, like you were the most receptive of him," Jimin scoffed as he wiped his face with the back of his sleeve.

"What are you trying to say?" Jeongguk scowled.

"Take a wild guess, Jeongguk!"

"You know what? I don't want to do this with you. Not in front of him, not in front of your family. Not right now."

"No! I was about to lose my mind if you didn't come through that door in the next second. You don't get to try and act like you're some great wolf or something! Where did you even go?"

"We went for a walk, okay?"

"You couldn't just walk around the grounds where I could find you!?"

"I wanted to shift, alright?"

"What!? You shifted around him!?"

"It was just a way to bond, Jimin. Isn't that what you want? That's what I want and I think it's best I do. Now, please, can we stop this? Stop yelling? He's—"

"You could do anything else and you chose to do something like that!?"

"Jimin."

"He's still so little and I know your wolf form is huge!"

"Jimin."

"What was going through—!?"

"Daddy!" Jiyeong cried.

Jimin stopped and snapped his head to Jiyeong. His eyes were big with unshed tears as he gripped the bottom of his shirt tightly. His little bottom lip was poked out far and he looked between them as he rocked himself side to side.

"I'm okay, Daddy. I-I had fun at daycare and Jeongguk was very careful when we walked. Y-You do not have to yell," Jiyeong sniffled as he wiped his eyes with his little fists.

Jimin gnawed at his top lip as he looked at everyone. Hyunok held a hand to her heart, Hyunah's eyes were wide with shock, Jiro seemed to be in a fight-or-flight stance, Jiyeong was trying to be a big boy and not cry, and Jeongguk just looked tired.

Jimin took a breath and shook his head, a hand coming up to touch his forehead. "I'm sorry," he whispered.

Jeongguk exhaled and lightly grabbed Jimin's arm and pulled him toward him. "Jiyeong, stay here with your halmeoni. Your dad and I will pick you up later, okay?"

"Okay," Jiyeong sniffled as he waddled over to hug the both of them and then Jeongguk pulled them out of the house.

Jeongguk slid his hand down to take Jimin's and they walked silently to the Jeon house. Jimin's feet tripped a few times as Jeongguk walked quickly, pulling him along without looking back. Once they reached the house, Jeongguk shoved the door open and dragged Jimin inside, slamming the door behind him.

Jimin didn't move from where his feet stopped when Jeongguk practically threw him inside. Jeongguk stared at his back for a moment before scoffing.

"What was that?"

"I dunno. I just…" Jimin sighed as he threw his head back with his hands over his face.

"I need you to trust me."

"Jeongguk—"

"And I need you to know I would never hurt Jiyeong. No matter what you think, or what you hear, or what you see. You listen to me. Do you understand that?"

Jimin turned to Jeongguk with an unreadable expression. He looked away and crossed his arms, teeth working his bottom lip.

"Do you understand that or do I need to say it again?" Jeongguk stressed.

"You don't get it."

"Okay, fine. I don't. Tell me then."

Jimin looked at Jeongguk out of the side of his eye and his stance shifted to something a bit more defensive. "I've never trusted anyone that wasn't blood related to me with Jiyeong. I've heard stories about alphas tossing aside pups that aren't theirs—and don't say I'm being dramatic!"

Jeongguk closed his mouth and sighed, choosing to watch Jimin instead as he moved to sit down at the dining table. Jimin stayed standing. Tears welled up in his eyes once again as he cut his eyes at him and pointed at the alpha across from him.

"I've seen how you looked at him. As if he was an outsider or as if something was wrong with him. At your father's send-off, the night we met with the high priestess before our mating, and way before that in passing."

Jeongguk looked away for a moment and Jimin scoffed.

"You can't even deny it."

"I never thought something was wrong with him."

"But you thought he was an outsider."

"And that's my poor judgment. That's something I'll have to rectify for the rest of our lives. That doesn't mean I would hurt him."

"I'm sure you felt uncomfortable having to be mated to me and gain a pup too. A pup that wasn't yours from some random alpha. I bet you worried about people talking and whispering behind your back."

Jeongguk's fists clenched and unclenched on the table. "Fine. You win."

"And what do I win?" Jimin's tired voice croaked.

"Reading me better than a scholar reads ancient texts," Jeongguk sighed as he stood up. "I'm growing to not care about any of that. Does that make you feel better?"

"How would it?"

"Because I'm putting you both first."

Jimin blinked at him. "I'll believe it when I see it," Jimin scoffed.

Jeongguk watched him turn on his heel and walk deeper into the house. He rubbed his jaw tiredly and leaned against the table.

Good Moon above.

The bonfire went off perfectly fine. People ate and danced after gifting or promising gifts to Jeongguk and Jimin. Separately, of course. They were apart most of the event.

Jeongguk watched as two alphas clung to Jimin throughout the night, one he knew was mated to Healer Seokjin, but the other? He made Jeongguk itch.

"Wow," Taehyung blinked at Jimin after he went over what went down earlier in the day and the day before.

"Do you think he'll ever stop going to her?" Jimin grumbled as he picked a piece of meat from the bone and slipped it in his mouth.

"You practically pushed him toward her last night." Taehyung rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, and I heard from some of the parents that saw him pick up Jiyeong that they looked just like father and son," Hoseok hummed as he took a swig of his alcohol.

"I've heard the same," Seokjin nodded as he wiped his hands clean.

"I don't know. I just don't think he actually cares about me. Rather he cares about how he looks and keeping everything in high standing. You know what I mean?"

"Like he's doing it to save face rather than he actually wants to?" Hoseok frowned.

"But if he keeps going to Jieun, that can't be it?" Seokjin mumbled.

"What a strange wolf," Taehyung sighed loudly in a high pitched tone.

"Chief Park."

All four hands turned to the voice and there stood Helvin Finn. Three heads snapped between their friend and the foreign alpha before them. Jimin smiled up at him.

"Hello, Chief Finn. Are you enjoying your time here?" Jimin stood up, leaving curious eyes to follow him as he pulled Helvin to another bench around the fire to sit at.

"Oh, it's wonderful. I'm going to have plenty to tell my pack when we get home!" Helvin grinned as they sat down.

Jimin laughed lightly and crossed his legs. "I assume everyone's been treating you kindly so far?"

"Well, it's only been a day and a half but yes."

Jimin grinned at him. "I'd hope they'd last that long."

"It's truly beautiful here. I'm a bit envious that you got to grow up here."

"Yeah! It's beautiful and we genuinely experience every season. I wouldn't trade it here for anything."

"I understand completely," Helvin laughed. "I'm curious to know if you're free tomorrow."

"Ugh, when am I ever free?" Jimin groaned, thought it was laced with hilarity.

"Well, if you are, I was thinking we could go to the precious cafe you have here. I think it would be nice to get to know you more. It'd be good if we could be friendly since our bosses are so business oriented."

Jimin grinned softly and nodded. "That's fine. I'd like that. I'll come by the guest house."

"Perfect," Helvin hummed.

They looked at each other and sat quietly for a moment before Helvin looked down at his lap. They sat close together and seemed to breathe in each other's scent. Eyes watched them curiously except for Seokjin, Hoseok, and Taehyung. They fully dreaded the scene before them. They didn't (fully) doubt their friend but they knew the issues that could arise from this situation.

"Could I ask something…well…insanely personal? It's okay if not, of course."

"Ask and I'll decide if I want to answer or not."

"Okay," Helvin chuckled. "In that case, I have two questions."

"Shoot."

"Are you happy with your mate?"

Jimin blinked at him. "Oh. I didn't expect…"

"No answer needed! I'm sorry. That was rude."

Jimin shook his head and laughed dryly. "Well, its no secret in this pack but my mating was arranged. So… I suppose I'm not happy necessarily. But I don't think I would've gotten mated nor been happy with an alpha if this weren't arranged."

Helvin frowned and leaned closer. "Who is it?"

Jimin sighed. "It's—"

"Chief Park," Jeongguk's voice barked as he walked over in a few big steps.

Jimin closed his eyes while Helvin looked behind Jimin with raised eyebrows.

"It's him."

Helvin's eyes widened. "What–!?"

Jeongguk's hand clasped around Jimin's arm and pulled him up. Jimin grimaced as he pulled his arm out of Jeongguk's grip.

"What is wrong with you?" Jimin hissed.

"Don't play with me," Jeongguk muttered into Jimin's ear, one hand holding Jimin's waist as he leaned his head down just a bit.

"Stop thinking of me as some whore," Jimin scowled as he turned to walk away from Jeongguk but the alpha's other hand came up to hold the other side of his waist, spinning them around and a bit away from Helvin.

"And don't make a scene either," Jeongguk grunted into Jimin's other ear now that the side he was on is more exposed to the Hut.

Jimin pulled away with his hands on Jeongguk's chest. "I'm the one making a scene? Really?" Jeongguk raised an eyebrow at him and Jimin sighed as he closed his eyes. "I can't just talk to people anymore?"

"His scent is all over you."

"So you know how I feel now, huh?"

"This is so much different."

"Whatever, Jeongguk."

"Excuse me Head Alpha Jeon but Chief Park and I were speaking," Helvin stood up with a determined expression, eyes set on the alpha a few feet away from him.

Jeongguk turned his attention to Helvin and furrowed his eyebrows. Jimin internally cringed as he tightened his grip on Jeongguk's shirt over his chest when he felt him twitch to move.

"I'm speaking with him now," Jeongguk retorted.

Great. Now there's attention on them.

"Do not be rude," Jimin whispered desperately as he clung to Jeongguk's shirt. "We need this deal. Contract or not, we need to be cordial if not friendly."

He looked back down at Jimin and then spoke to Helvin. "It'll only take a moment, Chief Finn. You will be able to continue your conversation."

Jimin's brows furrowed and he moved back slightly when Jeongguk wrapped his arms around Jimin tighter.

"What're you doing?" Jimin asked suspiciously and before he knew it he was being lifted and carried a few ways away. Jimin yelped and gasped, ears red with embarrassment as his eyes desperately searched for his friend's but they were looking everywhere but at him.

Jeongguk took them toward some trees that were near one of the cycle houses. They were for individuals or couples in multi-generational homes (uncommon but not rare) when they went into heat or rut.

Jeongguk pressed Jimin up against a tree and shoved his nose into his neck. Jimin gasped loudly, hands flying to Jeongguk's shoulders as a bomb went off inside of him. From his toes to his fingertips to his scalp, Jeongguk's scent sliced through him. His omega preened and what was left of his mind protested.

They just had a fight. Two-kind of. Now Jeongguk was scenting him stupid. Jimin's eyes glazed over and his body relaxed. Jeongguk pulled away and his eyes seemed hazy as well as he moved his hands down to grip Jimin's hips. Jimin blinked back into consciousness and they stared at each other for a moment.

"I want to have sex."

"Huh!?" Jimin choked out, brain still a bit hazy but aware enough to process that strange statement. "With who!?"

Jeongguk's top lip quirked up on both sides in disgust at the question. "You."

"Me!?"

"I want to have sex you with, Jimin. Tonight."

Jimin's eyes performed an entire circus routine across Jeongguk's face, trying to see if he was fucking with him or genuinely wanted to fuck him.

Jimin's voice unwilling jumped up five notches higher as his eyebrows raised. "You're serious?"

"Feverishly."

"I think you're just being emotional—"

"I want to fuck you. Do you want to be fucked by me?"

Jimin turned red from his hairline down to his collarbones.

"Um. You know what? Sure."

"Yeah?" Jeongguk pressed his body further against Jimin's and Jimin's body heated up.

"Yeah."

"I'm going back to the house."

"But—"

"Finish your conversation. I'll be waiting."

Jeongguk pulled away from Jimin, took his hand, and then pulled him back to the hut. He left him near his friends and then walked off toward the Jeon house. Taehyung eyed him with a smirk, Hoseok pinched his nose with a raised eyebrow, and Seokjin burst out laughing.

"What did he do to you out there?" Seokjin giggled.

"I, uh, I gotta go," Jimin scratched his eyebrow with unfocused eyes.

"Right," Taehyung snorted.

"I'm sensing ten more pups in your future."

"Shut up!" Jimin hissed as he turned on his heel to find Helvin by the drink table. He gently touched his arm and smiled. "Hey, I'm feeling a little tired so I'm gonna head home. But I'm still down for tomorrow if you are."

Helvin nodded with a small grin. "Of course I am."

"Perfect. Good night then, Chief Finn."

"Good night, Chief Park."

Jimin nodded and then walked away. He tried to be calm, normal, show no eagerness for people to guess about or for his friends to ask about. The bonfire was planned to go for another two and a half hours. Would Jeongguk take up that whole time? Jimin shivered at the thought.

Gross. He was disappointed in himself.

Once Jimin got the door open, it slammed shut behind him. He yelped and spun around and was immediately picked up. Jimin's eyes were wide as his legs locked around Jeongguk's waist as he took large steps to his bedroom. He slammed the door shut with his foot and threw him on the bed.

Jeongguk tore his shirt off as he stalked toward Jimin who pushed up against the wall, eyes following Jeongguk as he tossed his shirt on the floor and began unbuckling his pants. Jimin decided he'd be better off focusing on taking his own clothes off than watching Jeongguk undress. Jimin shimmied out of his pants and tugged off his jacket and shirt. Once he tossed them on the ground, Jeongguk was between his legs, yanking off his underwear. Jeongguk was already as bare as the day he was born.

Jeongguk manhandled Jimin onto his back and on the pillows. His hand's slipped down, one holding Jimin's right thigh open and the other sliding a finger inside of him. Jeongguk dug his nose against Jimin's scent gland as he scissored him open. Jimin turned his head away and controlled his breathing as his hands gripped the blanket underneath him. Jimin's teeth waked his bottom lip and he closed his eyes tightly, tingles shooting up from his toes through his legs and exploding in his torso.

Jeongguk's fingers left his body but Jimin didn't have much time to think about it because right after, Jeongguk's dick slowly pushed inside of him. A deep growl reverberated in the alpha's chest and Jimin's back unwillingly arched as he clutched Jeongguk's arms. His hands were on either side of Jimin's head and Jimin couldn't see—due to his eyes being closed—that Jeongguk was staring at his face the entire time.

When Jeongguk bottomed out, Jimin's body dropped against the bed with a relieved sigh slipping from his mouth. Jeongguk pulled his hips back and then snapped himself back in. Jimin gasped softly, hands finding Jeongguk's wrists as Jeongguk fucked into him roughly.

Jimin opened his eyes a bit and let out a shocked yelp when his eyes met Jeongguk's. He held his eyes for a moment but then mortification took over his body and he turned his head to look at the wall.

Curses slipped from Jimin's mouth when Jeongguk lifted one of his legs and placed it on his shoulder, allowing him to slip in further and reach deeper, fuck him harder. His hands flew down to Jeongguk's stomach, lightly pushing on it as he arched his back, eyes wide as he threw his head back. Jimin didn't know when but his other leg ended up on Jeongguk's other shoulder, allowing Jeongguk to hover over him more and drill into him.

"Look at me," Jeongguk's scratchy voice growled.

Jimin subtly shook his head as he gasped and moaned quietly, eyes screwed shut. Jeongguk's hand grabbed Jimin's face, palm under his jaw, and forced him to face him. He kept chanting for Jimin to look at him, matching with his strokes. Jimin forced his eyes open, eyes going glossy, and bottom lip caught between his teeth.

Jeongguk smirked at him, licking his canines and then slipping his thumb into Jimin's mouth, leaning closer to him so their noses were a centimeter apart. Jimin curled his tongue around Jeongguk's thumb as he held his eyes. Jeongguk slipped his thumb from Jimin's lips, eyes still attached as he slowed his hips.

Their mouths were close, breathing each other's air, Jeongguk's hand came down to press down on Jimin's lower stomach as he pulled out. Jimin's breathing was ragged as his brain zeroed in the pressure. His mouth fell open and he blinked rapidly as Jeongguk slowly pushed back in.

The pressure was something different.

Jeongguk's strokes slowed but got harder, the slap when his hips met Jimin's a lot louder. Jimin's hands flew to latch around Jeongguk's wrist and his moans got higher and longer. Jeongguk smirked arrogantly as his hooded eyes fluttered around Jimin's blissful face.

"You like it?"

"Shut. Up," Jimin struggled through as his thighs shook and his stomach clenched.

"You're close, huh?"

"Stop. Talking."

"What? Can't focus?"

Jimin opened his eyes to attempt to cut them at Jeongguk. Instead he just looked sultry.

Fuck. Jeongguk thought as he moved to lean back and hold Jimin's hips down against the bed instead, his thighs on his hips now. His hips feverishly impelled into Jimin. Jimin's eyes rolled back and his nails dug into Jeongguk's wrists. A loud uncontrollable moan shot out of Jimin's throat just as semen did the same from his dick. He gasped loudly as his body trembled, Jeongguk didn't let up. He kept pistoling his hips.

Jimin's hands moved to slap and push at Jeongguk's stomach and chest as his legs tried to snap shut around Jeongguk's waist.

"Stop! Wait wait wait! I need a second!"

"If I stop now," Jeongguk grunted, "I can't say I'll be able to stop later."

"Shit," Jimin cried as his body was pulled taut and his eyes rolled back, another rope of bodily fluid flung itself onto his stomach and chest, clearer this time.

Jeongguk growled as he finally released inside of Jimin, hips stilling roughly as his knot swelled up, locking them together. Jimin's body slowly recovered from aftershocks as Jeongguk leaned over him on his elbows.

"What if you end up pupped after this?" Jeongguk mumbled with a cocky grin.

Jimin eyed him out of the corner of his eye, head still turned away. "Shut your mouth."

Jeongguk snorted as he looked down between them, he attempted to sit up but Jimin quickly grabbed his shoulder and pulled him back into the position he was previously in. Jeongguk looked at him with a raised eyebrow and Jimin exhaled.

"Don't. Just don't move."

"Why?"

"Because you just don't. It's, like, knotting 101."

Jeongguk pursed his lips. "Right…"

"Whatever. Since we're here, I'll just ask."

"Uh uh?"

"Why did you want to have sex tonight?"

"I can't just have sex with my mate? I need a reason outside of I wanted to have sex?"

"The timing is just weird."

"How so? Everyone's outside and Jiyeong is with your mother. We have the house to ourselves. We won't be able to do this often until the house is done."

"You want to do this often!?"

"I'm an adult alpha and I'm healthy. You're my mate. Why wouldn't I want to do this often?"

"I don't know, it's just… the timing is weird to me because we just had a fight—"

"Mm, you were more so yelling at me than it was a fight."

"What about before you basically kidnapped me to scent me stupid?"

"I wouldn't call that a fight, per say…"

"Oh, shut up. You were flipping out again about Chief Finn."

Jeongguk's lips unwilling flipped into a scowl before he could hide it.

"See! What is that?" Jimin smacked Jeongguk's chest with both his eyebrows raised.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh, please," Jimin groaned as he turned his head away from Jeongguk.

"Do you not want to have sex with me?"

"I'm done talking about this."

"It's not like you can go anywhere."

"I can just ignore you."

"Mm, not if I can help it."

Jimin's squinted at him. "You're being inappropriate."

"How can you say that while I'm inside of you?"

"Because I'm not aroused anymore."

Jeongguk rolled his eyes. "We can do this all night."

"Shut up," Jimin grumbled as he shifted uncomfortably. "You're deflating, get out of me."

Jeongguk sighed but did pull out. He sat back up on his knees and Jimin shot up as well, he pushed Jeongguk's chest as he moved to get off the bed. Jeongguk grabbed his wrist and pulled him back. Jimin squawked as he nearly fell into Jeongguk and screeched when he felt teeth pull at his bare nipple. Jeongguk pulled back lightly, a devious smirk on his face as he looked up at Jimin.

"You clean up and get cleaned up. I'm gonna go bring Jiyeong home."

Jeongguk pulled away from Jimin and stood up. Jimin watched with wide eyes and his jaw dropped as Jeongguk collected some clothes and went into the bathroom. Jimin screamed into his hands before wiping off his chest with the blanket and then began cleaning up the room.

Once Jeongguk exited the bathroom, Jimin slipped in after him. The walk to the Park house was one where Jeongguk felt looser, more relaxed. The bonfire was slowing down but there were still a lot of people around. Jeongguk greeted a few people that noticed him with a head no but kept forward and focused on his task.

He knocked on the front door and it opened to reveal a bleary-eyed Hyunah.

"Where's Jiyeong?"

She pointed at the couch with a tired pout. Jeongguk stepped inside and carefully picked up the pup, slugging his bag over his shoulder. Jiyeong immediately clung to him and snuggled into Jeongguk's neck. Jeongguk bowed slightly to Hyunah and then left. He rubbed Jiyeong's back as the walked, hoping he wouldn't wake the pup. He passed by his siblings and they eyed him suspiciously, silently asking if it was safe to go home.

He quietly chuckled to himself and nodded at them as he continued his walk back to the house. When he got home and went to his bedroom he found Jimin had cleaned everything and fell asleep. He carefully put Jiyeong down despite his whines and protests. He turned around to pull his shirt off and paused when he heard Jimin speak.

He wasn't as asleep as he thought.

"Is the bonfire still lively?"

"It's beginning to die down." Jeongguk turned around and watched as Jimin moved some of Jiyeong's hair out of his face but didn't turn away.

Jeongguk waited for a moment, just watching. Eventually Jimin looked up with tired eyes.

"What're you doing?" he croaked.

He wasn't turning. He was just resting his arm across Jiyeong's chest as the small pup unconsciously turned his face toward him. Jeongguk subtly swallowed.

"Nothing."

He got into bed and laid there for a moment, wondering if his wolf was being teased. But no. Jimin didn't move. In fact, he seemed to fall asleep faster than he had any other night. Jiyeong stretched out and grabbed Jeongguk's arm so he moved closer. Jimin didn't respond or react, his arm around Jiyeong simply relaxed a bit more.

If Jeongguk fell asleep with a small grin, he wouldn't tell anyone that.

"What are your plans for today?" Jeongguk asked toward Jimin as he buckled his pants.

Jimin looked up from where he was filling Jiyeong's bag and furrowed his eyebrows. "You have quite literally never asked me that outside of business inquires."

"I can't wonder about your day?"

"Not when I think you have alternative motives."

Jeongguk snorted.

"What? Are you not busy with the house?" Jimin grumbled as he tied up Jiyeong's bag and stood up.

"No."

"What?"

"I finished it."

Jimin's eyes widened as he stopped, taking in Jeongguk as he smoothed down his shirt. "You… finished it?"

"Mhm."

"As in, it's ready to move into?"

"Yes."

"Oh. I thought—"

"I've been working on it for a year and a half now. It's not like I just started."

"Oh. Yeah. You're right. Then were you asking because you wanted to start moving things inside?"

"Oh, no, not at all. I'll do that with myself and with some help."

Jimin raised an eyebrow. "Then why?"

Jeongguk eyed Jimin with a small scowl. "You know why."

"No, Jeongguk, I don't. I'm going to just spend some time with some friends and probably get some paper work done."

"Uh huh."

Jimin rolled his eyes and shoved Jiyeong's bag against Jeongguk's chest. "I don't have time for your mood swings."

"Mood swings?" Jeongguk grunted but Jimin had already left the room.

He followed after him but he had already said his goodbyes and was heading out the door. He took large steps to the door and watched as Jimin walked off. His feet itched to follow him but he had work to do so he decided against it. He snatched up a bright-eyed Jiyeong, dropped him off at daycare, and then decided to start with packing and transferring the things from the Park house to the new house.

When the door opened to reveal Hyunok, memories of when he had arrived yesterday flooded his mind. He had questions.

"I'm here for a few reasons, Omega Hyunok."

She grinned. "Do come in then, Alpha Jeon."

Jeongguk stepped inside and Hyunok shut the door after him and pointed him toward the couch while she prepared some tea.

"What's going on?" Hyunok hummed.

"Well, my main reason is I'm here to start packing up Jimin and Jiyeong's things. But when I got here I," Jeongguk made a subtle motion with his hands, "remembered what happened here yesterday."

"Ah," Hyunok nodded as he sat a cup down in front of Jeongguk and then sat across from him.

"Do you know about Jiyeong's other father? Or why Jimin would think I would abandon him?"

Hyunok lightly scratched her eyebrow as she cringed. "I don't know if this is something I should be telling you."

"Jimin won't tell me, Omega Hyunok. I'm just trying to understand."

"Well, honestly, only he knows who this alpha is."

"What?" Jeongguk's face twisted as he sat back. "You've never met him?"

Hyunok shook her head. "Jimin met him when he was going for a walk near the outskirts of our territory. They just started talking and I suppose, he began to court him. That's what Jimin says at least."

"How long?"

"A year at most."

"So," Jeongguk frowned. "He got pregnant within the time it took to get to know him? He was courting him, impregnated him, and then abandoned him?"

Hyunok nodded with a frown.

"Omega Hyunok… are you sure it wasn't—?"

"Jimin swears it was consensual just irresponsible."

"I have a hard time believing that," Jeongguk gnawed at the side of his bottom lip.

"I know, Dear," Hyunok sighed. "I do too."

Jeongguk sighed as he stood up. "I won't ask him. If he wants to tell me, he will."

"Of course."

"Is it alright if a few of my friends come in here to help me move everything?"

"Of course, Alpha Jeon."

Jeongguk nodded. "Thank you, Omega Hyunok."

"You know," Hyunok called as Jeongguk moved to find Jimin's old room. He turned to her. "You can always call me Mama, if you're comfortable with that."

Jeongguk thought about it for a moment and then nodded. "We're family now. You can just call me Jeongguk, Mama Hyunok."

"Alright," Hyunok smiled at him before collecting the cups while Jeongguk continued to the rooms. He found Jimin's easily, it had the most stuff in it.

He easily began packing up everything. Folding shirts and pants, tucking them in baskets and boxes. Jeongguk eyed the dressers and bed, noting that he'd be bringing some of his own dressers and his bed as well. Just the two would work, that way he wouldn't have to build or purchase a new one. He didn't think it'd fit out the door so he'd have to disassemble and reassemble everything anyway.

He started off taking two big baskets out of the house, he'd collect Namjoon, Yoongi, and Giwoong when he went back so that they could move the stuff in his house and the beds and dressers. He greeted people as he walked by but focused on the task at hand.

Meanwhile, Jimin sat across from Helvin and listened as he animatedly told a story about a hunting journey he had gone on and how he was sure Jimin had never experienced something like that before.

"Well, have you?"

Jimin shook his head with a giggle, his nose scrunched up in amusement. "I'm quite skilled remember?"

"So you've tackled a bear!?" Helvin gasped over his lemonade.

"Well not by myself, of course! I work in teams. Come on," Jimin teased as he raised his shoulders.

Helvin clicked his tongue. "You've got a point there."

Jimin hummed as he took a sip of his coffee. He sighed internally. Thank Goddess for trade.

"I'm really glad you agreed to meet with me since we leave in a two days and all."

"Of course. It's nice to talk to someone I haven't grown up with and it's nice to talk about things other than work," Jimin snorted, Helvin grinned.

"Maybe we should write."

"And occasionally meet."

"I'd like that."

"I would as well."

"Chief Park," a low voice called.

Jimin looked away from Helvin and his eyes found a familiar dimple-faced alpha. He couldn't remember his name but he recalled he was a Kim. Jimin bowed his head in greeting.

"Hello."

"Sorry to interrupt you too but I heard your new house is all done and ready to be lived in!"

"You know? I just found out this morning."

"Well," the alpha shrugged, "alpha eyes are good eyes."

"True," Helvin shrugged.

Jimin rolled his eyes. "All eyes are good eyes."

"Also true," Helvin nodded.

Jimin looked at him and chuckled. The alpha looked between them, his smile seemed to be painted on. He clapped and nodded at them. "Then I'll leave you two alone. Oh, and I hope you've enjoyed your stay Chief Finn."

"I have, thank you very much."

The alpha nodded to them once more and then left the cafe. Something about it made Jimin feel off, he couldn't help but shiver for some reason. He blinked back into the present and sighed as he rolled his shoulders.

"Well, Chief Finn, I've got some other appointments and some papers to go over, so…"

"Oh, of course."

Helvin stood up and Jimin rolled. They walked outside and Helvin offered to walk him to the office. They talked some more as they walked, laughing at simple jokes or lively stories, once they reached the stairs of the office, Jimin waved goodbye to Helvin. He stood at the steps and watched him go. His eyes caught on to two other pairs as he looked over the scenery before him.

Jieun and some other alpha. Jimin blinked at the alpha who seemed to be debating something in his head and rolled his eyes at the way Jieun cut her eyes at him. He was going to handle some paper quickly and then head to the Healer House since that's where Taehyung spent most of his time.

Seokjin worked there, and Taehyung was obsessed with his mate so he always went there, and Hoseok had hung out with him and Taehyung since they were little kids—being just a year older than them—so he clung to them just the same. His walk to the Healer House was okay, just eyes on him. Eyes have always been on him but these ones were different. He wasn't used to them.

He all but threw himself inside of the HH and slammed the door behind him. He found Seokjin mixing some pastes with Taehyung laying in his lap while Hoseok was forced on bandage and gauze duty.

"There's our newly appointed Head Omega!" Taehyung hollered with a devious grin.

Jimin physically cringed. "Do not call me that. That's disgusting."

"That's what you are," Seokjin hummed as he slipped the thick light purple paste into a big jar filled with the same colored paste.

"Whatever."

"Yeah, and did he remind you of that last night or were we being nasty?" Hoseok grinned cheekily as he wiggled his eyebrows.

Jimin closed his eyes and raised his furrowed brows, red tinged his cheeks and the back of his neck. "You all… were not being… nasty," Jimin forced out through gritted teeth.

All three gasped. Seokjin turned away from his mortar and pestle, Taehyung shot up from Seokjin's lap, and Hoseok damn near dropped his gauze.

"What!?"

Jimin covered his ears and sunk the ground beside Hoseok. "I'm so embarrassed."

"What for!? That's your mate. It's amazing he wants to hit it," Taehyung cackled.

"I felt too easy!"

"Well, don't be shy. Tell us what happened," Seokjin puckered his lips and wiggled his eyebrows.

"Ugh," Jimin groaned as he jammed his head into his knees for a moment. He raised his head up and covered his eyes, letting his mouth peak between his palms. "After he pulled me away he scented me like crazy, and then after that he said 'I want to have sex' and I was like what the fuck, right? But then… but then he said he wanted to fuck me and asked if I wanted to get fucked," Jimin mumbled, his entire body burning hot.

Taehyung smacked the ground as he hollered, Seokjin placed a hand over his mouth as he looked at him with wide eyes, while Hoseok's jaw was just dropped.

"He said that!? Mr. Stoic said that!?" Taehyung wheezed.

"And you said yes? Just like that?" Seokjin whispered scandalously.

"The sex is good, okay?" Jimin threw his arms up. "I was going to try and fight it but what's the point. It's really good and I… uh… yeah."

"And you what?" Hoseok eyed him suspiciously.

"Nothing," Jimin mumbled.

"No way," Taehyung snorted. "You've seen my asshole, you've seen Hoseok in rut, and you literally cleaned up Jinnie's slick before. There isn't anything too much. Say it."

Jimin groaned loudly into his hands for a long while before looking up at all his friends as they all waited patiently for him to speak. He looked down at his hands and spat it out.

"And I always finish first."

The room erupted as Hoseok started to shake him while Taehyung shoved his other arm.

"So, he's good with it," Seokjin smirked.

"Okay!" Jimin whined. "No more. That's enough. I don't think we'll be doing it much more except for when we have to for pups."

"That's what you think," Taehyung teased.

"I can't stand you wolves," Jimin growled. Everyone laughed and went back to their projects except for Taehyung who moved to sit next to Jimin.

"He finished the house. He told me this morning."

"Congratulations!" Everyone cheered.

Jimin smiled softly and nodded. "And my damn omega won't stop telling me to present myself to him," Jimin damn near cried out of sheer mortification.

"Well, you might as well," Hoseok shrugged.

"The house wasn't even meant for me! It never was. There's no reason my brain should be screeching for me to let him breed and pup me. Instincts are a bitch," Jimin scowled as he crossed his arms.

"I heard in one of those alpha circles that he rearranged some things and added others to accommodate for you and Jiyeong," Taehyung hummed as he took a few jars Seokjin had finished and moved them to a secure shelf.

"Oh, yeah? Like what?" Jimin rolled his eyes.

"Another bedroom. Two bathrooms instead of the original one. A bookshelf—."

Jimin's eyes snapped to Taehyung. "He made the bookshelf?" Jimin whispered.

Taehyung's eyes widened. "Oh no. Was that supposed to be a surprise?" Taehyung cringed.

"Tae!" Seokjin and Hoseok scolded.

"I didn't know!"

"No, no. It's just. I asked him if he could for Jiyeong but he said everything but yes. So, I just thought…" Jimin gnawed at his lips and shrugged. "I thought he wouldn't."

"That's sweet," Hoseok hummed with a knowing grin.

"He still has time to be evil, Hobi. Don't get cocky. You didn't even bet anything."

"Because unlike you, I'm not gonna bet on someone else's future," Hoseok frowned disapprovingly.

"Alright, don't make me seem like an asshole," Taehyung grumbled as he mushed Hoseok's face.

Hoseok slapped his hand away and stuck his tongue out at him. Jimin watched them with a soft smile and exhaled contently. Good things always follow bad.

Bad things also always follow good.

Jimin immediately perked up.

"Hey, Hobi, Tae, do you two know any of the alphas that hang around Jeongguk?"

"Uh, kind of," Taehyung shrugged.

"For the most part. Not personally. Why?"

"I just have this feeling I ran into some alphas that talk to him."

"Why do you think that?"

"There's this tall alpha, dimples, fantasy-like eyes, smooth low voice. He mentioned the house being done. But Jeongguk just told me this morning. So…"

"That sounds like Namjoon," Hoseok cringed.

"Yeah, he's real close with Jeongguk," Taehyung nodded as he brought back a clean mortar and pestle for Seokjin.

"Oh shit. Fuck fuck," Jimin groaned as he slammed his head into his knees. "What about a shorter alpha, feline features, hands stained black."

"That's definitely Yoongi," Hoseok sighed.

"Also very close with Jeongguk," Taehyung added.

"Oh, I'm so fucked!" Jimin shot up and pulled at his hair.

"What for? Why?" Seokjin frowned with wide eyes.

"They both saw me with Chief Finn!"

"Were you kissing him or something!?" Taehyung barked with furrowed eyebrows.

"No! Of course not! We just went to a cafe and talked and then he walked me to the office so I could get some paperwork done."

"What's the big deal then?" Seokjin shrugged.

"Oh, come on, Jin. You're mated yourself. And we saw and heard what happened last time Jimin cozied up with Chief Finn and Alpha Jeon was around."

"Ooh," Seokjin cringed.

"They're gonna tell him. They're gonna tell him and he's gonna go all alpha-mate on me," Jimin cried and groaned as he threw his head back in despair. "How do you handle this, Jin!?"

"He isn't always like that. Only around his rut. Besides, our relationship also isn't new and was born out of love."

"Will my doom grow out of this?" Jimin whined.

Seokjin snorted. "I guess time will tell."

"Nooo!" Jimin cried with his hands over his eyes.

Far off, four alphas worked on the house. All of their moveable things had been moved inside. The beds were taken apart and carried to the house and rebuilt inside their rooms. Jeongguk internally beamed with pride at how much he had gotten done, having bought some other furniture as well—raiding both mothers' kitchens to take the food to his own home. His alpha howled in the hopes that Jimin would like it. Especially the bookshelf he filled with different children's books and genres he found Jimin liked.

He may have said the bookshelf was for Jiyeong, but it was definitely for him too.

"Alright you two, you're stinkin' up the place and you're both so antsy. What's going on?" Jeongguk sighed as he sat down his screwdriver, holding the leg of Jiyeong's bed in place as he looked at the two.

Giwoong looked between the three with a raised eyebrow. Namjoon and Yoongi looked at each other before looking at Jeongguk and shaking their heads.

"Come on!" Jeongguk snorted. "It's clearly bothering you both. Just say it."

"Later," Yoongi chirped.

Giwoong shook his head and sighed. "It's alright. I know when I'm not wanted. I'll just bring the pieces of Jeongguk's bed."

Jeongguk laughed and thanked him as he left the room. He got back to work while the other two alphas waited for the front door to shut before speaking.

"I saw Jimin with Helvin at Momo's," Namjoon blurted.

"I also saw them at the office," Yoongi exhaled, out of breath like holding that in nearly killed him.

Jeongguk blinked at them and tightened his hold on his screwdriver. "When?"

"This morning," Namjoon answered.

"Before I met up with you," Yoongi followed.

Jeongguk's nose flared as he pinched the bridge of his nose. An annoyance and frustration bubbled dangerously in his chest. Instead of bile, venom burned his throat.

"So that's why he didn't want to tell me what his plans were this morning," Jeongguk scoffed. He looked up at his friends. "Thank you for telling me."

"They just looked a little friendly," Yoongi frowned.

"Well, a lotta friendly in my case," Namjoon mumbled.

Yoongi elbowed him. Jeongguk worked his jaw.

"I'll handle it."

"How different can it be from when I last saw it?"

"Well, it was empty, without water, and without power when you saw it so," Hyunah giggled as she helped guide him inside of the house.

"Yeah. Okay," Jimin snorted.

"Can we open now!?" Jiyeong whined.

"Almost!" Jeonghee assured.

"Alright. Open," Jeongguk approved.

Jimin and Jiyeong blinked a few times to get used to the light before everything began to come into view. It was precious. Jiyeong squealed and ran to Jeongguk, Jeongguk picked him up with a wide smile. Jimin took everything in.

To the right, the kitchen. A large kitchen with enough space to fit the dining table comfortably and still walk around and cook and clean freely. To the left was the living space, a gorgeous and tall—a bit shorter than Jeongguk—book case. Filled with books he and Jiyeong have read thousands of times and new books. Beautifully organized by that factor and by color. Jimin stepped further into the house and noticed how spacious it was. Across from the front door was the back door. A beautiful view Jimin was sure. The house then split into two hallways. One side had a bathroom, a full bedroom and a half bedroom (nursery?), and a closet, the other had another bathroom and two bedrooms.

One of the bedrooms at the end of the hall to the left was empty. Jimin's brows furrowed as he turned to find Jeongguk walking toward him.

"Why is this one empty? There are three rooms and three of us. Are you really putting me with Jiyeong? He's going to get too old for that."

Jeongguk smirked a sleazy smirk, the kind of smirk that makes you feel like the owner of it is planning something. He placed a hand on Jimin's hip and pressed his chin into Jimin's shoulder and whispered in his ear.

"Mm mm. You're sleepin' with me."

Jimin shivered and quickly side stepped him, aggressively rubbing on his neck as his ears burned. Jeongguk watched him and crossed his arms.

"This is for our pups. This whole section of the house is for the pups. Down the hall is for us and when the pups are newborns."

Away… from the pups…

Jimin flushed even redder and stomped past him. "It's beautiful!" he forced out, hoping his voice didn't crack. "Why don't you all stay for one night? Just because us all being away will take some getting used to."

All the siblings and both mothers agreed. Jimin could feel Jeongguk's eyes burning a hole in his head. He knew Jimin knew he knew about Helvin. Jimin just needed to buy some time.

They cooked and ate and played games. Jiyeong was out first. Kindly put to bed in his new room all by himself. Hyunok agreed to sleep in there in case he got scared. Harin joined them.

Jimin tried to keep energy high to keep everyone as awake as possible, anxiety filling him whenever someone hinted at wanting to go to bed. But he could only hold out for so long. Eventually all of the younger siblings got ready to fall asleep and that left Jimin to be dragged into his new room by the wrist by Jeongguk.

Once the door shut and locked, Jimin felt his legs shake. If he was bedded, something in him told him he might leave that room pregnant. And who knows how Jeongguk would be then! He wanted alpha attention but this was getting insane. What if he became insatiable or some animal or worse… easy.

Jeongguk could throw him a small bone and he'd present himself.

NO! He had to get out of this with his underwear in place.

But the way Jeongguk was looking at him as he leaned across the door with his arms crossed made him want to rip them off himself.

Fuck.

"We need to talk."

"Oh, really? What about, Dear Alpha?" Jimin batted his eyes lashes as he kept his distance from Jeongguk and from the bed.

"You know exactly what about."

"Ehh," Jimin shrugged.

"Don't play with me, Omega."

Oh no.

"It was just coffee, lemonade, and discussion. It wasn't—oh, why are you walking closer to me?" Jimin gulped as he took steps back away from Jeongguk as he stalked toward him.

"He likes you and you know he likes you."

"Y-yeah, I suppose but—"

"And you know I don't like that."

"Jeongguk, let's be reasonable here."

"Why do you keep riling me up?"

Trapped.

Jimin was trapped between his dresser and Jeongguk. Jeongguk put his hands either side of Jimin's hips on top of the dresser. Jimin gulped and looked between Jeongguk's left and right eye, fierce and boiling. He could feel slick slipping from him and if he didn't stop it, Jeongguk would smell it and Jeongguk would know. He could probably smell it in his scent anyway.

"It's not on purpose. He's just a friend. I can't make alpha friends?"

"Do all your alpha friends want to scent you? Mate you? Fuck you?"

Oh no!

Jimin's knees knocked together and he found himself shrinking under Jeongguk, head a little light due to his pheromones.

"No! No, Jeongguk, come on. Our families are here. And—"

"His scent is sticking to your clothes."

It is.

"I'll just change."

"No."

Jimin has accepted his fate. He wasn't getting out of this because he no longer wanted to. He was overly aroused and he was slightly disappointed that the most aroused he has ever been in his life has been with Jeongguk and when Jeongguk was upset or—dare he say—possessive. Maybe even jealous.

"Are you angry?" Jimin pushed up against Jeongguk, lips parted and eyes hooded.

"Something like that," Jeongguk growled.

Jimin draped his arms over Jeongguk's shoulders and brought his lips close to Jeongguk's. "Do you want to fuck it out on me?"

That sleazy smirk found its way back onto Jeongguk's lips. "I thought our families were here."

"Well, you big puppy. You seem to have to hump your anger away."

"I'm not angry."

"Don't lie. Just fuck me."

"I'm starting to think you hang around him so I'll fuck you."

"Don't think so highly of yourself. I just think you can't control your friend."

Jeongguk dived down to suck and bite at Jimin's neck. Jimin choked out a nasally noise as his arms wrapped around Jeongguk's back. His eyes fell onto the door, making sure it was locked, as he felt Jeongguk roughly unbutton his pants. His bottom half was made bear and Jeongguk's big hand slid between his slicked up thighs, finger teasing his hole, while his other hand gripped Jimin's hip.

Jeongguk spread his legs, the hand on his hip sliding down to hold his legs open by his thigh. He nipped at Jimin's collarbones as he quickly fingered him. Jimin moaned lightly and airily into Jeongguk's ear as he held onto him tightly. The lewd noises pushed Jeongguk forward, making him quicken his fingers and attack Jimin's scent gland, filling the omega with as much of his scent as possible.

Jimin chanted curses as his legs began to quiver and the sound of his slick meeting Jeongguk's pistoling filled his ears, making him feel hotter and hotter. He pulled at Jeongguk's ear with his teeth, begging him to fuck him before he came.

He didn't verbally say any of that. He'd walk into the lake and stay at the bottom forever if he did. But Jeongguk got the point because he tugged off his pants and spun Jimin around. As Jeongguk slid his hot and heavy cock between Jimin's wet ass, he paused. He gripped Jeongguk's wrists and turned his head, nose brushing against Jeongguk's cheek.

"Don't knot me."

Jeongguk growled.

"Come on," Jimin laughed with a lazy grin. "It'd be uncomfortable standing up."

"We can move to the bed."

"I want to shower after." Jeongguk snarled at that and Jimin licked Jeongguk's lips in response. "Join me."

"Okay," Jeongguk answered breathlessly as he gripped Jimin's hips tightly, pushing himself inside.

Jimin's head fell back on Jeongguk's shoulder and his mouth fell open, soft strangled sounds slipped out but he otherwise kept it down. Jeongguk licked and sucked on Jimin's shoulders as he began to fuck into him. Jeongguk grunted and moaned into Jimin's ear as he moved his hips rapidly, Jimin clung to Jeongguk's arms as his back arched. He unconsciously got onto his tip-toes as Jeongguk wrapped his arms around Jimin's upper body.

When Jeongguk let go of him to hold his hips instead, Jimin fell forward and braced himself with the dresser. He dropped his head down as his body jerked forward with the force Jeongguk's body met Jimin's with. He closed his eyes and he couldn't shut his mouth as every part of his body tingled. Jeongguk's mind was on fire and he could only focus on wanting to pup Jimin.

Not being able to knot him irritated him irrationally. He wanted to knot him, fill him up to the brim, rub his hand over his swollen belly, and then inhale his scent as it changed.

He thrust into Jimin harder.

Jimin fell onto his elbows to moan into his arm. He couldn't quiet down as Jeongguk kept brushing against that soft bundle of nerves. His eyes began to water and his lower belly began to tighten and burn. His dick ached and he had half a mind to give himself some relief. But before he could reach down, Jeongguk's hand wrapped around him and jerked him in pace with his strokes.

Jimin gasped out loudly and slapped a hand over his mouth as a high moan ripped through his throat. His eyes rolled back and his hips jerked and shook, trying to keep up and meet Jeongguk's hips and hands. He shot up on his hands and threw his hands back.

"I'm about to cum, Jeongguk. I am. I am. I'm gonna cum," Jimin chanted as his hips jerked hungrily.

He hoped to Goddess above that Jeongguk was the same because he was about to lose his mind. He squeezed his eyes tight as he felt himself release all over Jeongguk's hand. He wheezed and gasped, body curling forward as he sucked his stomach in, trying to stay standing as Jeongguk's hips didn't stop. His hand shot back as he leaned forward on his stomach to slap Jeongguk's hip.

"Fuck! Fuck! Wait! Slow down!" Jimin gasped out, mortified at the way the dresser scrapped against the floor. Had it been doing that the whole time? How embarrassing!

Jeongguk chanted some apologies as he continued to twirl his hips before pulling out, lifting the back of Jimin's shirt as he grunted and groaned, and then Jimin felt a thick substance coat his back. Jimin caught his breath and took notice of the way Jeongguk's hands still held onto his waist. He slowly sat up and groaned at the ache in his hips.

"Shower," Jimin mumbled as he turned around. Jeongguk's eyes were foggy.

"One more time."

"You aren't tired!?" Jimin screeched as Jeongguk crowded him and lifted him up onto the dressing, spreading his legs again, Jimin's hands slapped onto his shoulders.

"I can't calm down," Jeongguk rasped. "Just one more time."

"Maybe you just need to sleep—"

"Need this off," Jeongguk seethed as he pulled off Jimin's shirt and then grabbed his left thigh, holding it up and open.

Jimin looked down and Jeongguk looked as if he hadn't finished on his back at all. He guided himself into Jimin and Jimin let out a shaky breath. His pace was relentless. The dresser creaked and screamed under the rough movement and Jimin had to clamp a hand over his mouth while the other dug its nails into Jeongguk's shoulder.

He was fucking him like he hated his guts and it felt so good. Jimin felt himself get wetter and wetter and he was beyond appalled.

Jeongguk's mind was filled with Jimin with Helvin. Did he laugh with him? Did he touch him? Did Helvin smell as much of Jimin as Jimin smelt of him? Did Helvin look at his lips? Lips Jeongguk has only kissed once. He seemed to rile himself up more and his grip on Jimin's thighs became bruising. He wanted to mark him up and drown him in his scent. He needed to.

The one thing they made him finally calm down and release on Jimin's belly, was the fact that Helvin wouldn't get Jimin like this. Jimin smelt purely of him, his scent smothered by Jeongguk's, and his semen stuck to his skin. Jeongguk licked up from Jimin's collarbone to his scent gland and nibbled on the flesh there for a moment before stepping back.

Jimin looked up at him from where he had dropped his head, his body shook and his breathing was haggard. He was a mess. The alpha's semen mixed with his slick between his thighs, and their semen both mixed on Jimin's stomach.

"Are you done?" Jimin mumbled as he slowly closed his legs.

Jeongguk licked his teeth and nodded as he helped Jimin down. Jimin reached for his shirt on the ground but Jeongguk growled and kicked it away while pulling Jimin back.

"No," Jeongguk sneered.

Jimin sighed and then snatched up Jeongguk's shirt, using it to clean off his body as best he could before tossing it near the laundry basket. Jeongguk kicked the rest of their stuff over there as well. They wrapped themselves with some blankets and then sneaked across the hall to the bathroom.

They showered together and Jimin found himself slapping away Jeongguk's hands more times than he'd like. Mostly because he wanted him to touch him but he didn't want to have sex in the bathroom, not when their siblings were right across the wall. No matter how many times Jeongguk swore the walls were thick (he tested them) Jimin refused.

They dressed and laid in bed. Jimin fell asleep almost immediately while Jeongguk stayed up and stared at him, head propped up on his hand on his elbow. He took in Jimin's features and let his mind wonder to their feature. He then dropped down onto his pillow and invaded Jimin's space, pressing up against him. Jimin just huffed but didn't shove him away. Then, Jeongguk fell asleep himself.

Harin and Hyunok prepared breakfast the next morning. Everyone sat around the table or on the floor in the living space and ate. The house was lively and Jeongguk watched his siblings to see if they caught anything. They didn't look horrified or traumatized so he was assured that he knew a thing or two about the walls he built. As everyone got ready to leave, Jeongguk pulled Jimin to the side.

"Are you up for another night?"

Jimin's ears burned red and he smacked Jeongguk's chest. "What is your problem!?"

Jeongguk crossed his arms and scoffed. "Don't play with me, Chief Park. Come home smelling like that wolf one more time, I swear."

"Okay!" Jimin hissed. "I get it," he huffed. "I'm just going to Seokjin's and then hunting. If you must know."

"Yeah. Sure."

Jimin scowled and turned away, taking Jiyeong's hand and rushing off. Jeongguk watched him go, still uneasy even though he knows he scented Jimin like crazy when they woke up in bed that morning. He swallowed his tongue and decided to focus on work. He had already established whatever-that-was with Jimin, so he decided to do his rounds throughout the pack.

Especially for the new parents and elderly.

The next couple of weeks went by smoothly. Jimin and Jeongguk saw Gynin and Helvin off, the pack stacked up and stored food for winter, mentally preparing to ration come fall. The Head Alpha house fell into a rhythm and schedule. Jiyeong didn't adapt to the new house well for the first four nights, always sneaking into his parents' bedroom when he couldn't sleep.

The couple always welcomed him, especially since Jeongguk was able to control himself a bit better due to Helvin being gone. Jieun still hovered around them but Jeongguk was so busy making sure Jimin smelt just like him and wasn't entertaining any other alpha, he hadn't noticed.

As summer began to warm the grass and burn unprotected crops, Jeongguk came to understand why other alphas around Jimin—and Jimin entertaining him—irritated him so much and why he had such a reaction to it. He was in prerut. His rut was right around the corner and he could feel the urge to devour (and savor) Jimin whole. It burned under his skin hotter but he could control it better due to Jimin not smiling in some other alpha's face.

Around this same time, Seokjin announced something he and Taehyung were keeping to themselves.

"What!?" Jimin hollered as he shot up.

"Two months!?" Hoseok screeched.

"Jiyeong will have a friend," Hyunok cheered.

"Why didn't you tell us earlier!?" Jimin scowled.

"Well, you were quite busy now weren't you, Head Omega?" Seokjin rolled his eyes.

Jimin cringed and shivered as he gagged. "I told you I hate that."

"And you haven't been around for the past week and a half," Taehyung threw in, ignoring Jimin's disgust.

"Yeah! You've only been acting as Chief, you haven't hunted once," Hoseok added with a pout as he crossed his arms.

Jimin sighed and rubbed his temple. "I just haven't been feeling well recently. I've been fatigued and a little nauseous. It's so bothersome."

"Fatigued?" Seokjin raised an eyebrow.

"A little nauseous?" Hoseok looked at Seokjin.

"Isn't that how you felt—" Jiro started.

"—when you were pregnant—" Hyunmin continued.

"—with Jiyeong?" Hyunah finished.

Jimin blinked at them and then his hands immediately shot to his stomach.

"Shii–oot," Jimin cringed before slapping his hands over his face and groaning loudly. "I could just be sick, you know? Change of scenery, change of pace. It's a lot on one's body," Jimin mumbled hopefully into his hands.

"Your scent should be changing within the month," Seokjin hummed as he crossed his legs, "if you really are with pup."

"I can't even even surprised because he—" Jimin stopped himself and then looked at his mother and siblings. He cleared his throat and put his hands behind his back. "Not surprised, just disappointed," Jimin mumbled through a pout.

Hoseok snorted. "Disappointed for what?"

"Because I might be pregnant after being mated for just barely a month. At least with Hy—" Jimin choked on his words and tiredly rubbed at his eyes as he shook his head. "At… at least with Jiyeong's father it was about half a year."

The room went quiet for a bit before Hyunok hummed into her sentence.

"Are you going to tell Jeongguk?"

Jimin propped his fists on his hips and shook his head. "He's already been annoying because I've been feeling under the weather. If I even hint that I might be pupped, he won't let me do a thing. Besides, we don't know for sure yet."

"Oh yeah? What were you doing right before you got sick?" Taehyung leaned forward with his elbows on his knees.

Jimin pointed at him. "You're inappropriate."

After Jimin put Jiyeong to bed, he stood in his new kitchen—something he found himself doing often—and sipped some tea as he looked out the window. He heard heavy footsteps behind him and didn't bother to turn around. Who else would it be? Jimin could smell him. Sweetness and forest grittiness.

"My rut is due two days from now."

Jimin let his mind take that in and then he dropped his head and sighed. Jeongguk scoffed.

"Oh, don't get too overjoyed, wouldn't want you to burst a blood vessel," Jeongguk grunted as he walked toward the cupboard to grab a cup and fill it with water.

"How long do your ruts last?" Jimin set his cup down and turned to find Jeongguk as he downed the rest of his water.

"Well, before? A a little over week. With someone? About five days. With my mate? Who knows. Maybe two days."

Jimin's stomach turned. Not in disgust or discomfort, it was just turning. It made him truly stand toe-to-toe with the fact that he might be pregnant. It was most definitely the second time. That was the only time that made sense.

He was terribly tired and didn't feel up to it at that moment but the sooner Jeongguk went in and out of rut, the better.

"Okay."

"I know you've been tired so I understand if—"

"No," Jimin shook his head. "It'll be quicker. Besides, who knows how your wolf will react trying to go into rut cold turkey? You haven't had to in… a while."

Jeongguk cleared his throat. "Yeah."

"I'll just make preparations for us and accommodations for Jiyeong."

"Why don't I do it? You haven't been well."

"You're going to be out of your mind, Jeongguk."

"I'm not out of it yet. I'll handle it tomorrow."

"Jeongguk—"

"It's decided then."

"What!? No, it isn't!"

"I'm headed to bed."

"Jeongguk!"

Jeongguk turned on his heel after setting his washed cup aside and strode out of the kitchen. Jimin groaned quietly to himself, downed his tea, and then jogged to their bedroom. Jeongguk was already under the covers with his back toward the door. Jimin sighed softly and accepted the situation, getting into bed behind Jeongguk and deciding to just get some sleep.

When morning came, Jimin found the house empty. He checked Jiyeong's bedroom and noticed a few things were taken and he knew his pup was with one of the mothers. He decided to tidy up and then make preparations for the—hopefully—few busy days ahead. Once he finished, he walked out to the office. He was sure he wouldn't be needed but he couldn't be too sure considering both Head and Chief would be busy. Which is another reason why the Chief Advisor position and Head Wolf position aren't supposed to be in the family.

Jimin tiredly rubbed his temple, too exhausted to attempt to curse two resting paternal souls. He didn't feel like interacting with anyone he didn't have to. He was more convinced than he was last night that he was pregnant and he was struggling to cope with that. He kept his arms crossed over his chest until he made it safely into his office, then he remained cooped up in there until it got dark.

Once the moon kissed the grass, Jimin locked up and decided to say goodnight to his pup before heading back home. On his walk his eyes caught two wolves arguing. He squinted slightly and was able to identify them as Jieun and Rody. He paused for a moment to watch them, their hands flung this way and that, their bodies were tense and defensive.

An argument.

If Jimin were Jeongguk, he'd interrupt and tell them to head to bed. But he wasn't Jeongguk. And he wanted to sleep. So, he walked home.

Once he got inside, he was insanely overwhelmed by Jeongguk's thick scent. Sickly sweet and earthly dirty. He rubbed his nose a bit and slipped his shoes off. He tiptoed to his bedroom and peaked inside to find a shirtless Jeongguk, laying on top of the covers, with his arm thrown over his eyes. His breathing was labored and his body seemed to glisten with sweat.

Jimin knocked on the doorframe and Jeongguk's body twitched. "Do I have time to shower?"

"I'm fine."

"If we have to start early, that's okay," Jimin shrugged as he walked toward one of their dressers.

"I just need some water."

"Jeongguk."

Jeongguk sat up and scratched his scalp as he blinked his heavy eyes a few times. He turned to Jimin and everything seemed to pause. He didn't seem fine anymore. He seemed to be itching, shaking, with desire. Jimin blinked owlishly at him a few times before clearing his throat. Jeongguk threw his legs over the side of the bed, his knuckles turned white as he braced himself on the bed.

"I'll shower quick!" Jimin spun on his heel and slipped into the bathroom. As he showered he did his best to both calm himself and pump himself up. He timidly rubbed his stomach, shook off his thoughts, and then rinsed off his body.

As he got out of the shower and started drying his body off, the bathroom door swung open.

He forgot to lock it.

He and Jeongguk just stared at each other for a moment. Jeongguk's eyes trailed down Jimin's body and before he knew it he was getting pinned to the bathroom wall—roughly yet carefully—and kissed stupid.

He was shocked. He was confused. He didn't know what to do for a moment before he kissed back. They never kissed. That just was something they didn't do. Jeongguk's breathing was rapid, desperate, and his movements were eager and hungry. Jeongguk's mouth moved down to his neck, mouthing over his scent gland, Jimin wrapped his arms around Jeongguk's shoulders and stared at the alpha's back through the mirror as he attacked his neck.

"I'm still kind of wet, Jeongguk," Jimin exhaled, feeling water still stick to his back and arms.

"I hope so," Jeongguk growled before moving back to kiss Jimin into the wall.

Jimin's snide remark died on his lips—massacred by Jeongguk's lips—as he unknowingly tilted his head back, allowing Jeongguk to take more control over the kiss. Jeongguk's tongue licked against Jimin's and the roof of his mouth. When Jeongguk pulled away, their breathing was loud.

"Guess you weren't fine."

"Shut up."

Jimin almost didn't want Jeongguk's rut to end. Though he and Jeongguk were both exhausted—Jimin for more reasons than one—and he was covered in markings, he was nervous as to what their life would be after this.

This sex was different. It wasn't needed like their first night or charged by possession like the 2nd and 3rd time. Jimin felt desired. Jeongguk kissed him everywhere, chanted his name, clung to him like there wasn't a thing in this world better than him, and somehow managed to make sure he was okay despite being out of his mind. But he also didn't want Jeongguk to know how much he liked it.

His first experience with clingy Jeongguk was after the first three rounds when he decided to get them something to eat. Jeongguk crept up behind him and slipped his hands into his underwear and squeezed his chest all while kissing his neck.

Jimin squealed in surprise.

"Alright! Okay! I know you're out of your mind but you must be out of your mind! Get off me!"

Jeongguk growled weakly when Jimin spun away from him. He only stopped when they got back into bed and he had Jimin in his lap feeding him.

It was freaky but Jimin also liked it. This was something he had always wanted when he was a younger pup, he thought that he'd have an alpha that adored him; not betray him and then another that tolerates him. He decided to daydream in that moment.

Jeongguk's rut lasted three days. They were both filled with grunts and groans as they cleaned up themselves and the house. Jimin offered they reveal themselves to the world the next day because he could die. Jeongguk agreed.

They moved around the house, around each other, mostly silently. Jimin did notice Jeongguk remained glued to him. He told himself it was the haze of rut still fogging Jeongguk's mind or his alpha unconsciously wanting to be close to their "pup" but a naive part of him wanted it to be that Jeongguk wanted to be around him.

Once they finally left the house, Jimin smothered Jiyeong immediately. His plan was to overwhelm his scent with other scents to avoid suspicion from Jeongguk. Jiyeong still smelt of milk though his scent was a bit stronger, so if Jimin smelt like milk it'd be pushed off to be Jiyeong rather than a new pup.

He decided to immediately make himself busy. He went for hunts, as usual, and started to work on border security, unusual. Jeongguk had asked him about it one night over dinner but Jimin simply stated rouges got aggressive during winter.

It didn't matter that it was mid-Summer. It didn't matter that Jeongguk looked at him like he didn't believe him. He was going to push to do whatever he wanted for as long as he could. He worried as soon as Jeongguk caught wind of his predicament, he'd be stuck to office work and being a homemaker. The thought alone pissed him off.

Jimin worked until he was too big to move and was near labor with Jiyeong. They couldn't afford to slow down, pup or not. Jimin didn't want to be treated any differently just because he had the next heir with him at all times.

As two months since their second time approached, Jimin could smell the milk wafting from him. He smelt when he was in the shower. He internally thanked Goddess above that Jeongguk had left earlier to drop off Jiyeong and go over some paperwork. His body felt like it had five years ago. He placed a hand on his stomach, shut his eyes, and sighed.

He had to cover it and with no Jiyeong to smother, how would he?

He got dressed and rushed out to the Healer House immediately.

"Jin, I need you to make a cream for me."

"For what? Did you burn yourself?" Seokjin asked toward Jimin, his small bump poking through his shirt as he stood up and mixed a soft powder.

"I need to hide my scent."

"For what? We all know how you smell and that you're an omega. What could—" Seokjin paused, blinking a few times. He snapped around and held Jimin's shaky eyes. He sniffed the air. "That's you, isn't it?"

Jimin dropped his head and balled up his fists.

"You really are—"

"Just make me the cream, Jin. Please."

"But you're just pregnant. You didn't even hide your scent with Jiyeong—"

"This is different!" Jimin bit before sighing. "I need it to smell like me just without the—you know—milk."

Seokjin's eyes darted to his stomach before sighing, swallowing, and nodding. "Alright. It won't take me long at all."

"Thank you."

It was silent as Seokjin worked for a moment. Thankfully work was slow for him. Jimin sat to the side and just went through all sorts of emotions.

"How do you feel?"

Jimin turned his unfocused eyes to Seokjin, mostly doing so by turning his head. "Hmm?"

"About being pregnant. Again. With Head Alpha Jeon's pup."

"I don't know."

"Happy?"

"No."

"Disgusted?"

"No."

"Angry?"

"No."

"Sad?"

"No." Jimin turned away and looked down at his legs. "Numb."

"Mmm." Seokjin sniffed the cream for a moment before putting in a bit more lavender. "It's a bit hard to get the richness of the undersmell of your scent."

Jimin lightly smiled at Seokjin. He watched him as he worked, knowing he didn't want to push the other omega more than he was ready for.

"Our puppies are going to be close in age," Jimin hummed.

"Oh!" Seokjin looked up at Jimin before laughing. "That's true. Two little friends for Jiyeong."

"Yes," Jimin chuckled as he looked back down at his lap. "You want to ask me."

Seokjin cleared his throat. "Ask you what?"

"If I'm numb about the baby or the baby's father."

"I mean I never asked those word but if I were to… would you answer?"

Jimin shrugged as he lightly kicked his feet. "You know as well as I that I never saw myself being a parent, being pregnant. Jiyeong' father caught me by surprise. He adored my desire to protect and provide for my pack, said it was admirable. Said he understood my want to be something for me and not lose it in a pup and a mate. But I think he stuck Jiyeong on me to try and teach me a lesson."

Jimin turned back to Seokjin to see him watching him, listening intently. His eyes glossy. Jimin laughed lightly.

"Jokes on him. I love my Jiyeong." He turned away again. "But I do think he warped my perception of a partner, intimacy, and pregnancy. I've seen how other omegas are put in the home or in slower jobs."

"They want that life, Jimin."

"I don't know that for sure."

"Are you worried Jeongguk will do that to you?"

"I don't know."

"You do. And you are but you shouldn't be. You are Chief Advisor. You've been groomed for his position since you could speak. He can't take that away from you and give it to someone else."

"I love to hunt, Jinnie. I thought about joining the Security Team."

"Jimin. You're stretching yourself thin."

"My daddy had books and scrolls all about warriors. There were even a few omega warriors. I want to be just like that. I guess just without the war."

Seokjin snorted as he sniffed the cream again. "Be happy with hunting. That's risky enough."

Jimin shrugged apathetically before Seokjin took his arm and slathered it with the light purple substance. He rubbed it in firmly, digging his thumbs into Jimin's scent gland and ensuring it was completely rubbed away. He then brought his wrist up to sniff him.

"You smell the same just without the milk. But I'm an omega and not your mate. I'm also the one who made it so maybe its all in my head. But, hopefully that will work."

Jimin sniffed his wrist before grinning brightly. "Thanks, Jinnie."

Seokjin simply hummed as he continued to rub it into Jimin's other wrist and neck. He then wrapped it up in parchment and handed it to him.

"I'm assuming you'll drop the act once you start to inflate like a balloon."

"Beg the Moon Goddess for patience for me when that happens."

Seokjin cackled as Jimin gave him a loud kiss on the cheek before leaving to head toward the Cellar.

The Cellar is just where they keep all their meat and fresh things until it's rations time or until it gets sent into the territory grocers.

He slipped the cream into his bag, careful to keep it hidden. He checked in on the amounts they head, comfortable that they'd have enough to last through summer, and enough to ration on in fall while still hunting so they'd have a surplus come winter.

There were predictions of it being a harsh one.

He picked Jiyeong up after checking the hunting schedule and then they went home. They washed up and prepared dinner. As they cooked, Jeongguk came home. Jiyeong had began to test "Appa Jeongguk" on his baby lips and Jeongguk hadn't rejected it, in fact he seemed more at ease with it. He even ran to him whenever he came home.

"Appa Jeongguk! We're making fish and bread and soup and fruit and Daddy made some blueberry juice and—"

"Papa, breathe," Jimin rang out flatly, showing it was something he had to say often, as he cut up some carrots.

Jeongguk chuckled as he held Jiyeong around his legs against his chest. He crept up behind Jimin and pressed and lingering kiss to his temple. Jimin's eyes darted around and his cutting slowed, but didn't stop. He discreetly swallowed as he slid the cut up carrots into the broth with a few other vegetables.

"Any new complaints?" Jimin hummed without looking at Jeongguk, hoping the salve held strong and Jiyeong's scent clung to him tightly.

"Just a few. 'Clean this' here, 'help my son' there, and a few matings."

"I have to be there for those too, huh?"

"As Head Omega, yes."

Jimin shivered unwillingly again. He wouldn't ever get used to that. Jeongguk sat Jiyeong down, ushering for him to go play.

"Alright."

"Are you alright?"

Jimin looked at the alpha with a raised eyebrow. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"Yoongi saw you leaving the healer."

"I'm close friends with the healer. You know this."

"That's what I told him but he said he saw you leaving with something."

Dammit.

"What happened to Mr. 'You Have to Listen to Me'? Does that only work for you? You're always hearing about me from other people and never me."

"I come to you and ask you, don't I? I'm not just going around and treating you different because of something I heard or something someone else saw," Jeongguk frowned as he crossed his arms.

Jimin sighed and turned around to continue stirring the soup but Jeongguk turned his face to him, his finger tips against his jaw.

"Just be honest with me."

He can't.

"It was just some cream for one of the guys on the Hunting Team. His hands were cracking. That's all."

"Alright," Jeongguk nodded as he caressed Jimin's jaw with his pointer finger. He leaned forward and pecked Jimin's lips, Jimin's eyes looking down their noses as he did.

"I'll wash up and help."

"Sure," Jimin hummed as Jeongguk walked away. His hand anxiously rubbed at his lower belly as he stirred the soup a bit more.

Jeongguk didn't take long and helped with the bread and fish. They sat and ate contently, Jiyeong carried the conversation like only a pup would know how. Jeongguk cleaned up while Jimin put Jiyeong to bed. Jimin's mind panicked a bit as he lay in bed, worried he wouldn't wake up early enough to slather his neck in the salve. Worried Jeongguk would smell him and know he lied straight to his face.

But that didn't happen. Jimin woke up that morning, covered his scent, got Jiyeong ready, and helped Jeongguk make breakfast. He went to patrol and hunted, as usual. He got a long but shallow cut on his calf during a hunt and found himself seated in the HH, but as a client this time. He sat and waited, head against the wall and hands on his stomach. He heard the door open and shut and then a familiar scent wafted around him.

A hum.

Jimin opened his eyes.

"I never expected to see you without an alpha on your arm," Jieun giggled

The hell is she talking about? Jimin looked away from her and leaned back against the wall.

"Everyone can see Jeongguk seems to be fed up with you. And honestly, I understand," she frowned. "He must feel a little bit of shame having to father a pup that isn't his all because you were a bit reckless. All this time and still no sign of a pup?" she sighed as she crossed her arms. "My heart hurts for you both."

Jimin's eyes darted back to her as he folded in his lips while she sat down beside him crossing her arms.

"I hope it isn't because he refuses to have sex with you or because he thinks of me when he's being intimate with you. That wouldn't be fair," Jieun hummed as she puffed out her cheeks and shook her head.

Jimin's hands fisted his shirt before he leaned forward. "Did you hit your head earlier?"

"Excuse me?" Jieun blinked at him.

"I'm guessing why you're here. It can't possibly be to taunt me. No, no. You're too sweet for that and you'd have no reason too… Mrs. Han Rody."

Jieun folded in her lips and then smiled with a soft giggle. "I'm just coming in for my annual. That's all."

"I can help whoever is next," a foreign voice called.

One of the healer's sent in from the Willow Pack.

"You go," Jimin nodded toward the beta standing before them. Jieun bowed her head and stood.

"Don't think about what I said too much, okay? My mouth gets ahead of me sometimes," she grinned, knocking her knuckles against her head before walking off.

Jimin cleared his throat and wrapped his arms around his midsection and exhaled softly.

Great.

Jimin didn't think it would effect him at all. Jieun saying Jeongguk thought of her when they were together. He obviously didn't. Right? It's not like he thought Jeongguk's mind was filled with Jieun but he knew Jeongguk wouldn't think of her or imagine he was her.

However, as he lay under him, trying to keep up with how fast Jeongguk's lips worked against his, he couldn't help the way his eyes glazed over with the thought.

How did he used to look at her? Like she held the moon and the stars? Like Luna herself crafted her just for him? Something like that. His fingers dug into Jeongguk's back as the kisses grew more sloppy and Jeongguk began to kiss down the side of his face and near his neck.

Now, mixed with that feeling of inferiority was anxiety. Jimin could throw up. He panicked. His breathing quickened and he turned his head toward Jeongguk's, blocking him from his neck, and pushed on his shoulders. Tears slipped down the side of his face.

"Get off me."

Jeongguk was a bit slow to move. "Huh?"

"Get off me."

"What's wrong? Did I hurt you?" Jeongguk frowned as he sat up a bit away from Jimin.

"Get off me and get out of me. Right now, Jeongguk. Now!"

Jeongguk flinched away and Jimin shot up. His body shook with nerves as pulled the covers up over his body, hands roughly rubbing at his eyes.

"What happened? What did I do?"

"Nothing," Jimin mumbled as he stood up and snatched his robe from the hook on the back of their bedroom door.

"No, it's something. What's going on?"

"I just don't want to have sex anymore. I can't not want to anymore?" Jimin pushed out shakily as he tied his robe.

"That's fine but you're freaking me out. You were just fine two seconds ago. What changed? I just want to know how to proceed from now on—"

"It isn't anything you did, okay!?" Jimin spun around as he held his robe shut tightly. "It's me. Not you. I'm… I'm gonna shower."

Jeongguk watched Jimin go helplessly and anxiously scratched at his chest.

What just happened?

Jeongguk gnawed at his lip as he tapped his pen against his desk. Jeongguk had thought maybe they were getting somewhere in their relationship. Intimate and respectful. They got work done well, they honored their home, they defiled their bed, and they cared for their pup. Yes. Their pup. He adored Jiyeong and couldn't believe he thought anything vaguely negative about him.

Why had Jimin suddenly closed off? He hadn't even gotten to kiss him over the course of the last few weeks since Jimin freaked out on him. Namjoon and Yoongi were back on patrol now that the house was done so he didn't want to take them from their work but he needed to ask someone about this. Who would have a guess as to Jimin's behavior?

He decided to just wait it out. He was an adult. Jimin was an adult. They could have a conversation.

Jeongguk didn't expect the wait out to take a month and a half. Fall began to creep in and rumors about Jieun and Rody calling off their engagement began to travel.

Jeongguk didn't give it much thought but the alphas around him gossiped like big pups about it whenever they went to a pub. Jeongguk took note of all the pregnant wolves, Head Healer included, and took note of all the future mouths they'd have to feed. These wolves with precious cargo would need extra food in their homes come winter via Jimin's rationing plan. Homes with expecting mates or young pups were given extra first, and then it was first come first serve.

He had made his rounds with his assistant and made a census of everyone home in his territory. He then had a few assistants copy the information down for personal documentations and to send to the Cellar. Once that was done, he was whisked away to the Pub Hub by a few alpha friends. He didn't feel like getting drunk so after one beer and screaming alphas later, Jeongguk decided to head home earlier than what he told Jimin.

He got home and it was quiet. He slipped off his shoes and checked on Jiyeong, smoothing his hair down and lightly scenting him with his wrist and then he headed toward his room. He tugged his shirt off and paused as he noticed an opened parchment package on the floor. He tossed his shirt down and bent down to pick up the container. He turned it over in his hand, confused, before unscrewing the top and sniffing it.

It smelt… like Jimin?

The bathroom door opened and Jimin came padding into the room and paused. Jeongguk's mind flipped and twisted as a new smell surrounded him. He pulled the container away from his nose and turned to Jimin. He stared at him with wide eyes, eyes darting from the salve to Jeongguk's face.

Jeongguk sniffed the air harshly.

"Is that you?" he growled.

Jimin slapped a hand to his neck and swallowed. He rushed forward to grab the salve but Jeongguk held it away from him and grabbed the back of his neck, digging his nose into Jimin's neck.

Jimin jerked away from him with a yell, hand clasped to his neck as his eyes were blown wide.

It was undeniable.

"You're pregnant," Jeongguk blurted as he sat the salve down on the dresser by the window.

"Jeongguk—"

"You're fucking pregnant. When the hell were you going to tell me!?"

"Just listen to me—"

"How long have you known?"

"Since… since…"

"Answer me!"

"I had a feeling since the beginning but I knew about three months ago."

"Three fucking months ago!? And when did you plan to tell me!? When you couldn't hide it under your clothes anymore!?"

"Why are you yelling at me!?" Jimin screeched as he spun around to leave the room.

Jeongguk rushed forward and slammed the door shut and crowded Jimin's space.

"Are you fucking insane? You went hunting and patrolling all while knowing damn fucking well you're pregnant. You could've gotten hurt!"

"I could always get hurt, pregnant or not!"

"And you fucking lied to me."

"I didn't! I—"

"You told me you were fine! You told me it was for a friend! It was for you! It was so you could lie to me!"

"Stop yelling at me!" Jimin screamed and then huffed as he caught his breath and then covered his eyes to hold back the tears that began to well up. Jeongguk had him trapped in a corner and he couldn't do anything about it. "This is why I didn't want to tell you."

"Why? Explain it to me because I don't understand."

Jimin dropped his hands and sniffled. Jeongguk's hard expression faltered slightly and his scent weakened, no longer coating the walls and seeping into the floorboards.

"I can still do anything I want to do, pregnant or not. I didn't have to check in with anybody with Jiyeong. I don't need you to treat me like I'm fragile or like all that's important is this pup. Not me."

"You're both important, Jimin. What are you talking about?"

"I'm still gonna hunt—"

"Jimin."

"—and I'm still gonna patrol."

"Jimin!"

"I did it with Jiyeong so I'll do it with this pup too!"

"What would people think of me if they knew I was letting you do something so tedious and dangerous!?"

"I don't care!"

"Jimin, just because that bastard didn't give a fuck about you back then doesn't mean I don't care about you now. I don't want you in harm's way. Especially now that you're so vulnerable. You know how weakened your abilities are when you're pregnant."

"I make due."

"Jimin."

"Leave me alone." Jimin slipped away and threw the door open and Jeongguk charged after him.

They found themselves in the kitchen and Jeongguk slammed his hand on the table and Jimin jumped slightly. He turned around and Jeongguk stared at him. Lips folded in and eyes angry.

"Who have you told?"

"I haven't told—"

"Who. Have. You. Told?"

"I haven't told anyone! My family and friends were there when I wondered if I was and then just… I guess Seokjin is the only one I confirmed it to."

"Alright." Jeongguk's jaw worked and Jimin was beyond pissed that his hormones were fucked up and would only become more fucked up as the months went on.

His throat tightened and his eyes watered, his bottom lip quivered and his hands rested on his stomach. "Why are you so angry with me?"

Jeongguk's shoulders dropped and he dropped his head and sighed. He walked over to Jimin and took his hands and then slid up his arms and hold his jaw, he wiped the outside of Jimin's eyes.

"I'm not really angry with you. I'm angry that you lied and I'm angry that you put yourself in danger."

Jimin sniffled. "It's always a danger."

"That doesn't calm me, Jimin."

Jimin pouted slightly. Jeongguk pressed his lips against Jimin's forehead.

"You need to stop holding things from me, Jimin. Genuinely. We're going to keep having these situations if you don't work with me."

"The last time this happened to me wasn't ideal, Jeongguk. I'm used to self preservation."

"Don't be used to that anymore. I've got you, huh?" Jeongguk lightly angled Jimin's face up to look at him.

"It's not easy to turn that off."

"We'll work on it."

"Mmm," Jimin nodded softly.

"Is there really no way I could convince you to stop just until the pup is born?" Jimin shook his head with a cheeky grin. "Worth a shot."

Jimin giggled as Jeongguk dropped his hands down to his shoulders.

"Can I see?"

"See?" Jimin questioned an octave higher than his normal voice.

Jeongguk laughed. "Your belly."

"There isn't really anything to see," Jimin pouted.

"I still want to see."

Jimin slowly lifted his shirt up just below his chest. Jeongguk looked down and pressed his palms onto either side of his lower stomach. A small smile overtook his face and Jimin's ears burned a bit as he looked away.

"My eomma always complained about my siblings and I. Beat my appa over the head for getting her pregnant with such big babies."

Jimin's eyes bucked and he dropped his shirt but Jeongguk's hands didn't move.

"How big are we talkin'!?"

"I was about 8 pounds, 9 ounces—"

"Eight pounds!?" Jimin screamed.

"Shh, shh , shh," Jeongguk laughed as he pressed a finger to Jimin's lips. "Hawon was 6 pounds, 4 ounces, and Jeonghee was 7 pounds, 11 ounces."

"You're going to kill me," Jimin scowled. "Jiyeong was 4 pounds, 11 ounces."

Jeongguk held Jimin's face between his hands and pecked his forehead. "You'll be okay. My eomma's a little lady, remember?"

Jimin whined and tried to pull away but Jeongguk held him firm.

"Can I kiss you now?"

"You've been kissing me."

"I want to kiss your lips."

Jimin made a teasing face, lips pursed and brows furrowed and raised. "What? You like me or something?"

"I like your lips," Jeongguk shot back.

Jimin pouted back at him and Jeongguk leaned in to peck his lips multiple times before wrapping his arms around his shoulders and pressing his cheek against the side of his head.

"A puppy," Jeongguk cooed. "We're having a puppy."

Jimin wrapped his arms around Jeongguk's bare waist and jokingly scoffed. "Alright, don't get all sappy."

"Jiyeong's gonna get a little sibling soon."

Jimin groaned and pulled away but could barely get anywhere because Jeongguk still held him as he grinned at him. He repeatedly attacked Jimin's lips until he had enough and then hummed out a question.

"How did you feel about it?"

"Hmm?"

"Before all of this. What were you thoughts when you found out?"

Jimin's eyes searched Jeongguk's for the right answer, the answer that was truthful but kind to an excited alpha's ears. He gnawed at his lips and shrugged. His hands gripping the band of Jeongguk's pants.

"I don't know."

Jeongguk snorted. "You don't know?"

"I was a little numb. I didn't feel any which way."

Jeongguk's eyes searched Jimin's face and then he hummed. "I see."

"But you seem excited," Jimin teased.

Jeongguk pouted. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"It's just a little cute."

Jeongguk rolled his eyes and pulled away from Jimin. "I'm going to shower."

Jimin giggled as Jeongguk walked off. Jeongguk paused and then turned to Jimin.

"Was the salve just for me or for everyone?"

Jimin frowned. "I thought you weren't mad anymore."

"I'm not. I just need to know if this is going to be a secret until you can't hide it anymore or what."

"I think it'd be nice to have this just between us," Jimin smiled softly.

"Alright," Jeongguk smiled back.

Jeongguk washed up, a slight ease and joy in his chest. His wolf howled with pride and ran in circles in his chest. He dressed and then dried his hair as he went back out to the kitchen. A plate was sat down at the table and Jimin stood at the sink, scent sweet and airy. Jeongguk chuckled.

"Thank you," he called as he sat down.

"Mhm," Jimin said simply but Jeongguk could tell his ears were a bit red.

Once Jimin finished cleaning, he prepared to head to their bedroom but Jeongguk caught his wrist.

"Stay with me."

Jimin walked back over a bit cautiously as he eyed Jeongguk before sitting down.

"I took a census this morning."

"Did you make copies for me?"

"Of course. I sent it to the Cellar as well. I also took count of future mouths since there are many expecting houses this year. I wish you had told me earlier that we were one of them but since we agreed we'll keep this between us for now, I'll recede."

Jimin grinned cheekily as Jeongguk placed a hand on his thigh. "I think we should tell our friends and family at the same time, right when I start to show a bit more. A party or something."

"Yeah?"

"Mhm!"

"Whatever you want," Jeongguk hummed.

Jimin grinned harder.

Jeongguk cleaned up and somehow held Jimin hostage as he did so. They then went to bed together and there was no amount of protest Jimin could try to do that would get Jeongguk off of him. Jeongguk's hands stayed on Jimin's stomach from the night into the morning.

In the morning, Jeongguk watched as Jimin got dressed, his eyes staring at the small swell on his lower stomach. And then he watched as Jimin lathered his wrists and neck with the salve, his wolf whining at the loss of Jimin's natural scent.

"We should go for a walk."

"I need to check over some documents today."

"So? We can go after."

"Why walk?"

"As wolves."

Jimin spun around to find Jeongguk sitting on the edge of the bed, shirtless, hands on either side of him on the bed.

"You want to go for a wild run?"

"Yeah."

Jimin blinked at him.

"What? Is that not safe for the puppy or do you just not want to?"

"No, no, I will. And I shifted with Jiyeong and he's fine, so, I'm sure its okay."

"You never checked?"

Jimin shrugged. "It felt like I was more in control of my rushing hormones. I feel like I'm on the edge of something all the time."

"Then we'll go. I don't really have anything planned," Jeongguk yawned as he stood up and then crowded Jimin to peck his lips repeatedly.

Jimin whined and leaned away as he eyed Jeongguk. "You keep this up, I'm gonna start to think you like me."

"Wouldn't you hope I like you just a little. We are mated, we do have sex quite a bit, and you are pregnant with a pup that's half me."

"Ugh, gross," Jimin pulled away and giggled as he ran off, leaving Jeongguk barking after him.

He showered and dressed, deciding to eat just some fruit, and then they took Jiyeong to daycare. Jeongguk held Jimin's bag and folder, Jimin held Jiyeong's bag, and the couple swung the giggly pup between them.

Eyes were on them and Jeongguk greeted everyone with a simple nod. He found Jieun and her friend group looking at them and whispering among each other. They caught each other's eyes and he noticed she was staring at Jimin until she noticed him looking at her. He slightly bowed his head and then focused back on the squealing pup.

"Jiyeong!" a little boy in his father's arms screeched as they got closer to the daycare.

"Hanjoon!" Jiyeong screeched back as he moved to run toward him but he as jerked back. "Daddy!"

"No, we need to take you inside, Papa."

"But my friend's right there!"

"I don't care. You'll see him inside."

Jiyeong pouted up at Jeongguk who laughed at him. "Hey, your dad said what he said. What am I supposed to do?"

Jiyeong huffed and looked down at the ground as they continued their journey to the door. Greeted by Yoona, Jimin crouched in front of Jiyeong, slipped his backpack on, and then kissed him all over his face. He squealed happily before pulling away.

"Have fun, yeah?"

"As always, Daddy!"

"We'll get you later," Jeongguk ruffled his hair.

"Okay, Appa Jeongguk!"

Jiyeong spun around and ran inside, slamming into the boy from before. They cackled together, handed their bags to another teacher, and then ran further inside hand-in-hand. Jimin and Jeongguk turned to leave and Jeongguk wrapped his arm around Jimin's shoulders.

"Ugh," he groaned and then pulled Jeongguk's arm off. "Too much."

Jeongguk scoffed through his nose. "What? You only pretend to like me at home?"

"Maybe."

Jeongguk rolled his eyes and took Jimin's hand in his, refusing to let go as he pulled Jimin along.

"Alpha Jeon! Chief Park!"

Jeongguk and Jimin paused, turning around to see the Heads of the Security Team heading toward them. They slightly bowed their heads as the other two bowed 90°.

"We have something urgent to discuss with you."

Jeongguk's demeanor changed and he slightly tugged Jimin closer to him.

"We have something to do quickly and then we'll meet with you," Jimin informed. "Head to conference room four. We'll be there swiftly."

The two alphas nodded and bowed once more before rushing toward the office building. Jimin sighed as he lightly swayed their intertwined hands.

"Control your scent. For all we know it could be a new pack is setting up somewhere. Don't be so stressed."

Jimin gently pulled Jeongguk toward the office and toward his personal office. Jeongguk sat in Jimin's office chair as he watched him go over different documents and reorganize things. Jimin had a habit to walk around his office when he handled papers rather than sit down.

"When can I feel the puppy move?"

"About now. Or well, at least I can."

"You can?" Jeongguk's eyebrows popped up.

"Mhm. Small little sensations," Jimin answered as he kept his eyes on the census Jeongguk had done earlier. "It's so cute to see my friends on this list of expecting," Jimin laughed softly to himself.

"Are they moving right now?"

"Mm mm," Jimin tucked his bangs back as he filed the census documents and walked over to his desk to pick up a pen to write a few things down on some note cards.

"Can I feel anyway?"

"Is that all you're gonna wanna do? Keep your hands on my stomach at all times."

"Yeah," Jeongguk shrugged.

Jimin rolled his eyes with a small grin as he stepped in front of Jeongguk. Jeongguk's hands immediately latched onto Jimin's stomach and he rubbed and caressed as Jimin wrote whatever he needed to down. Jeongguk kissed his stomach twice and then stood when Jimin announced they could go.

Jeongguk itched to hold Jimin's hand but Jimin had his arms crossed against his chest as he thought about what the meeting could be about. They entered the room, the alphas bowed, then the couple sat across from them.

"What's going on?" Jeongguk started.

The female alpha spoke first. "While on patrol last night, I saw a few rouges sniffing around our territory."

"And this morning," the male alpha began, "I heard news about a few packs wagging a cold war with a few rouges and packs in the east."

Jimin sat up straighter and Jeongguk sighed lowly.

"Do these claims have any base? Have you heard from any of our allies about whether they have this issue or not? Or have they heard about this?" Jimin shot at them as he wrote down the information he was told.

"No, we didn't want to be ones to spread panic so we came to you both first," the female alpha expressed as she rubbed at her chest, clearing in a panic.

"Were they setting up camp around the boarder or just walking by?"

"I couldn't really tell but it seemed like they were just walking by."

"Mm," Jimin poked his bottom lip out as he wrote down something else.

"I want you both and your teams to send out letters to our allies in the East first. Ask them what its like over there. From there forward, I'll hold a meeting to strengthen security around areas where rogues are most seen and the direction they seem to be coming from."

"Yes, Head Alpha," both wolves bowed.

"Is that all?" Jimin asked them softly.

"Yes, Chief," they agreed.

"Alright, then. Dismissed."

The wolves stood, bowed, and then exited. Jimin tapped his pencil against his bottom lip and then clicked his tongue.

"There's a chance they're going to try to strike during the winter. It only makes sense for them to be showing up around this time of year."

"True. I'm glad we're getting more hands in a worst case scenario."

"And I'm glad we implemented my plan. Imagine us trying to hunt during the snowfall with rogues around?"

"I know," Jeongguk sighed loudly as he stood.

"I want to take a look for myself," Jimin announced as he stood.

Jeongguk paused. "What? No. Absolutely not."

"What? Why not!?"

"You know overwhelmingly well why not."

"You're about to go, aren't you? Plus you said you wanted to go for a walk. It'd be strange if you check security but I don't. Remember, Alpha, no one knows."

Jeongguk released a low growl from deep within his chest. Jimin sighed with a lopsided grin, walking over to Jeongguk and pat his chest.

"You'll be with me. I'll be fine."

Jeongguk huffed as he followed behind Jimin heading back to his office. Once he filed a few things they headed out towards the woods. They undressed and slipped their clothes into Jimin's bag and then took a moment, conversing with their wolves, and shifted.

Jimin shook out his dark brown coat and stretched his limbs. When was the last time he had let his wolf free? He couldn't remember.

He heard a deep growl behind him. He slowly turned and came face to face with Jeongguk's huge black wolf. He always knew alphas were huge, he hunted with them. But Jeongguk was a different kind of giant. His coat was shiny and his eyes were red. Jimin's own dark blue eyes followed Jeongguk as he stalked around him, sniffing him and nudging him with his nose. Jimin snapped his teeth at him but Jeongguk only moved his nose down to dig into Jimin's underbelly.

Jimin pawed him away and began walking. Jeongguk walked beside him and all but stuck to his side, seemingly protective of him and his stomach.

Jimin rolled his eyes.

He decided to just ignore the oversized pup huffing and puffing beside him as he watched the trees to see what stories they'd tell and what lives they've seen. He sniffed dirt here and trunks there. He made a mental note of all the foreign smells and how strong or weak they were.

At some point, Jeongguk was so far up his ass, Jimin had had enough. He howled at him and snapped his jaws. Jeongguk huffed, his tail swaying roughly, as he walked ahead of him. Jimin sniffed as he shook out his limbs and followed behind him slowly. He could tell Jeongguk was annoyed but not enough to leave him.

It reminded him of the books he had read. A lover upset but never enough to leave their partner in danger. Jimin laughed quietly to himself.

Eventually after they had walked the entirety of the east side of their territory, they found themselves laying by the lake. Jimin moved to lay on his stomach and Jeongguk grumbled. Jimin shook his head and lay down easily. Jeongguk whined worriedly, his nose immediately going to Jimin's stomach. Jimin blew air from his nose, nosing Jeongguk's cheek.

The pup is fine. Neither of us are that fragile. I know what I'm doing.

Jeongguk dropped down onto his stomach before him and lightly licked Jimin's cheek.

I'm sorry.

Jimin licked his teeth and then rested his head on his front paws. Jeongguk pressed his ear against the side of Jimin's stomach.

Jimin swallowed down his slight annoyance. He wasn't used to being touched this much by someone that wasn't a hyper pup. He especially wasn't used to being touched so much while pregnant. But this was Jeongguk's first time and he was excited. So, Jimin let him be excited.

After a while, Jimin nudged Jeongguk awake and away. It was time to pick up Jiyeong. Jeongguk followed after him and once they got closer to the main pack area, they shifted back and got dressed. Jeongguk immediately took Jimin's hand and kissed it and then pulled him along toward the daycare.

Jeongguk held a sleepy and clingy Jiyeong in one arm and refused to let go of Jimin's hand with the other, so Jimin held their bags.

"Didn't think I'd ever see you so domestic," an alpha laughed gently toward the three.

"Fuck off," Jeongguk mouthed and the alphas around him cackled.

"You gonna come drink tonight?" Namjoon, Jimin remembered, grinned.

"Uh," Jeongguk cringed, trying to find a way to decline without seeming like a love-sick pup.

"He will," Jimin answered chirpily.

"Thank you, Head Omega!" A few alphas cheered as they exaggeratedly bowed toward him.

Jeongguk internally groaned and rolled his eyes as he pulled Jimin along.

"Stop auctioning me off."

"What're you talking about?" Jimin snorted.

"First with Jieun, now with the guys. Come on. Can't an alpha just stay home for once?"

"Well, once this pup is born," Jimin whispered lowly, ensuring the half-awake pup in Jeongguk's arm didn't catch it. "You'll be stuck in the house with me for Goddess knows how long."

"You and the kids?" Jeongguk mumbled as they reached their home. "Sounds like a dream."

"Oh, shut up," Jimin scrunched up his face as he walked inside, Jeongguk following after him.

Jeongguk chuckled as he settled Jiyeong on the couch and covered him up with the blanket that the family had decided to keep on the back of the couch. Jimin leaned against the wall near the entrance of the living space and Jeongguk walked over.

"Since you auctioned me, I'm expected there," Jeongguk grumbled.

"Ah, peace and quiet."

Jeongguk sneered and then squished Jimin's cheeks, forcing his lips into a pout, and then peppering kisses onto his pucker. Jimin whined quietly and pulled back.

"Oh, remind me to go get the pieces for the crib tomorrow."

"Huh? Pieces?"

"Yeah. I'm going to build the pup's crib."

"What? No. We'll just get one from the Carpenter."

"No. I want to build it."

Jimin blinked up at him and then slowly nodded. "Alright."

"Alright. I'll be back in a few hours."

"Have fun."

"Yeah, yeah."

Jimin shut the door behind Jeongguk after he left and then he decided to hop in the shower before preparing dinner for himself and his pup. Both of them.

Jeongguk was slightly dreading going drinking just because he had a feeling the guys would bring up the newly single Jieun and he didn't want to hear about that. While he didn't have any desire to be back with her—and not just because that would be disguising to do to Jimin, Jiyeong, and their pup but also because of how she threw him aside—he still had some softness in his heart toward her.

He didn't think he'd stumble and make a mistake, but he was worried he'd go home in a sour mood all because of some other omega and he was sure Jimin wouldn't appreciate that.

The pub was loud with laughter and conversation. He walked to a cozy corner where all of his friends were. They cheered when they saw him and complained that he'd been too busy being serious and responsible.

"It's my job to keep you alive, Giwoong," Jeongguk snorted as a small glass of brown liquor was pushed toward him.

"You've been in love and keeping us alive," Chanyeol sighed pathetically, a hand lay daintily across his forehead.

The table erupted with laughter. Jeongguk rolled his eyes as he downed his alcohol.

"Happy mate," Jeongguk began, facing twisting at the burn of his alcohol, setting down his glass.

"Thank fate," the table finished, cackling once again.

"So, is Chief Park as headstrong as I've been hearing? We're never on the same hunting team so I wouldn't know," Namsam, a ash-haired alpha, grinned around his bread.

"You've been missing in action too," Jeongguk pointed. "Why is all the attention on me?"

"Because Yoongi brought it back to our attention that you and Chief Park grew up together," Jongsoo cackled.

"And when you two stopped playing, you became our ring-leader," Giwoong teased.

Jeongguk rolled his eyes but Namsam answered.

"Well, when you have two kids under five, it's not the nicest thing to leave your wife to handle them to go drinking."

"Lover Boy, Lover Boy," the table except for Jeongguk chanted.

"Yeah, yeah," Namsam chuckled. "At least I'm not alone in that now."

"Alright now, I wouldn't say I'm a lover boy."

"Sure," Namjoon smirked.

Jeongguk downed another glass.

"Have any of you seen Jieun around since she and Rody called it quits?" Seokho, a autumn-haired alpha, looked around at everyone at the table as he licked his fork clean.

"Is it something interesting or are you just asking?" Namsam raised an eyebrow. "Because if its the latter I don't give a damn. I want an answer to my earlier question."

Jeongguk clapped as he pressed his tongue against the roof of his mouth, trying to evenly spread the taste of liquor around his mouth.

"I'll answer while he thinks about it. I know it takes him awhile."

Lighthearted mockery fluttered around the table and Jeongguk cackled.

"He is head-strong. It's not necessarily bad but its definitely hard to work with when it comes to our relationship. I'm not one to air out our dirty laundry so I'll leave you all guessing as to how it effects us. But it does."

"Does it make for good intimacy?" Giwoong wiggled his eyebrows.

Everyone pointed at him and barked out, "Freak." They all barked with laughter afterward.

"I mean she looks so vulnerable but also hopeful," Seokho finally answered. "She wears her hair out of her face now, she shows off her figure more, but she doesn't give anyone the light of day."

"Maybe she's working on herself," Yoongi answered simply.

"I would if I was engaged, practically twice, and yet still wound up single," Chanyeol hummed apathetically.

"Well, you're just an ass," Jongsoo scoffed.

"I joked that she's hoping Jeongguk will take her back," Giwoong snickered as he filled everyone's glasses once again.

Everyone began to make jokes about it and Jeongguk laughed emptily as he downed glass after glass. They weren't filled much at all so Jeongguk just felt a vague buzz under his skin. At some point he heard a group of women enter, gasping and giggling at something they were talking about. That familiar scent wrapped around him and his hand stopped short of downing another glass of alcohol.

"Oh, she's looking this way," Chanyeol scoffed as he picked up a piece of grilled fish.

"What impeccable timing," Seokho snickered as he popped some fruit in his mouth.

"Oh, wow. She's headed this way. Bold," Yoongi hummed tauntingly.

Jeongguk drowned his liquor and slammed his glass down, back of his hand dragging across his mouth roughly. He could feel her getting closer, her friends giggling nearby, and he regretted sitting at the end of the booth.

"Jeongguk," Jieun called as she stood beside where he sat.

Jeongguk slowly turned his head up to look at her. Her hands were folded in front of her and her hair was pulled back in a half up-half down style. Her shirt was tighter, a bit of her stomach showing, and her pants showed off the shape of her hips and thighs.

Definitely something she wouldn't wear normally. Definitely something similar to what you'd instead find Jimin wearing.

Jeongguk needed another drink.

He just stared at her with a raised eyebrow and then her cheeks flushed. "I mean Alpha Jeon."

Jeongguk hummed and then decided maybe being drunk wasn't the smartest thing to be at the moment, and broke off some bread to eat, hoping it'd absorb some of the liquor.

"How've you been, Jieun?" Jeongguk hummed noncommittally.

"Oh, um, I've been alright," Jieun whispered, twisting a bit at the fact that so many ears and hidden eyes were on them.

"That's good. How can I help you?" Jeongguk responded quickly, body tense with the idea Jieun might bring up her newly assigned status.

"Oh. I just, um, I—"

"We wanted to know if we could join you!" Daehee chirped with a huge grin as she wrapped an arm around Jieun's shoulders.

She smiled gently at the men and nodded her head. Seosoo and Juha fluttered beside them, affirming what Daehee said.

"Sure!" Giwoong grinned kindly.

Idiot bastard doesn't even know what he's doing.

The men moved around and shuffled around, allowing the women to scoot in between them. Jeongguk remained on the end with Namjoon in front of him this time and Jieun sat beside Namjoon across from him.

It was going to be a long night.

Meanwhile, Jimin lay on the floor of the living room, Seokjin laying down the opposite way, cheek-to-cheek.

"I think its the hormones talking."

"No! I've been thinking about this since news went around that they broke up and immediately after that when we were told we'd be mated."

"What a stupid thing to think about."

"Hey!"

Seokjin snickered as he sat up on his elbow, resting his cheek on his hand while his other hand rubbed his swollen stomach.

He had come over to agonize over being pregnant since Jimin knew the feeling well and that they were now experiencing it together. They began to talk about life, raising pups, and the alphas they'd be raising those pups with. Somehow, Jimin threw the subject of Jeongguk and Jieun at Seokjin's feet to stumble over.

"He could be. They were together for practically four years. They were the envy of many. People wanted to be Jieun or trade places with Jeongguk. They were that in love. There's no way he isn't still in love with her. It's only been five months."

"That's why you think his behavior fake? You think he's overcompensating?"

"What else could it be!?"

"Pregnancy? Mating? Just being an alpha in close vicinity to your greatness?"

"But its weirder than just 'oh you're having my baby har har har.' He, like, needs to touch me and kiss me and be around me at all times. It's freaking me out."

"Maybe he's gaining some emotions from when you two used to play together."

Jimin sat up and scoffed. "We used to beat each other's ass. We didn't have much affection toward each other."

"Okay, sure, whatever. But I don't think he's overcompensating. I think he's just warming up to you. You're acting like someone put that in your head or something. It's not like he's going to be cuddled up with her ever."

"That's what you think," Jimin grumbled as he rubbed his stomach.

"It's not," Seokjin pressed as he turned onto his hands and knees to push himself up to stand.

"Is Tae all over you? Kissing and touching and crowding?"

Seokjin shrugged as he walked toward the door to slip his shoes and jacket on. "Not any more than usual."

Jimin huffed and hugged Seokjin as he opened the front door. "What's wrong with mine then?"

"All alphas aren't the same Jimin," Seokjin sing-songed as he watched Seokjin leave, the moon kissing their land.

Jimin rolled his eyes, shouting, "Whatever!" after Seokjin before shutting the door. He dropped onto the couch and decided to read for a bit, giving Jeongguk some grace to come home before he just went to bed without him.

Yards away, in a pup with his head thrown back, sat Jeongguk. Nearly drunk out of his mind. He didn't want to be a party pooper and leave earlier but he wanted to sleep. He wanted to sleep with his hands on his pregnant omega's belly. They were keeping him from that and Jieun wouldn't stop looking, staring and trying to talk to him.

Slowly the vibes died down so Jeongguk decided to be the one to shoot it dead for good.

"Alright," he slurred as he rubbed his eyes. "I'm tired, drunk, and have a lot to do in the morning," he sighed.

"Oh no, Big Guy's leaving us," Jongsoo giggled.

"You're gonna head home by yourself?" sober Jieun frowned with worried brows and anxious eyes.

"I'm an adult," he hummed as he stood up. He stumbled a bit and stabilized himself with the table, ignoring the chuckles and cackles around him.

"We've spent the night in here before," Seosoo giggled as she sipped on her sweet poison.

"Yeah, but back then he and Jieun were smacking lips and hips," a obnoxiously drunk Chanyeol cackled and smirked.

The table erupted with oohs and tongue clicks.

"Were? Why stop?" Daehee snorted, eyes half-lidded and cheeks rosy.

Jieun nudged her. "Shut up," she whispered with a mortified expression.

"Why not just have Eunnie take you home?" Daehee shrugged. Jieun smacked her arm but looked up at Jeongguk with wide eyes.

Jeongguk stared at her for a moment, many emotions rushed through his head and flashed in his eyes. before he stood straighter and cleared his throat. He snapped at the alpha across from him who drank way less than he did. "Joon, walk me home."

Namjoon nodded and stood, they both walked off as the table continued soft banter and teasing. Jeongguk was mostly find but did stumble every now and again. Namjoon was there to support him and keep him on his feet.

He needed extra help up the steps but he made it. Namjoon knocked on the door since he didn't feel like barging in, he hoped Jimin would come take his mate instead.

Madam Moon was on his side because the door opened to reveal a very confused Jimin.

"He drank," Namjoon stated plainly.

Jeongguk grinned at Jimin and stumbled forward, pressing his lips against Jimin's sloppily before burying his face into his neck. Jimin groaned loudly as Jeongguk clung to him.

"A lot," Namjoon added.

"So you people pawn him off to me? You couldn't get him some water?"

"Well, he's here now," Namjoon shrugged.

"You guys sicken me," Jimin hissed as he pushed Jeongguk away and lightly tugged him away from the door. "Goodnight, Alpha Kim," Jimin bowed his head slightly and then shut and locked the door.

He tugged Jeongguk along to the kitchen and pressed him against the kitchen counter. He filled a glass with water and handed it to Jeongguk who instead tried to lean forward to kiss him. Jimin bent backward and pushed the cup forward.

"You can kiss me after you drink this."

Jeongguk wordlessly snatched the glass, downed it in two huge gulps, slammed it down, and then lunged forward. Both hands on Jimin's jaw, he attacked Jimin's lips feverishly, hungrily. He growled and gasped loudly in a greedy manner. He had Jimin pressed up against the fridge and Jimin could barely keep up. It was more so Jeongguk tasting him than them kissing. Well, making out. Jeongguk's tongue had become well acquainted with Jimin's.

Jimin pulled away, gasping for air, but Jeongguk's mouth just moved down to his neck and his hands moved to slip under his shirt and then go lower to grab handfuls of his ass. Jimin caught his breath, hands on Jeongguk's shoulders. As he closed his eyes and gnawed at his lips, he debated whether this was okay or not.

"What did they give you over there?" he gasped out when Jeongguk sucked a bit too hard on his scent gland.

"Nothin'," Jeongguk growled as he traveled back up to take Jimin's lips, his hands slipping into Jimin's shorts this time.

Jimin hummed in surprise as he pushed Jeongguk back. "Are you trying to have sex in the kitchen or something?"

"Should we?" Jeongguk rasped.

"No!"

Jimin pushed Jeongguk back and then rushed to their room, Jeongguk was hot on his tail. Jeongguk shut and locked their bedroom door and then he was on him. Mouth latched onto Jimin's neck, hands slipping under his shirt to caress his stomach and then trail up to his chest.

"Jeongguk, wait, you're drunk!" Jimin pulled the alpha's hands away, spinning around which resulted in him tripping a bit, making him drop onto the bed.

"No, I'm okay," Jeongguk grunted as he yanked his shirt off and then towered over Jimin. Jimin looked up at him with wide eyes and flushed ears, his body held up by his elbows. Jeongguk leaned closer and ghosted their lips.

"Can I please?" Jeongguk whispered as he tugged at Jimin's shorts.

"Jeongguk—"

"Do you want to?"

"I mean yeah but you—"

"I want you, need you. I'm going crazy here."

"Are you sure?" Jimin mumbled against Jeongguk's mouth.

"This isn't some drunk one-night stand. I'm not going to regret this or be upset. I know what I want and I want you."

"Okay," Jimin nearly moaned.

Jeongguk's mouth finally crashed against Jimin's and Jimin's bottoms went flying. Jimin pushed Jeongguk back, turned him and then brushed him on the bed when his movements continued to be clumsy and uncoordinated.

"I got it," Jimin purred as he tugged off Jeongguk's pants and underwear.

He crawled on top of Jeongguk after he pulled off his shirt and once Jeongguk pressed his back against the headboard. Jimin wrapped his arms around Jeongguk's shoulders as they kissed and Jeongguk worked Jimin's soft insides open and relaxed.

Slowly, Jimin slid down Jeongguk's excitement. Jeongguk grunted and moaned into Jimin's mouth while a soft exhale slipped through Jimin's lips. Jimin moved his lips slowly, Jeongguk's hands all over him. Jimin pressed his cheek against Jeongguk's, his arms tight around his shoulders, eyes shut as he moaned into Jeongguk's ear.

Jeongguk sounded so pathetic as Jimin twirled his hips, shifted back and fourth, and bounced. He kept his hands tightly gripping his mate's hips and begging him to let him kiss him because he needed a distraction, he was feeling too much, he—

"What? You gonna cum already?" Jimin teased with sultry eyes.

Jeongguk barely cracked his eyes opened to glare at Jimin. "Don't make fun of me."

Jimin simpered as he leaned back, hands on Jeongguk's knees and moved his hips again. Jeongguk whimpered as his hands clung to Jimin's thighs. Jimin's brows furrowed as he cast his eyes down, lip caught between his teeth as his body tingled. He threw his head back as he slammed his hips down, the way Jeongguk's nails dug into his thighs told him all he needed to know. Jeongguk pulled him down flat against him and released inside of him, a much smaller swell former at the base of his dick.

Jimin leaned toward him after dragging a hand down his body. He licked Jeongguk's lips and Jeongguk's mouth automatically opened from Jimin to slip his tongue inside. Jimin slowly pulled back, sucking on Jeongguk's tongue as he moved back.

"Are you trying to get me pregnant again already? I'm not even full term yet."

Jeongguk was still catching his breath as he huffed out a weak, "Stop it."

Jimin locked their lips once again as he twirled his hips, reaching his own orgasm which was loud but muffled by Jeongguk's mouth. Jeongguk's knot went down much faster than it did before so Jimin rose up on his knees, allowing the alpha to slip out, before sitting back down. They just held each other and kissed, bickering about who would shower first while the other ripped up the sheets and then switch with making the bed.

Maybe Jimin was a little in his head for thinking Jeongguk was overcompensating. Maybe.

Jeongguk had gotten up before him the next morning—the alpha having been the one to shower first and then make the bed afterward—and made breakfast and got Jiyeong ready to go. Jimin watched him from the kitchen entryway. He gingerly rubbed at his lip as he watched the two cook happily, an overwhelming contentment flooded his chest where his wolf flipped and his lower belly where his pup grew.

On the walk to the daycare, Jeongguk debriefed Jimin on what they needed to do together as Head Alpha and Head Omega. Jimin began to accept that he had to accept the title. Not happily of course. But it was his second title nonetheless.

A mating ceremony was three nights from then. They had to prepare. It was common and expected for the Head Alpha and Omega to present a mating gift to the couple and also check in with them the next morning. It helped that Jeongguk and Jimin were familiar with it as it had been their story recently.

They walked back to their home since Jimin didn't have anything inherently he needed to do that day but there was a lot Jeongguk had to do at the house. They move around each other throughout the house—more so Jeongguk hovered around Jimin—and co-existed.

Jimin didn't mention how he smelt Jieun on him when he came home last night. He felt it didn't matter because of what happened last night. But there was that guarded part of his brain that told him it was overcompensation. He slept with him because he felt guilty. But he tried to quiet that voice. That voice wasn't fair to him or to Jeongguk.

Jeongguk had left at some point to collect the wood he needed for the crib. Jimin decided to clean up the house since Jiyeong tore through it and both parents were too tired to clean it up before. It was relaxing not having to worry about anything but bending down properly and being able to get up again.

He wasn't too big but its good to practice.

He walked toward the living space and peeked out of the window to view the side of the house. A breath caught in his throat when he found a half-naked Jeongguk chopping wood there. Sweet covered his torso and biceps and his muscles flexed and stretched everywhere. Jimin had to look away.

He had been outside for hours doing different things outside and around the house. He was chopping wood for the crib and for the fireplace when winter came around. He decided to go out and take him something to eat. He prepared something quickly and then stepped outside. He paused on the porch when he noticed all the eyes on his mate, especially Jieun's. She looked at him longingly. Jimin's feathers were ruffled. He stomped down the steps and turned the corner.

"Alpha," Jimin called.

Jeongguk's head shot up and he dropped his ax and beamed at Jimin.

"Hey. What're you doing out here?"

"Just coming out here to feed you."

"Feed me or drop food off and then avoid me inside?" Jeongguk raised an eyebrow as he snatched Jimin up.

Jimin placed a hand on Jeongguk's mouth as he scrunched up his nose. "Isn't that the same thing?"

"Ha ha," Jeongguk mocked as he pulled Jimin's arm down to kiss him.

Jimin threw his head back and whined. "I came out here to give you food not get harassed."

"Just one kiss. I haven't gotten one kiss all day. I'm getting stuff ready for us and not even a little bit of sugar? I'm going through withdrawals. Look, look, I'm going blind in my left ear."

Jimin cackled and shook his head. "You're so ridiculous."

"Come on, come on."

"I don't like public displays of affection," Jimin shook his head.

"Come on, my omega," Jeongguk purred as he leaned closer, taking the small basket from Jimin's hand.

"Having a pup is changing you," Jimin hummed as he moved Jeongguk's sweaty hair from his forehead and behind his ears.

He held his ears and leaned forward, pecking his lips a few times and Jeongguk's scent exploded with sweetness and freshness. If he was in his wolf form, Jimin was sure his tail would be wagging like crazy.

"I'm gonna go back inside, okay?" Jimin mumbled against his lips.

"Eat with me."

"I already ate."

"Stay with me."

"Jeongguk," Jimin called.

"I'll look so lonely and stupid if you leave while I eat."

Jimin rolled his eyes but sat in Jeongguk's lap when he sat down on his chopping block. Jimin unwillingly—said by unreliable source: Jimin's mind—fed Jeongguk as they spoke about things they needed to do around the pack; ensure the HH moved smoothly when Seokjin gave birth, a surplus of food for the barren months, and stable and strong homes.

To others, it may have seemed like romantic talk. But they spoke of purely business during this time.

"Shouldn't the letters from our neighboring packs and allies come in tomorrow?" Jimin pondered as he wiped his hands clean as Jeongguk sipped on the juice Jimin brought him.

"Weather and rogues can take a one-day journey and make it a three-day journey."

"True," Jimin frowned. "I hope they're alright."

"My wolf isn't stressed. I think they're okay."

"Right," Jimin snorted.

"Whatever. Get off me," Jeongguk sneered.

"I would but you won't let me go. So?"

"You just smell so nice and feel so good," Jeongguk sighed as he rested his hand flat on Jimin's tummy.

Jimin took that as his cue to stand up, taking Jeongguk's hand and picking up the basket. He booped Jeongguk's nose and grinned.

"At this rate, you're gonna give away our secret."

Jeongguk grinned back. "Don't worry. I'm building it inside."

"So, I should spend the day with Seokjin, then?"

Jeongguk rolled his eyes but accept the kiss Jimin brought his way and watched him leave. Jeongguk licked his lips and then rubbed at his lower lip before standing up to continue his work. Jimin did genuinely prepare a bag to head out to Seokjin's since he knew he wasn't in the House today. When Jeongguk came in, loud and messy, he drowned Jimin in much deeper kisses and his scent before the omega left.

"Welcome," Seokjin grinned as he opened the door. "Running away from your baby daddy?"

"Shut up," Jimin sneered as he shoved Seokjin inside lightly. "No one knows but us and him."

"Oh," Seokjin cringed. "It was supposed to be a secret?"

"Why are you cringing like that?" Jimin squinted at him.

"What baby daddy is he talking about?"

Jimin's eyes bucked and he snapped his eyes to behind Seokjin as Taehyung came out of one of the rooms and down the hallway. Jimin slapped his hands on his face and sighed loudly while Seokjin quietly apologized.

"Uhm," Jimin began as he crossed his arms.

"And don't say he was making a joke either. You started talking like it was some secret. Who is him? Head Jeon? It better be Head Jeon because I know damn well you aren't talking about Hyesong—" Taehyung hissed as he walked closer.

Jimin's heart dropped and his breathing stuttered. His hands unconsciously rested on his stomach as he stuttered out, "H-Hey! What the fuck, Tae!?"

"Hyesong!? Like Head of the Hunting Team Hyesong? Choi Hyesong? Juha's older brother Hyesong!?"

Taehyung paused as he stood beside Seokjin and then groaned. "Fuck. I didn't mean—"

"Hyesong is Jiyeong's father!? I thought it was some outside alpha!?"

"Honey," Taehyung called, taking Seokjin's arm.

"Jin, please. It's in the past and—"

"I always wondered why he would look at you that way. Jiyeong too. He always seemed to hover around it and it doesn't help that his sister and her little friends were always messing with you. Ooh! You kept this from us!?"

"It isn't a big deal, alright? We just—" Jimin began.

"No! He abandoned you! I thought I'd never be able to get my hands on the alpha that hurt you but he's just been a few yards away this whole time! He let people treat you like some traitor and his own pup like some abomination! Why would you lie!?"

"Because of this!" Jimin shouted back. He sighed out loud and then stepped past the couple and dropped down on the couch.

"Tae, I haven't talked to Hyesong about anything but work since he just turned his back on me. So, yeah, we were talking about Head Jeon. I'm pregnant."

Taehyung folded his lips in and nodded, moving to sit beside him. "Congratulations, Min."

"Yeah," Jimin scoffed.

Seokjin sat on the other side of him and took his hand. Jimin turned to him.

"I wanted to keep some piece of my dignity, so I lied. Do you know how much more embarrassing it would be for me, the only omega on the Hunting Team, to have been tricked and abandoned by the Head of said team? If not just mocked, I would also be deeply pitied and forced to fucking mate him. I couldn't handle that."

Seokjin swallowed and nodded. "And you only told Tae?"

"He didn't tell me shit. I caught them," Taehyung scowled. "And when were you going to tell us about the new pup, huh?"

"Caught them?" Seokjin raised his eyebrows.

"When I got a bit bigger, that's what Jeongguk and I agreed on."

"He wasn't even going to tell him if he didn't get caught there too," Seokjin sighed. "Stop hiding things from us, Jimin. We care about you," Seokjin frowned.

Jimin shrugged and scratched at his neck with a frown. Taehyung spoke up as he stood.

"Yeah, I caught them makin' out in the forest when they should've been doing their runs. He begged me to keep it a secret and because I respect and love him, I did. I wish I didn't."

Jimin looked up at him and shook his head. "What's done is done. I'm not with him, we don't talk, it's fine."

"Is Head Jeon any better?" Taehyung grumbled.

"We grew up together, Tae," Jimin eyed him.

"You're acting like he's the same as he was when we were eight?"

"Fair enough," Jimin exhaled with a light laugh. "He's much better, Tae. Don't worry."

"How far along are you?"

"Just behind Jinnie. 23 weeks."

Taehyung hummed and then paused. "You've gone hunting!"

Jimin groaned. "I already get that from my husband-mate-alpha-pain-in-the-ass! I don't need it from you too."

"But that's so dangerous!"

"La, la, la, la," Jimin sang as he plugged his ears with his fingers. "Can't hear you! I know my body better than you do!"

Taehyung rolled his eyes and lightly shoved him. "I'm just worried about your safety."

"I did it with Jiyeong. I can do it again."

"You did!?" Seokjin hollered.

"Yeah," Taehyung grumbled. "And guess what asshole had the balls to act all scared and nervous about it?" Taehyung scoffed.

Jimin tensed as he snapped his attention to Taehyung as he stood. "He did?" Jimin whispered.

"Don't worry about it, Min. It's in the past."

"He… He did refuse to put me on bigger prey hunts," Jimin mumbled as he picked at his lips.

"Oh, fuck him. Just thinking about it is pissing me off," Taehyung bit. "I'm headed to my goddessforsaken job under that bastard."

Seokjin stood to see him off, leaving Jimin with his thoughts for just a moment. A sense of unease filtered through his body as he sat and thought, pondered, had Hyesong eyed him? Watched him? He couldn't remember. He avoided Hyesong with all his might whenever he could. He hated whenever he tried to pull him to the side to speak for a moment, he was glad when the alpha gave up on it after Jiyeong turned one.

"Well, I'm not sure you're up for any gossip anymore."

Jimin looked up as Seokjin sat down beside him. He smiled.

"No. I could use the distraction."

"Well, one is about your hubby and his ex—"

"Oh, great," Jimin groaned.

"—and the other is about you and your hubby. Well, there's two about that actually."

"Oh, fantastic, wonderful even."

Seokjin snickered. "Well, first, I heard while shopping this morning that Jieun joined Head Alpha Jeon and his friend with her friends. They sat no where near each other and he came off cold to her."

"You heard this exactly? People paid this close attention?"

"Their break up was honestly a scandal. And then you two immediately getting mated made it even crazier. They're trying to see if you're a vixen or if he's miserable and still wants her."

Jimin snorted. "I guess that explains why he smelt like her last night."

"I also heard that you got laid down when he got home," Seokjin smirked.

Jimin flushed and snapped his head to Seokjin. "Who said that!?"

"No one but thank you for confirming it."

"Oh, you're so annoying," Jimin pinched Seokjin as he sneered. Seokjin cackled while Jimin leaned back and rubbed his belly. "And what is this about me being a vixen?"

"Well, considering how in love Head Alpha Jeon was—"

"Could still be," Jimin shrugged with a nonchalant frown.

Seokjin pinched his thigh and continued, "—with Jieun. People assumed he'd be cut up about it for a while. Therefore the quick mating was debated as either you casting some spell over him or being in a contract agreement. We know its the former. But as time as progressed and Alpha Jeon seems obsessed with you—"

"Unfortunately."

"Wolves suspect you might actually have him under a spell. I mean, come on? That display this morning?"

"Oh my Goddess!? Wolves are talking about that!?"

"Of course, they are! He looked like he could crawl into your skin and disappear forever!"

Jimin covered his face and kicked his feet. "That's so embarrassing! I told him I hate that."

"I don't think he cares," Seokjin laughed. "If you could've seen Jieun's face? Ugh. The way those girls were talking about? Please. How miserable."

"Well, whatever. I can't be petty about it. It's partially my job to make sure they live."

"Partially?"

"Fully Jeongguk's."

Seokjin cackled.

When Jimin felt like he had given Jeongguk enough time to finish up his passion project and when he and Seokjin had finally had enough of each other, Jimin decided to head home. As he left the Kim residence, he noticed the hunting pack returning. Two deer, some bunnies, and a boar.

He whistled at them and most of them chuckled and cheered his way.

"When are you gonna get back out there, huh, Park?"

"When I stop having to count how many pups you and your beta keep popping out," Jimin called back.

The group cackled and whistled. He grinned at them as they passed, eyes landing on Namjoon and Yoongi as they passed. A nod of acknowledgement. Then. His eyes found Hyesong.

His heart had gone numb to seeing the man after four years but with thoughts of him being reopened and tossed around his mind, a rush of nausea rushed over him. They held eyes for a quick second before Jimin turned on his heel to pick Jiyeong up from daycare.

They walked hand-in-hand and no matter how hard Jimin tried, he couldn't ignore Hyesong now. He wasn't just another face anymore. He noticed how he looked at him and at Jiyeong. It was similar to how Jieun looked at Jeongguk but just… something more.

They did have a son together after all. Of course it'd be different.

Jimin was going to be sick.

Once they got inside the house, Jimin shooed Jiyeong away to get cleaned up. Jeongguk had already prepared dinner and when he peeked into the room across from Jiyeong's he was a bit surprised to see a the room filled out for when the pup got older. He shook his head and giggled softly to himself before heading to their bedroom where a crib was established, small enough to be moved when needed.

He softly shut the door since Jeongguk was in the bathroom and began to change. As he stripped off his shift and pants, the door opened.

"Oh? Is this my surprise appreciation gift for being such a great alpha?"

Jimin rolled his eyes with a barely there smile as he slipped his shirt on, snatching his pants up. "Don't get too excited, you'll only be let disappointed."

"Uh huh," Jeongguk snorted as he shut the door, walked over to Jimin, and then dropped to his knees.

Jimin knew the drill. He looked to the side as he raised his shirt up and Jeongguk immediately covered his swelling stomach in kisses and sweet words, pressing his ear against his stomach, twitching to hear something—anything.

"You said they're moving right?"

"Like butterflies."

Jeongguk grinned as he pulled back to give a few more kisses before standing up. "What're hoping for?"

"A healthy baby," Jimin answered simply.

Jeongguk pouted. "Damn, that's a good answer."

Jimin huffed out a laugh and then stepped around Jeongguk to collect Jiyeong and eat. Jeongguk smacked his ass as he passed by, Jimin yelped and then spun around, smacking Jeongguk's chest with his eyes wide.

"Is that what we're doing now!?"

Jeongguk shrugged with a smirk.

"You're getting comfortable," Jimin squinted as he pointed at the alpha. "I don't like that."

Jeongguk chuckled as he walked toward the door, Jimin turning his body to hide his ass from him as he eyed him. He held the door open for the pregnant omega and said omega suspiciously and cautiously walked past him. Jeongguk called for Jiyeong and the little pup came running down the hall, he jumped into Jeongguk's arms and squealed and giggled as Jeongguk swung him around. Jimin and Jiyeong sat down while Jeongguk served them their meal.

"Do you like it?"

Jimin looked up at Jeongguk after he helped Jiyeong cut up his fish. He raised an eyebrow.

"What I built in our bedroom," Jeongguk elaborated vaguely.

"Ah," Jimin nodded. "It's good Alpha, thank you."

Jeongguk tugged at his ear and then looked down at his food. Jimin chuckled softly at the shy overgrown pup across from him.

As they got ready for bed, Jimin informed Jeongguk that Taehyung now knew they were expecting.

"So, I suppose we should tell everyone then?"

"I'm thinking the same," Jimin hummed as Jeongguk rested his head on his belly.

"I should edit the census."

"Wait, I don't want everyone to know."

"We'll need the food," Jeongguk sat up, the covers slipping down around his waist exposing his naked chest.

"We'll get enough with Jiyeong."

"You're eating for two."

"I don't want the entire pack in my pregnancy again," Jimin groaned.

"I don't want you to go hungry."

"Alpha," Jimin called, watching as Jeongguk immediately relaxed at the term. "We'll have a surplus. It's all planned out. I'll be okay. Besides, I can just eat Jiyeong's leftovers."

Jeongguk huffed but relented. There was a soft knock on the door and Jeongguk slipped out of bed. He opened the door and then looked down at the little pup standing before him, a blanket wrapped around him and eyes big and glossy.

"What's going on,Pup?" Jeongguk cooed as he leaned down to pick up Jiyeong and shut the door behind him.

"Oh, what's wrong, Papa?" Jimin frowned as he held his arms open, fingers wiggling for the alpha to pass the pup over.

Jiyeong immediately clung to Jimin, feet kicking urgently as he tried to mold himself into Jimin. Jeongguk sat in the bed beside them and rubbed his little legs while Jimin repeatedly kissed his cheeks. Jiyeong sniffled and looked at his parents from where his face was swaddled by his blanket.

"I had a dream."

"Is that right?" Jeongguk smiled gently. "What about?"

"There was some man. He said he was my dad. But he wasn't my dad because both of my daddies are right here! So I didn't know what he was talking about! But then he got mean and I got scared."

Jimin's heart raced, his pulse in his ears. He tried to calm his breathing and tone down his scents but due to his goddessforsaken pregnancy hormones, he couldn't. Jeongguk's hand found Jimin's back and when Jimin looked at him his eyebrows were furrowed.

He looked away and cleared his throat and rubbed Jiyeong's cheek. "Well, it was just a dream, right? We're right here. We'll keep you safe," Jimin whispered and Jiyeong nodded happily in response.

Jiyeong lay comfortably between Jimin and Jeongguk and happily fell asleep. Jimin gently patted his tummy and hummed to him until he was fully relaxed and softly huffing in his sleep.

"Are you okay?"

Jimin's eyes snapped up to Jeongguk's and he cleared his throat.

"Yeah. Fine. Mhm."

"Is it about Jiyeong's alpha father?"

Jimin shifted and looked away from Jeongguk, choosing to stare down at Jiyeong instead. Jeongguk sighed.

"Omega, he isn't here. He can't hurt you or Jiyeong."

Jimin closed his eyes tightly.

I want to believe that but he's out there.

"Thank you, Alpha."

"Trust me, Jimin."

Jimin and Jeongguk stared at each other, Jeongguk reached out and rubbed his cheek. Jimin nodded.

"Okay, Jeongguk. I'll trust you."

Jeongguk smiled at him, sat up a bit, left a longing kiss on his cheek, and then lay back down.

Jimin couldn't stop finding Hyesong and his stares. The messenger wolves returned just as it was time for the Head Wolves meeting with the other Heads in the pack.

One of which, being Hyesong.

Jimin was on edge but he didn't want Jeongguk to know that. Jeongguk was sensitive to his moods and scent more than ever as he neared his 28th week. There was no hiding his pregnant belly now unless he bundled up to make his body seem as frumpy as possible. He hadn't been on any hunts in a while either.

No one really questioned it, they knew he was busy. But Hyesong still eyed him as they sat around the table the discuss how they would progress in the next year and to give their reports to the Head Alpha and Omega.

Afterwards, Jeongguk and Jimin were left alone to discuss the letters they received with the wolves return.

There was war and there were rouges. They were moving, slowly but surely.

"Goddess," Jeongguk sighed as he stood once the wolves left, helping Jimin up. "Head home."

"What? Why?"

"I've got to talk to the Security Team. Work with them and a few hunters to decide who will be out on the front lines if we need them."

"Why wouldn't I join you?"

"You can't hide your belly, Jimin. Unless you're sitting down or wearing big clothes, it's extremely visible."

"So?"

"Jimin," Jeongguk exhaled slowly, rubbing the dorsal of Jimin's hand with his thumb.

"I don't care if they think its distracting or that I'm incapable for now since I'm pregnant. I am perfectly capable and always have been."

The way Jeongguk looked at him made him want to relent. He didn't look at Jimin with fury or distaste, more so worry and anxiety. He wanted Jimin safe physically and emotionally. He wanted their pup guarded. But Jimin had a job to do. He was Chief Advisor.

"How about this?" Jimin sighed as he held Jeongguk's face and tugged on his ears gently. "I'll go home but you take notes of everything and tell me about it. This is my job too, okay? And I love it and want to be apart of it. But… I am tired and the pup keeps doing somersaults in here."

Jeongguk chuckled and grinned at him. "Okay. I'll write the most perfect and detailed notes, don't worry."

"Thank you, Jeon," Jimin snorted.

Jeongguk leaned forward and pecked his lips.

"Jeongguk, I think we should tell our friends and family tonight."

"Tonight?" Jeongguk's eyes bucked.

"Or tomorrow night. I'll have to stand up in front of so many people for the ceremony in a few days. I'll have to wear traditional clothing, none of which will be bulky on me. I'd rather not tell my mommy she's having another grandchild in that way."

Jeongguk hummed and slowly nodded. "Tomorrow night."

"Okay," Jimin nodded and pecked his lips.

They parted and Jimin made his way back home. Jeongguk had managed to convince him to allow Jiyeong to sleep over for one night at his new friend's house. They had gotten really close and comfortable with each other and Jeongguk knew the other pup's parents quite well.

During his walk back home, he nearly body slammed into someone. His a arms unconsciously wrapped around his abdomen and his eyes darted to who it was. Jieun and Juha.

Fuck.

He dropped his arms and cleared his throat. He tugged at his shirt and jacket, irritated with how hot he was getting and was thankful he wouldn't have to do it anymore soon. Jieun looked him up and down with furrowed eyebrows and Juha just scoffed.

"Aren't you supposed to be big and strong? A little thing like Jieun barely even moves you. Don't overreact."

Jimin rolled his eyes. "Right."

"Why were you holding your stomach like that anyway?" Jieun frowned and crossed her arms. "We've all seen you be barren since your wedding night. It's breaking my heart that your one pup might simply be a blessing from the Moon."

Jimin wanted to scoff, laugh, taunt. But he didn't. He just shrugged. "Don't you just hold what's been hit to sooth the dull ache?"

"I suppose," Juha sighed dramatically. "Hey," she smirked. "Is there even a chance that you and Head Alpha Jeon will even have a pup? Have you got him under some spell so you can secure your position?"

Now, Jimin was beyond pissed off. He didn't tolerate and deal with Jeongguk's wondering hands because he wanted to, that was jus how he was. Nor did he need Jeongguk to ensure his positions and the responsibilities that came with them. He turned to face them better and crossed his arms.

"My position was ensured the moment I was born to Park Jisu and Min Hyunok. My position was ensured the moment you, Ms. Oh Jieun, threw your lover aside."

"You—!" Juha stepped forward and Jimin just smiled as his eyes found Jieun's.

"I think I handle my positions quite well." His eyes snapped back to Juha, his heart hardening as he stared into eyes that reminded him of ones he used to adore. "Don't you?"

"Juey!"

Jimin's eyes snapped to the side, refusing to turn around to the voice behind him. Juha's eyes lit up and she waved. "Hyey!"

Jimin's eyes flicked back to the omegas across from him. He gave them a tight lipped smile, bowed his head, and then turned to head back home.

"Chief Park!"

Jimin paused and turned, Hyesong's eyes were a bit wide and danced across his figure. "Yes, Alpha Choi?"

"Haven't seen you on a hunt recently. Are we losin' one of our best?"

Jimin shrugged as he hid his clenched fists. "Just busy. I'll be back out there eventually."

"We'll be waiting," Hyesong exhaled with a barely visible smile.

Jimin nodded tightly and then quickly made his way back home. He immediately cleaned up and decided to do some stretching, hoping his mind would feel as loose and clear as his body. When Jeongguk came home later in the day, they ate quietly after Jeongguk washed up.

Jimin had just gathered all the clothes, making note to wash them tomorrow morning before preparing a mating gift for the betrothed couple. As he rummaged through some documents in the kitchen, he felt hands slip under his shirt and lips latch onto his neck. He snorted.

"Is this why you wanted Jiyeong gone?"

"Partially."

"We're not having sex in the kitchen."

"Come on," Jeongguk grumbled with a sweet lightness to his voice. "Don't you wanna spice it up?"

"'Spice it up'? We've been mated for seven months. You think our sex life is boring already?"

"Well, when you put it that way I sound like an overly sexual asshole," Jeongguk scowled as he stepped away from Jimin.

Jimin turned to him with a small smirk. "What? Did you and Jieun do some really nasty stuff?"

Jeongguk's stance grew uncomfortable and he crossed his arms. He looked away and poked his cheek with his tongue. A habit Jimin had taken note of.

"Oh, come on. Don't get all mopey now. She was a part of your life not too long ago. You can't do this every time I bring her up."

"I don't like her getting brought up at all. Especially not by you."

"And why is that?"

"I mean wouldn't you feel uncomfortable if I were to bring up Jiyeong's father often?"

Jimin grew quiet.

"Exactly. She's my past and I don't care about that anymore. And… and I guess to answer your question… depends on your definition of 'really nasty'."

Jimin let out a surprised laugh and then immediately slapped a hand over his mouth with wide eyes. "Okay for one," Jimin held up a finger, "I'm sorry. I'll respect that from now on. Two, I now really wanna know."

Jeongguk shook his head and rubbed his neck with a small grimace.

"All over the house?"

"Jimin," Jeongguk whined lowly.

"I'll respect it after you answer me."

Jeongguk looked around the kitchen before sighing. "Yes. We did."

Jimin gasped, faux scandalized. "Outdoors?"

Jeongguk closed his eyes and dropped his head. "Yeah."

Another gasp. "Slapping? Choking? Spitting? I assume head, that's not out of the ordinary."

"Jimin! Alright!" Jeongguk groaned loudly as he slapped his hands on his face and dragged his them down his face. "My erection has gone down."

"Ha ha! My plan all along," Jimin held a finger up as if he had gotten a great idea.

Jeongguk cut his eyes at him but Jimin just smirked.

"Well, actually, I am still curious."

"No slapping, choking, or spitting. But yeah, head," Jeongguk answered begrudgingly.

"Awe, what a shame. I like those things. Guess I'll have to teach you."

Jeongguk's ears burned. "Jimin—"

"Any form of tying up?"

"No," Jeongguk pushed out as he closed his eyes, his cheeks reddening. "At this point, I think you're just naming things to either embarrass me or try with me."

"And you'd be correct. I no longer am asking about her specifically, more like what you've done broadly." Jimin walked over the Jeongguk, papers long forgotten, he slid his arms over Jeongguk's shoulders and leaned close into his face. Their noses brushed as did their lips.

"I really like slapping and choking."

"Yeah?" Jeongguk rasped.

"Yeah," Jimin purred as Jeongguk's hands found his ass. "Not while pregnant though," Jimin grinned cheekily, licking Jeongguk's nose before pulling back a bit.

Jeongguk groaned loudly. "You're going to make me explode."

Jimin giggled as Jeongguk lunged forward and kissed all over his neck. They walked toward the table and Jeongguk traveled up to kiss Jimin breathless.

"Please," Jeongguk breathed against Jimin's mouth.

"We eat here."

"We can clean it off or lay something down."

"How about I touch you instead?"

Jeongguk made a deep noise within his chest. "Do you not want to?"

"Not in the kitchen, Jeongguk," Jimin laughed.

Jeongguk grumbled and leaned back while Jimin's hands moved down to unbuckle Jeongguk's pants and pull him out of his boxers. Jeongguk exhaled shakily, his hands pressed against the table on either side of Jimin's hips. Jimin kissed him teasingly as he squeezed and dug his thumb into Jeongguk's slit.

Jeongguk released a shaky breath against Jimin's mouth before he moved closer to him, mouth near his ear as he dug his chin into Jimin's shoulder. He rested a lot of his body weight onto the palms of his hands as he shallowly thrust into Jimin's moving hand, noises filling Jimin's ear as he looked down at his movements.

Jeongguk swore and moaned into his ear, noises that fueled a feeling of pride and contentment in Jimin's omega that they were able to make their alpha feel good.

Jimin was a bit ashamed. He felt satisfied just knowing Jeongguk was beyond satisfied. With one hard thrust that shook Jimin and the table, Jeongguk came into his hand. Shallow thrusts as he calmed down.

Jeongguk leaned back and immediately attacked Jimin with kisses, Jimin yelped in surprise as he fell backward onto the table, Jeongguk towering over him as he licked into his mouth and sucked on his lips. Jimin turned his head away from Jeongguk but the alpha continued to kiss at his neck. Jimin gasped and blinked rapidly, knees digging into Jeongguk's sides, and his clean hand dug into Jeongguk's shoulder blade.

Jimin had to uphold his standards. He absolutely could not have sex on the table they ate three meals a day. He just couldn't do that. That was so sick. But Jeongguk smelt so nice and felt so warm. He always felt amazing after they were done and it had been a while. Jeongguk was rubbing up against him and teasing his scent gland, making lewd noises in his ear; his mind was hazy with Jeongguk's scent and he felt himself begin to wet his pants.

Oh no.

Was he genuinely becoming easy?

Oh, fuck.

"Jeongguk," Jimin gasped as he turned his head to push Jeongguk's head away from his neck.

Jeongguk sat up, his eyes lidded as he licked his lips. Jimin stared up at him, a fight in his mind against desire and arousal. But Jeongguk looked like he needed to taste him. Like he'd go feral if he didn't get inside of Jimin that second. Jimin was mortified to say, but he felt he'd be upset with himself for the rest of the night if he didn't get Jeongguk inside of him.

"One time. Okay?"

A deep growl erupted from Jeongguk's chest as he lunged forward and devoured Jimin's mouth. His pants and underwear were tugged down quickly and Jeongguk's fingers slipped inside of him. As Jeongguk kissed down to as much of Jimin's chest as he could get to, Jimin snatched up a napkin and cleaned his hand off.

Before Jimin knew it, Jeongguk was holding himself up over him and fucking into him like he'd die if he didn't. Everything was loud and messy—and could absolutely never be done again. Jimin's eyes remained screwed shut as he wrapped his legs around Jeongguk's waist. He couldn't control his voice at all and Jimin could feel himself growing closer.

The fastest he's ever cum before, he was convinced. His body shook and jerked against the table while Jeongguk moaned loudly over him. Jeongguk pulled out slowly and gently pulled Jimin up. Jimin dragged his heavy eyes up to look at Jeongguk.

"So?" Jeongguk smirked as he scooped Jimin up.

"We're never doing that again."

"Prude."

Jimin pinched him.

Jeongguk was going to be busy all day. They had agreed to tell everyone close and important to them, meaning Jeongguk was inviting friends that helped build the house and that he grew up with—friends Jimin didn't know at all. But he understood. These people were important to Jeongguk and this was his first puppy. He could be understanding.

Jeongguk had delivered invitations to their home first thing in the morning and Jimin just cleaned before heading to Seokjin's house since he had nothing better to do that day. Jimin sent his invites as well. He sat at the kitchen counter, sipping on a smoothie Seokjin had made for the both of them and their pups.

"I'm dreading being cooped up in the house with just that man and this pup," Seokjin groaned loudly.

"Tell me about it!" Jimin whined as he sipped on the smoothie a bit more before pausing. "I've got a question."

"Shoot."

"Have you and Tae ever had sex in the kitchen?"

Seokjin raised an eyebrow. "Do you want the honest answer?"

Jimin blinked at him, looked around the kitchen, looked down at the counter he was leaning on, and then shook his head. "No way."

Seokjin giggled as he sat down beside him. They talked a bit more about the announcement and the new daily gossip surrounding him and others.

"Barren, yet I've gotten pregnant twice after my second time with both alphas," Jimin rolled his eyes.

"If anything, she might be the barren one," Seokjin scoffed.

"I don't wish that on anyone, but since according to Jeongguk they had sex everywhere? I'm surprised they didn't have at least two pups."

"She could've been on medication," Seokjin shrugged.

"Do you remember if she was?"

Seokjin shook his head. "I had too many people coming in that I was taking care of all by myself. No way was I taking note of something like that for any reason but a refill."

Jimin shrugged, no longer caring for the subject. The subject of the pregnancy reveal came up and that was something Seokjin could talk about for hours. Seokjin, ever the healer and medical professional, was obsessed with pup talk. Especially considering he was due just in a few weeks.

"I'm so annoyed I have to give birth with some stranger," Jimin grumbled. "I'd rather do it alone."

"Oh come on. They're all very kind and well educated. Plus, your hubby will be there."

Jimin rolled his eyes. "Like I said. Alone."

Seokjin chuckled as he leaned back on his hands, as they now sat on the floor. "Well, I don't even get myself since I'm the one birthing. So, I've gotta trust Taehyung to listen to me and trust the new Healers. I can't wait to get them out."

"Yep. Those last three months are nothing compared to those last few weeks when your due date is so so close," Jimin grinned nostalgically. "I bet you'll curse Tae."

"Oh, I definitely will. Pull on his hair and everything."

Jimin cackled as he placed a hand under his stomach, leaning back on the other as his feet lined up with Seokjin's and the wiggled them back and forth. They spoke for a while more until Taehyung came back home to get ready to head to the Head Alpha's house.

Jimin didn't stop by the Office as Jeongguk was going to bring the documents and notes from his meeting the morning before and earlier that day. He decided to clean up a bit more and prepare for the fourteen people that would be joining the family of three. Mostly alpha pheromones would be filling his home and he internally groaned at the thought.

In came Jeongguk and Jiyeong as he worked in the kitchen. Jimin was on cooking and prepping duty while Jeongguk was on hosting duty. He could hear more and more people come in and go to the right side of the house where the living space resided while he finished up in the kitchen with his swollen belly, clearly visible through one of Jeongguk's thin shirts.

Jeongguk made him wear longer shorts because even though he loves his friends, his alpha was restless at the thought of Jimin being even more exposed to them. Jeongguk would take the dishes from the kitchen to the living space to ensure the surprise was still there. The scent of milk wafted through the air but everyone brushed it off the Jiyeong, though the mothers found it strange his milky scent would be so potent. It was much fainter than what they were smelling.

Finally, someone asked.

"Alright, Jeon. You've brought everything to us, we've met and greeted everyone, and you said there's some big important news," one of Jeongguk's friends started with a laugh. "What's this big news?"

"Yeah, and why isn't Jimin out yet?" Hoseok sighed loudly.

Jimin picked up two pitchers, took a breath, and then walked across the house into the living space.

It was silent, everyone held their breath. His stomach was big. Not freshly pregnant big but rather a secret well-kept big. He sat the pitchers down and then stood up, his hands resting on his lower back as he let out a breath. He looked around at the familiar faces and the vaguely memorable ones. No one said a thing.

"Jiyeong!" Hyunmin was the first to say. "Why didn't you tell us!?" she hollered as she snatched him up.

He giggled loudly and the room quickly erupted in exclamations of confusion and congratulations. Hyunok rushed around him immediately and held him tightly in her arms and Harin did the same with her son.

"I can't believe you didn't tell me after all this time!" Hyunok hissed.

"We just wanted some privacy."

"He just wanted some privacy," Jeongguk snorted as he finally sat down on the floor beside Chanyeol.

Jimin lightly kicked him but still took Jeongguk's hand to help him to the floor. Jeongguk pecked his hand and Jimin rolled his eyes.

"You dog!" Giwoong cackled as he shoved Jeongguk. "Chief Park, can I ask how far along you are?"

"28 weeks," Jimin answers as he gently feeds Jiyeong who seems enamored with his belly. Just like Jeongguk.

"Uh," Giwoong looked down at his fingers, putting one down slowly.

"About six months," Chanyeol snorted.

"That's basically the length of your entire relationship!" Giwoong gaped.

"Eww!" all the siblings groaned loudly.

Jimin covered his eyes and Jeongguk howled with laughter.

Jimin got more comfortable with Jeongguk's friends, especially his closer ones—Yoongi and Namjoon—and Jeongguk seemed to be overjoyed that Jimin was letting him be as physically affectionate as he wanted to be.

"Well, isn't someone obsessed?" Yoongi smirked as he eyed the couple.

Jimin was eating and feeding Jiyeong, not paying much attention to Jeongguk who sat behind him and rubbed his belly with his chin on his shoulder.

"Leave me alone," Jeongguk grumbled as he buried his nose into Jimin's shoulder.

"He's a big puppy, Min," Jimin smirked with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Soon, I'll have three to take care of."

"Oh, definitely," Hoseok snorted. "Look at you now!"

"I'm overstimulated just looking at you," Seokjin groaned.

"Believe me, he sends me off any chance he gets," Jeongguk huffed.

"We know!" Chanyeol and Namjoon said together.

"Thank you, honestly," Jongsoo smiled. "The other one had him whipped but didn't free him and hand him over. He's even more obsessed—mated and expecting—and we see him more often than before."

Jeongguk sucked his teeth and cut his eyes at Jongsoo but Jimin just smiled at him and said, "You're welcome. Take him anytime."

"Hey," Jeongguk growled and everyone laughed.

As the night went on, everyone began to slowly filter out and say their good-nights and give their joyful blessings. Jiyeong went to bed with a sweet kiss to Jimin's stomach, wishing a goodnight to his little sibling.

Jeongguk cleaned up everything, not allowing Jimin to do a thing no matter how much he complained. Jimin knew he was doomed from that day forward. Jeongguk and Jimin washed up together and then headed to bed.

"Does this mean I can touch and kiss your stomach as much as I want now?"

"Don't get too excited," Jimin grumbled. "I get touched-out easily now."

"Boo," Jeongguk groaned as he buried his nose into Jimin's while rubbing his exposed belly.

Jimin snorted but fell asleep rubbing Jeongguk's hand that rested protectively on his stomach.

Whispers. Jeongguk wouldn't ever get used to them. Jimin had gone outside for the first time with his belly on full display and Jeongguk heard whispers from any wolf possible. Old, young, male, female, alpha, omega, beta. It didn't matter. Someone was whispering.

Whispers about barren womb rumors being false (obviously? Jimin had Jiyeong), rumors that maybe the pup isn't his (absolute bullshit, mind you), rumors that Jimin had tricked and trapped Jeongguk (they are mated, how would that be?), and rumors that they were in love and Jeongguk was just that obsessed with Jimin that he got him pregnant immediately (well… maybe).

But even with that rumor that was a bit sweeter, came a filthier rumor. Jeongguk was cheating on Jieun with Jimin and that was why they were able to get so comfortable so fast. No account for a mating mark and no account for their families being close and them growing up together.

There was no talk about Jieun and Rody cheating when they got together immediately. How come that rumor floated around Jimin like a gnat? People also murmured about how happy Jeongguk seemed to be. Jieun was changing herself, trying to hold her head high, despite the love of her life being in love with someone else.

But she left him. She broke up with him. She used him. How is his happiness and slap in the face to her when she doesn't have to look? It's annoying.

He doesn't like people thinking he was weak minded and Jimin manipulated him. He didn't like people acting like their pup was what held him to Jimin and not their allegiance to duty. He sure as hell didn't like people whispering about his pup that he put into his mate not being his. If he had to be vulgar to get that point across to people, he would. Jimin's mortification be dammed.

He'd tell every position he ever put Jimin in, how deep he pushed himself into him, how tight Jimin's legs wrapped around him. He'd tell them all.

How did Jimin do it? The whispers and rumors. Jeongguk was going insane. How Jimin had only flipped out a handful of times, Jeongguk will never understand. But Jeongguk couldn't linger on that. There was a mating ceremony later that evening, the first one he had ever done. He had gone through all of his notes from both his father and the High Priestess—though a normal mating and the Head mating are different—and had run through it with his mother so many times. He was still anxious.

He found himself itching to be around is omega all day but Jimin was actually extremely busy. Due to this couple being new to the pack since the omega husband was one of the new healers, it was Jimin's duty to introduce them their customs and how the ceremony would go down. He also went back to hunting despite Jeongguk literally getting queasy at the thought. Jimin promised once he hit 32 weeks, he'd stop. That was only three weeks away but it still made Jeongguk sick.

Jeongguk couldn't help but notice, as he walked throughout the pack, that not only did Jieun look sick to her stomach, but so did the head of the hunting team. Choi Hyesong.

Jeongguk just figured maybe he greatly admired and adored Jimin due to him being a star in the hunting team and now that he was pregnant, he'd a on a long hiatus once again. That and/or Hyesong really liked Jimin.

Jeongguk wished he could've paid attention to the Head Hunter when Jimin had Jiyeong but oh well.

Jeongguk had no clue that Hyesong's spiral was much deeper than Jieun's.

Jieun felt like she was losing this cold war between her and Jimin that started that night Jeongguk told them to head inside because it was late. She thought she had something on him. Jeongguk loved her so he never touched him. But to see he was pregnant? Months pregnant. She felt bilious.

Hyesong, however, couldn't believe it. Jimin had never shown interest in anyone since he had their son. He always thought Jimin would be his for the taking. Even with the announcement of his mating, he figured it was still an easy battle. Jeongguk was Jieun's and Jimin was his. But no. Chief Advisor Park Jimin was having Head Alpha Jeon Jeongguk's pup. Some other wolf was picking up his pup, taking his pup to daycare, putting his pup to bed, kissing his omega, and putting a pup into his omega.

Note: Hyesong abandoned Jimin.

But that didn't matter. The realization destroyed him so badly he could drink until he expired.

He noticed how tore up Jieun was. His mind conjured up a plan. A hope. He had to try something. He just had to know had he really lost Jimin to the Head alpha just like that?

Mating ceremonies are more stressful than Jeongguk had ever realized and he was insanely grateful to his lovely omega. Subtle cues and gentle nudges kept him on track and a lovely couple was happily presented to everyone. A gift in their hands and a reminder to check in with them in their heads.

Jeongguk did have to control his anxious wolf when Jimin had to go into the ice cold lake water with him and bless them under the moon. As soon as they got out of the water and the couple was covered up, Jeongguk yanked his furs off and wrapped them around Jimin, rubbing his hands up and down Jimin's arms and around his tummy.

Jimin subtly smacked his hands away and ushered for him to join everyone in congratulating the new couple. Jimin had noticed Hyesong and Jieun sitting next to each other, whispering every so often, and it made him anxious. He couldn't even confide in Jeongguk who sensed his unease because that would mean admitting who Jiyeong's father was. That he lied to him, again.

He wasn't sure how Jeongguk would react. He couldn't risk it. What would he think of him? The only omega on the Hunting Team being impregnated by the Head of said team? Goddess, Jimin was going to throw up.

Jimin's anxieties were proven right when he had let Jiyeong come home with a few of his friends and their older siblings. Jeongguk assured him that they used to do the same thing and they weren't going near the boarders, they'd be fine. He was in the kitchen, washing and watching and waiting.

Jiyeong came into view with his friends and a small smile took over his face when he watched them gleefully say goodbye to each other. He looked down to dry his hands and clean the sink and when he looked back up, Jieun was approaching his pup on their doorstep. His heart stopped.

She held her hand out to him and Jiyeong looked down at it then up at her. Jimin nearly fell rushing to the door. He threw the door open and grabbed Jiyeong's arm, yanking him inside. Jieun stood up straighter and looked at him with deer-like eyes. Jimin glared down at her and then slammed the door shut. He pulled Jiyeong into the living room and then sat him down on the couch.

"What did she say to you?"

Jiyeong pouted as Jimin gently rubbed his arm, apologizing for pulling him so hard. "She asked me if I wanted to meet someone important in my life."

Bile rose in Jimin's throat, his body ran hot and cold. "What did you say?"

"I said I do not know," Jiyeong shrugged.

"What did she say?"

"She said she was going to take me to my daddy."

He told her. Oh, Goddess, he told her. Why would he tell her? Everyone's going to fucking know!

Jimin wanted to cry.

"She's talking crazy."

"I know!" Jiyeong shouted with his arms up over his head, exasperated. "My daddy is right here and my other daddy is working! She is crazy!"

Jimin laughed gently and nodded. His heart not even attempting to calm down. He decided to spend as much time with Jiyeong as possible before Jeongguk came home. They played anything he wanted to play, it was the only way to calm his heart. He even asked if Jiyeong wanted to sleep with them if he wanted once Jeongguk got home.

Jeongguk raised a confused eyebrow but didn't question it further. Even when Jimin stayed awake for a while and just admired his son, caressing his hair and face, ensuring he was protected between him and Jeongguk; Jeongguk just wrote it off as pregnancy hormones.

Eventually, winter licked at the crops and hissed at the animals in the woods. Food grew scarce and so did warmth. Homes packed up with chopped wood and furs everywhere you turned. Little pups ecstatic with the light snow fall and adults thankfully that work will lighten due to the new practices set in place.

However, there was one adult in absolute distress. Screaming, crying, and pulling on their lover's hair, Kim Seokjin was agonizing through birth. Everyone awaited the good news but no one awaited more than Kim Taehyung who was worried he'd go bald.

He was crowning but he still had some time left. He needed it to be over. Bad.

Finally, there was the sound of high pitched cries. The Kim house welcome their little baby boy. Taemin.

Everyone came to see the new addition and Jiyeong was the most excited of them all. He gushed and giggled about a baby and the pup being so little. Gifts and adoration drowned the Kim home and everyone offered their help to Seokjin and Taehyung for anything for as long as they needed.

"You didn't tell me it'd feel like hell," Seokjin hissed at Jimin.

"I feel like you could assume. No one ever really says this is a delightful feeling," Jimin teased as he watched Seokjin gently rock his very pink pup.

"Whatever," Seokjin muttered as Taehyung dabbed his chest and face with a wet towel.

"If it makes you feel any better, I'm gonna have to go through this in a few months with a baby that'll probably be eight pounds."

"Oh Goddess!?" Seokjin and Taehyung gasped quietly.

"Yep," Jimin sighed. "Look how huge I am already? Even more development after this? Ugh. I'm going to die."

"You'll be fine, I'm sure," Taehyung nodded as he gathered up soiled clothes to toss them in the bucket of water in the corner.

"I'm 30 weeks and can barely get up and down without Jeongguk helping me. These last 9 to 12 weeks are going to be hell."

Seokjin sent his condolences.

Jimin was still on edge due to Hyesong and Jieun hovering around them. He found himself grateful that Jeongguk wanted to be around him at all times. He held everything when they took Jiyeong to play with his friends, he helped Jimin sit down and stand up, he grabbed things that were just a bit too high for him.

Jimin couldn't help but swoon at the attentiveness. He had to admit, he definitely preferred having an alpha take care of him as he carried his (huge) pup. It was enough to stress about things he was keeping to himself, he couldn't stress about this pup too when Jeongguk was so attentive to him.

He would prepare warm baths for him, massage his feet, legs, and back, and even hold his stomach whenever Jimin seemed to really struggle with the unbalanced weight of the pup. He didn't attempt to ask for sex even in the slightest sense due to Jimin complaining about his body aching and him feeling tired. But if Jimin even batted his eyelashes suggestively at him? Jeongguk was on him in a second.

Week 32 proved tiring and Jimin couldn't imagine even trying to do any form of running, shifted or not. This pup was heavy! Plus, he had to urinate all the time.

At the moment, his personal life issues aside, he had to deal with the threat of war and rogues at their boarder. He and Jeongguk had gone into the office since work slowed for everyone but them during winter. Piles of paperwork sat on his desk from different teams and homes. He was sure Jeongguk's desk looked even worse.

As he pushed himself up, hand on his back and another holding a file, he heard a knock of the door. He sighed softly to himself as he walked toward his shelf.

"Come in," he called.

The door opened as he shuffled through some documents but he paused. Lemon. He turned around.

"How can I help, Alpha Choi?" Jimin cleared his throat and he practically waddled past the alpha as he shut the door.

"I've been wondering why you became so flakey with attending hunts," Hyesong started.

Jimin dropped the files down on his desk and furrowed his eyebrows as he placed both of his hands on his lower back, the big puppy tumbling around and winding him. He looked at Hyesong with a pinched expression, calming his rapid heart and his breathing, waiting for him to go on.

"But now I know," Hyesong barked out a laugh as he gestured toward his huge stomach. "I don't think you even made an intentional deciion to fall back from hunting when you were pregnant before."

"What am I supposed to do about that, Hyesong? I can barely move. I'd be of no help out there," Jimin scoffed as he placed a hand on his desk.

"Right. That's why, huh? You must really love him if you're protecting his pup like this."

"What the hell are you talking about!?" Jimin bit.

"You went hunting plenty fine with mine—"

"Hyesong—"

"I had to make you take smaller prey. Did you not care for mine?"

Jimin stared at Hyesong before scoffing. "How dare you?"

"Is that not the case?"

"I didn't have a real adult alpha taking care of me when I was pregnant with my son. My father was sick, I had to take over as Chief, I had to over-hunt because our hunting plan wasn't exactly optimal, all of this when I was pregnant and abandoned. So, Choi Hyesong, you do not get to enter my office with some bullshit allegation insinuating I don't love my son or that I didn't take care of him!"

"Jimin—"

"All I did was take care of him! Me! Alone! Working and tired and sick, my mother and siblings helped but it was me! Do you understand that!?"

They stared at each other and Jimin was pissed off. He had gotten over it, he thought. He didn't care anymore, he thought. But being tired and swollen with your hormones all over the place might just change those thoughts.

"So, you don't love him?"

"You didn't hear a thing I said," Jimin scoffed. "And I don't think that's any of your business."

"I'm just curious, you know? You've been so closed off from me since…"

"Since you put a fucking baby in me and then threw me to the side like I was some one night fling. I wonder why I was closed off."

"Does… Does he know he's mine?"

"Four people know he's yours. Two of them being us."

Hyesong blinked and then looked away. He put down three fingers. "You, me, Kim Taehyung, and?"

"His mate," Jimin answered begrudgingly.

"You told him?" Hyesong whispered, a flutter of hope in his voice that disgusted Jimin.

"I didn't tell them shit. I was caught."

Hyesong chewed on his lips. "Does Head Alpha know?"

This felt dangerous. Hyesong already knew the answer. He just told him. But if he confirmed it that felt like a nail in his coffin. He looked away from him before looking back as he leaned against his desk slowly, Hyesong's hands twitching to help him.

"Can you count, Choi?"

"Right."

"Why are we having this conversation now, huh? What's the point?"

"I never thought you'd be with someone else."

"So damn full of yourself."

"I mean you weren't! All this time you weren't. I thought I'd have time but now you're with Head Alpha Jeon and you're having his damn pup—"

"Watch it," Jimin cut his eyes at him.

"I never stopped thinking about you? Did you think about me?"

"No," Jimin answered coldly.

"Oh."

"For four years, it was just me and Jiyeong."

"Jiyeong," Hyesong exhaled.

"Why now, when I'm already so established in my life, do you want to pull this crap?"

"I—"

There was a knock at the door and before Jimin could answer it opened. Jeongguk walked in, looking down at some documents.

"Omega, I—" he looked up and paused. "Oh. I wasn't aware you were having a meeting. Hello, Alpha Choi."

"Head Jeon," Hyesong bowed his head.

"It's fine. What's going on?" Jimin pushed himself up as Jeongguk walked over to him.

Jeongguk, as usual with no malicious intent at all, placed a hand on Jimin's lower back and pecked his lips a few times before holding the documents in front of him.

"They're moving."

Jimin groaned quietly as he looked at the documents as Jeongguk pinched and pressed into his lower back and hips, relieving the pressure there. Jimin unconsciously let out a fresh and sweet scent at the action, relaxation washing over him.

"I'm thinking they won't hit us until after winter at least."

"Hopefully, after I give birth."

"I wouldn't put you out there even if," Jeongguk sighed.

"You hate me and it shows," Jimin scowled as he slapped the folder against Jeongguk's chest and turned his head away from him.

Jeongguk rolled his eyes. "I've also updated the census and sent it out to the cellar."

"I told you we didn't have to do that."

"My omega and my pups will not be starving as long as I'm alive," Jeongguk raised an eyebrow at him and Jimin snorted.

"You're so dramatic."

Jeongguk grinned at him cheekily, pecked his cheek a few times, bent down to press a long kiss onto Jimin's belly and then turned to Hyesong.

"I'll leave you two to continue," Jeongguk nodded at Hyesong who nodded back with a tight smile.

Once the door shut, Jimin moved to sit down in his chair, sighing loudly as he placed his hands under his belly.

"His pups?" Hyesong scoffed with an unstable smile. "When I'm..."

"Don't go ruining something just because you feel threatened or something. That is my son's appa and you will not take that from him. No one knows his father is here, that his father is you. And you will not be the reason they know. If he asks about you when he's older, that's one thing. But you left us. You don't get access to him."

Hyesong folded in his lips, looked at Jimin for a moment, and then bowed his head to him and took his leave. Jimin let out a breath he didn't know he was holding when the door shut. He rested his hands on his stomach and then threw his head back against his chair and looked up at the ceiling.

Sometimes, he wished he was a nobody and sometimes, he wished this pack was way bigger.

They've been appearing in his dreams. Jieun and Hyesong. He'd wake up sweaty and breathing a bit hard but he was able to brush it off as just pregnancy hullabaloo whenever Jeongguk asked.

But one freezing afternoon, Jimin steps out onto his porch and watches as the pups run around happily. Jiyeong running alongside a little girl and another little boy. He watched contently. But then he saw Hyesong. The pups stopped to greet the tall and strong alpha. He gave them candy or some other sweet but when he got to Jiyeong, he knelt down before him.

He smiled at him and held out a vanilla candy. He spoke to him and Jimin was on edge. He shot up as fast as he could, preparing to yell for his pup as Jiyeong took the candy, when Hyesong stood up, ruffled his hair, and then walked off. He stole glances at the pup until he was gone.

Jimin's body shook with anxiety. What did he tell him? Jiyeong continued to watch the alpha go until he was gone. Jimin was going to be sick.

Jiyeong turned to find Jimin and then when he found him, he titled his head with a small pout.

Oh, what the hell did he tell him? Why won't they leave me and my pup alone!?

The dreams—nightmares—got worse that night.

He didn't just have hypothetical dreams. He was getting long stabs of memories.

Memories of his days spent with Hyesong; the laughing, the kissing, the running and care-freeness. And the moment when all that stopped. The moment when Hyesong finally got what he wanted. He finally got a more violating taste of Jimin. All it took was two test tastes and Jimin was "soiled". Soiled and abandoned. He remembered sobbing in his room, hollering and wailing all alone. He couldn't hold it back, he even went out into the forest sometimes.

He remembered the looks Hyesong gave him. Like he wanted to say something but not bad enough. He didn't want him, need him, enough.

Memories of a terrifying second time. Hyesong more hungry and desperate than before. Memories of how Hyesong seemed to think Jimin's strong-will was a positive trait rather than a deal breaker. Memories of how Hyesong swore he understood wanting to wait for pups and yet swallowing Jimin's vulnerability and sticking him with a pup like some sort of lesson.

Memories of seeing Hyesong look at him like he got pregnant all on his own. Memories of seeing judgemental eyes from someone he used to love. Memories of—

"Jimin!"

Jimin sat up with a start and a gasp, tears down his face and sweat drenched his entire body. Jeongguk held his face with huge eyes as they danced across his face and body. Jeongguk dried his face with his hand and then gently kissed his temple.

Memories of eyes filled with mischief and wonder turning into eyes of distrust and disappointment turning into eyes of admiration and adoration.

"What's wrong, huh? What happened?"

Jimin clung to Jeongguk as he sobbed, Jeongguk held him tightly and practically drenched the walls in his scent, wrapping Jimin up in it as he rocked him. Jimin's lips moved before he could.

"He's here."

"Who? Who's here?"

"Jiyeong's father. He always has been."

Jeongguk pulled away slightly and frowned, his hands on either side of Jimin's face, wiping his tears.

"What?"

"Jeongguk," Jimin pushed through a wet cough.

"Who is it?"

"Jeongguk, please."

"I thought he was some outsider. I thought he was some outside who abandoned you, Jimin."

Jimin could barely breath through the phlegm and tears so he just clung to Jeongguk's bare biceps. "Jeongguk, please! Just hold me. Please."

Jeongguk smothered Jimin into his chest, kissing the top of his head and rubbing his back. It's quiet before Jeongguk spoke again.

"Who the fuck is it?"

"Jeongguk."

"He's here in my pack and you aren't going to tell me?"

"It's been years—"

"Clearly something happened if you're getting upset like this all of a sudden. What happened? What did he do? Who is it?

"I can't!"

"Why can't you!?" Jeongguk pulled away from Jimin, trying to catch his eyes as the omega looked away.

"I don't want you to think of me any different. I don't want anyone to know. I—"

"Jimin," Jeongguk lifted Jimin's chin. "What did I say? We listen to each other. I've already made the mistake of judging you for things I knew nothing about and for assuming things. There isn't any name you could say that'd make me treat you any differently, okay?"

Jimin sniffled as his eyes searched Jeongguk's. Jeongguk leaned forward and pecked his lips several times, lingering on the last kiss. He rubbed Jimin's chin with his thumb.

"Okay?"

Jimin nodded. They stared at each other for a moment before Jimin finally worked up the courage to tell Jeongguk.

"Choi Hyesong."

"What?" Jeongguk's face twitched here and there.

"Jiyeong's father is Choi Hyesong."

Jeongguk stared at Jimin for a moment before he let out a dry laugh. "What did he say to you when I found him in your office?"

Jimin's eyes widened. "Alpha—"

"Tell me," Jeongguk husked as he pulled Jimin further against him.

Jimin told him with a soft voice and shaky lips and he could see Jeongguk getting more and more indignant. Jeongguk slowly pulled away from Jimin and Jimin already knew.

"Jeongguk, no."

"Who the fuck does he think he is?"

Jeongguk stood up and Jimin clambered out of bed to grab onto his arms.

"Alpha, please, it's been years."

"Does he think he has some claim over you and Jiyeong!?" Jeongguk gently pulled away from Jimin and roughly shoved a shirt over his head.

"It's so late! Please, let's just go back to bed."

Jeongguk turned to the bedroom door and threw it open. Jimin could cry even more. He rushed after him, calling for him, begging him to come back to bed. Jeongguk had just jammed his feet into his shoes before Jimin wrapped his arms around Jeongguk's torso and let out a deep belly sob.

"Jeongguk, please. Please. Look at me."

Jeongguk slowly turned around once Jimin let go of him. Jimin held his face in his hands and sniffled. Jeongguk's hard eyes softened as they took in the omega's face. Jimin hooked his fingers around Jeongguk's ears and leaned forward, placing soft pecks on Jeongguk's tight lips.

"It's so late. It's only bothering me because of the pregnancy hormones. Please. Don't cause a scene, Jeongguk. Let's just go to bed. I'm okay."

He sighed and shook his head. He placed his hands on Jimin's back and relented. Jimin wrapped his arms around Jeongguk's neck and kissed him hard, a kiss of thankfulness and gratitude, his relief blooming from his chest through his lips. Jimin pulled back and looked they held each other's eyes before Jimin took his hand and dragged him back to bed.

Jeongguk never full diminished his anger and Jimin knew that. He kept kissing him and kissing him until they fell asleep, hoping he would be able to contain the alphas vexation.

In the morning, Jimin woke up before Jeongguk and carefully and slowly, climbed over him and got out of bed. He waddled down the hall and got Jiyeong up. He got him cleaned up and then cleaned himself up. Jiyeong sat at the table and colored while Jimin prepared breakfast.

He heard Jeongguk wake up and move around their bedroom for a moment before he came out of the room.

"Good morning, Appa!" Jiyeong squealed.

"Mornin'," Jeongguk's low voice grumbled. Jimin could hear Jeongguk leave a kiss on Jiyeong's face.

Jeongguk walked up behind him, he wrapped his arm around Jimin's lower back and placed his hand on his belly, and pressed a long kiss to his temple. Then he walked away from him and something in the air felt off. Jimin turned his head and watched as Jeongguk headed toward the front door.

"Jeongguk."

"Mhm?" He answered absentmindedly as he slipped his shoes on.

"Where are you going?"

Jeongguk didn't answer.

"Where are you going, Jeongguk?"

Jeongguk opened the door. Jimin's stomach dropped. He quickly turned off the stove, kissed the crown of Jiyeong's head, and then rushed to shove his feet into his shoes and run after Jeongguk.

Jeongguk's head whipped left and right as his eyes scanned for a specific wolf. He couldn't hear Jimin's shouts over his blood rushing and his wolf howling. When Jeongguk's eyes finally locked on who he was looking for, surrounded by other wolves—notably Juha, Jieun, and Namjoon—he started on his journey toward him.

Jimin saw it all.

"Oh, Head Alpha Jeon," Juha beamed.

"Alpha Jeon," Jieun cooed as he got closer.

"Jeongguk, no!" Jimin screeched, still too far away to stop the incoming catastrophe.

It all happened so fast.

Jeongguk grabbed Hyesong's shoulder, turned him around, and then he was on the ground. But Jeongguk kept landing punch after punch. Hollers and shouts crowded each other in the air. Jimin couldn't risk getting between the two alphas as they threw punches at each other. He knew both alphas would stop the second he got too close, too worried about hurting him or the pup, but there was still the worry that they might not noticed him until they accidentally hit him.

His eyes caught Namjoon's and he pointed at the two wolves anxiously. "Pull him off! Now!"

Namjoon rushed over with the help of another wolf nearby and pulled the two men apart. They still snapped their jaws at each other and growled at one another but now Jimin could get in between them.

"What is wrong with you!?" Jimin hollered in Jeongguk's face but the alpha wasn't even looking at him.

Jeongguk had a few scratches and some bruising on his face but blood stained and smeared Hyesong's, leaking from his nose and mouth, his teeth were covered in red.

"I should fucking kill you, Choi!" Jeongguk barked as he pulled himself further away from Namjoon.

"I haven't done anything!" Hyesong barked back as he jerked away from the beta holding him, wiping his mouth and nose.

"Go to the healer," Jimin spat through gritted teeth into Jeongguk's face as he grabbed it tightly with one hand. "Both of you! Go to the healer!"

Hyesong scoffed and walked off toward the HH, Jeongguk looked at Jimin's face and his resolve crumbled slightly before Namjoon let go of him and he started his journey.

"Go with them. Please," Jimin sighed to Namjoon.

"Of course."

Jimin rubbed his face tiredly and then looked around at everyone who was looking to him for answers. Why had Alpha Jeon attacked Hyesong? Why should he kill him? Why were you aware that this was going to happen? Considering he came running after him, shouting no.

But Jimin couldn't answer them. He just couldn't. He told them it'd be handled, Jeongguk would receive his discipline, and for them to go on about their day. He stopped by the office to gather some paperwork and then headed to the HH.

When he walked in he took Hyesong in first, noting down any wounds the healer found and took care of. He couldn't hold Hyesong's eyes for long because he could see in the alpha's eyes that he knew Jimin told his mate. Then when it was Jeongguk's turn, he couldn't hold his eyes because he was so overwhelmingly pissed off.

Once both of the alpha's wounds were taken care of and they were given ointments for their cuts and bruises, they followed Jimin to the office like two sad puppies. They sat in Jimin's office. They sat across from him as he sat behind his desk.

"Jimin," Hyesong called.

"Shut the fuck up," Jeongguk spat in Hyesong's direction.

"Head Jeon!" Jimin barked looking up at him with a scowl.

Jeongguk folded his lips and crossed his arms.

"You aren't acting like the leader of this pack right now," Jimin frowned.

Jeongguk cut his eyes at him before turning away. Hyesong smirked.

"You aren't clear in this either, Alpha Choi."

Hyesong's smirk dimmed.

"Aren't you going to ask what the conflict was about?" Hyesong mumbled. "Why he attacked me?"

"We all know why this happened," Jeongguk scoffed.

"Well, I wanna hear it," Hyesong shrugged.

Jimin sighed because though, yes, he was sure Hyesong knew very well why Jeongguk attacked him, it was still his job to do an investigation and note it down for their files. But he didn't want to. He didn't want it to be filed that his current mate attacked his ex-lover because of how he treated him and their pup four years ago.

Jimin took in a breathe and nodded. He flipped through some papers, wrote a few things down, and then looked up at Jeongguk.

"Head Alpha Jeon, why did you attack Head Hunter Choi Hyesong?"

Jeongguk worked his jaw and raised his eyebrows. Jimin just looked at him and kept his hand steady, ready to write when Jeongguk started speaking. Jeongguk sucked his teeth.

"I was told some information about him and things that he's done and I got upset. I took that anger out on him rather than working through it myself."

What a safe answer. Jimin exhaled quietly to himself as he wrote down the information.

"And what information was that?"

"If I think about it again, I'll kill you."

Hyesong scoffed. "Try me."

"Alpha Choi, you are dismissed."

"Chief Park—"

"Dismissed."

Hyesong shot up and scoffed. He eyed Jeongguk and then his eyes softened when they landed on Jimin. He rubbed his lips and then shook his head.

"I don't hold this against you, Jimin. Not at all."

"Motherfucker—" Jeongguk stood up.

Jimin shot up and slammed his hands on his desk. Both alphas looked at him and then lowered their heads. Hyesong bowed his head and then exited the office. Jimin let out a shaky breath and decided to choose his words carefully.

"What were you thinking!?"

"He's gone without consequences for too long!"

"I don't care! That was stupid and reckless! Look at all this paperwork I have to do! How the hell am I supposed to discipline the disciplinary!?"

"Look! He's still fucking cocky about it!"

"What part of 'I don't care' don't you understand!?" Jimin stopped and took a breath and then rubbed his face. "Go home. I left Hyunah with Jiyeong but she has a little thing planned with her friends later."

"Jimin—"

"Go. Now! Your punishment is taking care of all this paperwork—work work work until I think you've tired yourself out—and me being fucking pissed at you!"

Jeongguk folded his lips in, pushed the chair away from him, and then walked out the office, slamming the door behind him. Jimin dropped down onto his chair and dug his nails into his scalp and cursed.

Why did Jeongguk have to do something so damn stupid?

Hyesong caught Jimin as soon as he left the office.

He had been in there for hours shelving different documents and filing the incident report. He took over multiple stacks of documents he hadn't been able to get done due to his predicament in the abdominal region. As soon as he stepped outside, arms wrapped around his abdomen. He was immediately annoyed thinking it was Jeongguk trying to cuddle his way out of trouble but then the scent of lemons wafted around him and he knew that wasn't his mate.

"Get off of me!" Jimin sneered as he shoved Hyesong off.

Hyesong just grabbed his wrist and pulled him to the side of the Office building. Jimin damn near spit in his face.

"He's aggressive. Are you and my pup safe with him?"

"Oh, bite me." Jimin rolled his eyes and moved to step past him but Hyesong stepped in front of him and held his face.

Jimin slapped his hands away but Hyesong just slammed his hands on the building on either side of Jimin and looked at him with weary eyes. Jimin huffed and looked away.

"Minnie—"

Jimin snapped his head to him. "Do not call me that. What's wrong with you?"

Hyesong leaned forward quickly and pressed his lips against Jimin's. Jimin took in a sharp breath with wide eyes and then pulled back and slapped Hyesong across the face. One hand covered his mouth and the other stayed floating in the air as he stared at the alpha.

Hyesong gnawed at his lip and then cleared his throat. "Why are you so loyal to him?"

"What the hell are you talking about?"

"Is it because you're pregnant with his pup this time? Now you choose to protect him? You even told him about us."

"I never did any of this for you or him. I did this for me and my pups, for their well-being. I didn't fucking want to tell him about us but you kept hovering around it was stressing me out. I told you to leave me and my pup alone."

"He's my pup too."

"You didn't act like it!"

"Oh, and he's a much better father!?"

"He's present!"

"Do you really think he did this for you and not just because his ego was hurt?"

"Hyesong, you're pissing me off."

"Come on. Do you think he'll always be loyal to you?"

"You sure weren't."

"I'm being serious, Jimin. I'm around her because she's close with my sister. I wouldn't stick up for someone who still wants their ex."

Jimin stared at Hyesong, his eyes dancing across his face. He leaned closer to him and Hyesong leaned in too. "Get the fuck away from me," Jimin whispered venomously before shoving Hyesong back. "This never happened, do you understand me?"

He stepped past Hyesong and rushed home, his hands anxiously on his belly as his pup kicked and spun around. They must feel how sick Jimin feels. When Jimin got home, he grappled with the stress of telling Jeongguk what happened. Specifically about the kiss. He knows he'd be pissed if Jieun had kissed Jeongguk and Jeongguk didn't tell him.

But Jeongguk is angry right now and Jeongguk will get violent again. He couldn't risk it but he couldn't hold this in either. He found Jeongguk sitting at the dining table with a glass of liquor on the table, his hand lazily around it.

"Is Jiyeong asleep?"

"Yeah."

"Mm," Jimin nodded as he slowly walked further into the kitchen, digging his knuckles into his lower back as he let out a few groans.

"Do you want me to rub your back? Your feet?"

"No. I don't really want you to touch me at all right now."

Jeongguk folded his lips in and flexed his hands on the table. He cleared his throat and shifted in his seat. Jimin leaned back against the counter and sighed.

"I'm not upset just because you beat him. I'm upset because I told you not to do that. Thank Goddess you gave me a vague enough answer to write down for the report. I don't want people knowing, Jeongguk."

"I just—"

"No. No. I'm talking. Just listen to me."

Jeongguk slouched back in his seat and pushed his glass aside.

"I am the only omega on the hunting team." Jimin felt like a broken record. "Think for just a second about how that would look if it got out that I got pregnant by the head of that team. And then, now, I'm mated with and impregnated by the head of the entire pack. Just with people thinking it was an outsider they're calling me a whore. Hell, even you did."

"I didn't—"

"Don't lie to me, Jeongguk."

"I'm not lying. Irresponsible maybe, but never a whore."

"Okay, sure, fine, whatever. But you aren't them. I don't need the bullshit that comes with everyone basically knowing who and when I got a pup put in me. Do you get that? You could've blew it, Jeon."

"Okay, I understand. I messed up. I'm sorry, Omega."

Jimin held Jeongguk's eyes as he caressed his stomach, Jeongguk's eyes dropping down every few seconds, hands twitching on the table. He wanted to touch him so bad. He was itching to get his hands on Jimin. He seemed to not be able to function if he couldn't touch Jimin. At least one kiss to his mate's lips and belly and he'd be able to go for hours.

He was obsessed like that.

Jimin tiredly rubbed his eyebrow knowing that would be the only way to calm Jeongguk after he told him what he had to. He really didn't want him to touch him, he didn't want to reward his behavior at all, but he'd do it if he meant keeping Jeongguk and Hyesong away from each other and keeping Jeongguk in the house for the night.

"I'm going to tell you something and you can't get mad nor do you get to retaliate. I'm telling you this because you're my mate so I don't want to hold this from you and I don't want you to find find from some other wolf."

Jeongguk stood up and flexed his fists. "What happened?"

"Sit down," Jimin barked out.

Jeongguk dropped down and huffed.

"He kissed me."

"What!?" Jeongguk shot back up.

"He caught me when I left the office and he kissed me. Jeongguk sit down."

Jeongguk folded his arms tightly as he walked from around the table to Jimin. Jimin could see his knuckles turn white with how hard his was gripping his arms.

"And you expect me to not do anything? Nothing at all?"

"You can't keep beating up people."

"It's not people, it's just him," Jeongguk scoffed. "Goddess, you smell like him."

Jimin sniffed his wrist and groaned. He did.

"I'll shower."

Jeongguk growled lowly. "I can't touch you at all? At all, at all?"

"What? You can't handle that?"

"You know I can't."

"Then I think this is a suitable punishment," Jimin chuckled.

"Please. I'm going to go insane."

"I'm going to shower."

"Jimin. Jimin, please."

"You better not leave this house for any reason except for work."

"Omega, please. How long do I have to do this?"

"Until I think you've learned your lesson, Jeongguk. That's how long," Jimin stepped past Jeongguk, ignoring his calls and begging.

Jimin established a barrier between them in bed and Jeongguk damn-near keeled over and died.

That next morning Jimin decided to watch Jeongguk leave to ensure he headed in the direction of the office and not somewhere else. Jiyeong and his friends were due for a play-date at the Head Alpha house this time around so Jimin had to be a host to a pack of hyper pups.

"Why don't I stay and help?"

"I've already sent for Hoseok."

Jeongguk growled. "What for? I'm right here."

"Not for long. Go now. You're going to have a lot of work to get done," Jimin smirked.

Jeongguk looked around and he seemed to shake with some emotion or desire. "I need a kiss, Jimin. I'll burst a blood vessel if I have to do all these meetings and all this paper work with absolutely nothing from you."

Jimin sighed. "First day quitting cold turkey is hard, huh?"

"Omega, please," Jeongguk pleaded pathetically, his eyes big and pitiful.

Jimin shrugged and relented. "Arms behind your back."

Jeongguk quickly listened, hoping for anything at all. He watched Jimin eagerly as he moved. Jimin grabbed his ears and he was sure if Jeongguk were shifted, his tail would be beating against anything that had the misfortune of being near it. His eyes grew hopeful.

Jimin pecked his lips and anyone could see the disappointment that shot throughout the alpha's body.

"No. No, I can't." Jeongguk huffed out anxiously, his eyes moving quickly.

Did the alpha have no pride? Jimin was sure there were eyes on them and he was sure Jeongguk knew that too. But he guessed when you were feening for something, you'd do anything to get it.

Jimin shook his head with a disbelieving smirk before leaning in to press his lips against Jeongguk's for a bit longer. Jeongguk jerked forward, arms still behind his back, trying to taste as much of Jimin as he could. Jimin kept his eyes open and noticed the way Jeongguk shut his eyes tightly and his eyebrows were furrowed and raised as he flicked his tongue out.

"Mm mm," Jimin reprimanded as he pulled back. "Don't do anything stupid and head straight to work, okay?" he mumbled against Jeongguk's lips.

Jeongguk let out a pathetic whine from deep in his chest. "I didn't get any of you yesterday. I'm already losing it. Please. Just one more. I understand what I did was wrong, Jimin. Please."

"See you tonight."

"Jimin, please," Jeongguk damn near cried.

"Go to work."

"I'll get on my knees and beg. Is that what you want? I'll do it. I swear. Please."

Jimin couldn't believe his eyes. Was this the same stoic and cold alpha that his old childhood friend grew into? The same alpha that hid things and was strict about duties? When did it all flip like this?

"I won't say it again, Jeongguk."

Jeongguk dropped his head and swore. His dug his knuckles into his eyes before he spun around and marched toward the office. Jimin sighed at all the eyes that snapped from Jeongguk's retreating figure to him.

What is the punishment? They're wondering. None the wiser that this punishment was worse than anything else Jimin could have thought of.

Hoseok arrived as Jimin cleaned the house and Jimin couldn't help but indulge his friend in the ridiculousness that was his life.

It's been two weeks. Jimin is still relentless. He won't even let Jeongguk get glimpses of his naked body anymore.

Jeongguk believed he was going blind and deaf. He couldn't keep doing this. Jimin was near exploding and Jeongguk could see it was taking its toll on Jimin's body. He could hear his moaning, groaning, and grunting through the bathroom door every time Jimin went in. He just wanted to help and relieve some of the ache. But he couldn't.

Instead, Jeongguk crowded Jiyeong and would tell the pup to go cover Daddy in kisses and drown him in hugs. Jimin would cut his eyes at him whenever Jiyeong would run over to kiss his stomach after being with Jeongguk. But he didn't reprimand him.

He did, however, whenever Jeongguk tried to touch him directly.

"Omega, please. It's been two weeks, I've finished all the work you assigned me. I'm practically ahead with meetings for the next month. Why can't I just kiss you? Or lift your belly? They're heavy right? Let me help," Jeongguk reached around Jimin to gently lift his belly but Jimin slapped his hands away.

"You're bothering me!" Jimin huffed. "If you've finished everything then go out! Go be with your friends! I'm fine, leave me be!"

Jeongguk frowned, looking down at how low Jimin's stomach sat now—meaning his due date was real close. Jeongguk sniffed.

"Then I'll be at the pub," Jeongguk mumbled. "The guys wanted to go out."

"Okay. That's fine. I'll store a plate for you in the fridge."

"Okay," Jeongguk pouted and then turned to leave.

Jimin let out a breath and dropped down in one of the dining chairs. This wasn't super easy for him either. He was both in pain and horny. Jeongguk being so close to him and smelling so good was messing with him. But he had to make sure Jeongguk knew how horrible what he did made him feel. Maybe he'd free Jeongguk from this curse tomorrow morning.

It seemed fair enough.

Well, that's what Jimin thought until it was time to go to bed and he couldn't even attempt to sleep since Jeongguk wasn't present.

He sat up and stared down at his stomach.

"You're greedy, do you know that?" Jimin kicked the covers off and began to dress. "Food and Appa, that's all you seem to want. Goddess."

He checked in on Jiyeong, smoothed his hair down and kissed his forehead, and then made the journey to the pub. He nodded to the few wolves that were still out.

Meanwhile, Jeongguk could barely stomach more than one shot. He stayed and watched his friends get louder and louder with each drink but he couldn't do it. He wasn't relaxed enough. He stood up to get more drinks for his table when, of course, a certain omega stepped beside him.

"You don't look so well," Jieun hummed with a frown.

Jeongguk turned to her slightly before shrugging. "Just a little tired. Probably gonna head home after this."

"Mm," she hummed with a nod. "Trouble in paradise?"

Jeongguk looked at out out of the corner of his eye. "Don't your worry about that."

"Well, can I ask what happened between you and Hyesong?"

Jeongguk scoffed. "You can ask. I just won't answer."

Jieun got closer, her breasts brushing up against Jeongguk's arm. "Does it have to do with Hyesong being Jiyeong's real father?" she whispered.

That bastard told her. Jeongguk sucked his teeth and jerked his arm back. "Whatever you want to believe, Oh Jieun."

"I think someone's looking for you, Alpha Jeon," the bartender whistled as he slid the tray of drinks toward him, nodding to someone behind him.

Jeongguk turned and his brows immediately furrowed. He waved Jimin over before he grabbed the tray. Jimin noticed how close Jieun was and how she seemed to flush and turn away from him, rubbing at her lips and chest.

He chewed at his lips as he approached Jeongguk who was already walking away from the counter.

"What are you doing out here?"

Jimin shrugged as they grew closer to Jeongguk's friends. "Couldn't sleep without you," Jimin mumbled.

"Oh," Jeongguk whispered, a small grin teasing his lips as he put the tray down.

"Hey, Chief Park!"

Jimin waved at them and then took Jeongguk's hand. Jeongguk's shoulders immediately relaxed. Jimin leaned up as he tugged Jeongguk down toward him.

"Hurry up. I left Jiyeong all alone."

Jeongguk nodded, pecked the back of Jimin's hand, and then cleared his throat. "You guys continue on without me. I'm tired. I'm gonna head back home."

The table erupted in grumbles and teasing. Jeongguk waved them off and then allowed himself to be dragged out by Jimin. Jimin's nose tingle with something sickly sweat and tangy, his mood soured.

Once they got inside, Jimin slowly tore off his layers and decided to just rip off the band-aid. He's let it slide twice. He can't do it a third time. He reeks of her.

"Jeongguk."

"Yes?"

"Why do you reek of Oh Jieun?"

Jeongguk paused, his eyes wide.

"I know I haven't been letting you touch me but I didn't think—"

"No!" Jeongguk rushed toward Jimin, pulling him closer by his wrist and then pressing his body against Jimin's. He immediately started kissing along Jimin's arm and hand. He rubbed his wrist against his scent gland and sighed loudly.

"It was just a question, Jeongguk. You can be honest."

"I am yours, you are mine. You're all I need. Do you understand? You, our pups, that's it. I want you, need you, crave you." Jeongguk opened his eyes and looked up at Jimin. "She's trying but I couldn't care less."

Jimin hated to admit it but he did flush at Jeongguk's declaration. He had gotten extremely attached to Jeongguk, especially now that he's so far into his pregnancy. He didn't know if he'd be able to take being cheated on or thrown aside again. He just barely puckered his lips and Jeongguk was already leaning in, devouring him lips before he even got his shoes off. He pulled back and licked Jimin's lips.

"Is it over? Can I have you now?"

Jimin snorted but nodded. "It's over. And, hey, thank you for caring about me."

"Oh, that's my entire being now, Jimin."

Jimin grinned at Jeongguk and Jeongguk grinned back.

"I'm tired," Jimin whispered.

"Let's get you two to bed then, hmm?"

Jimin nodded.