Archive of Our Own ^beta

New scents. That was the first thing that crossed Jimin’s sleep-thick mind, even before he had opened his eyes or uncurled himself from his blanket.

Unfamiliar scents.

His wolf whined.

The different fragrances mixed together, lingering in the misty, morning air and spreading steadily across their small, cosy, rustic town. The thick aroma had almost completely smothered the usual smells Jimin was greeted with in the morning –dew on grass, traces of cut wood and subtle sweet undertones of winter flowers. He pulled the covers over his face and tried to block them out, trying to comfort himself with the smell of freshly washed sheets, baked and slightly burnt bread wafting from the kitchen and the scent of his parents chatting in the dining room downstairs. He groaned quietly in annoyance when he couldn’t. He could still smell the hints of peculiar muskiness – all reeking of dominance and power. His stomach flipped and he felt sick with nerves; his Omega wolf, on the other hand, was wagging his tail in excitement – they often were at odds with each other. Jimin always dreaded this event in the annual calendar - the day when alphas and betas from all across the country travel around in assorted packs to hopefully meet someone they could claim as their mate. They always arrived early morning and would stay in the mayor’s house until all the Omegas and Betas had gathered in the forest clearing. They’d be having guests coming and going for the next two months or so. Jimin didn’t know if he could put up with all this pressure.

He buried his face into his pillow, feeling pitiful.

Omegas and Betas over twenty were encouraged to socialise with the newcomers to try create a relationship with a potential mate. Throughout the week, social events like parties and bonfires and dances were held to give them the best chance possible. Three years ago, an excited Jimin had been over the moon – not about finding a mate (he wasn’t really ready for that then) – but just being able to stay out at night and have fun. Unfortunately, when most of his friends found mates they moved to their significant other’s town; the amusement quickly disappeared. Supposedly, when compatible wolves found each other, the attraction between them was so strong they knew they belonged together even if they had only known each other for just a few days. It was a combination of physical attraction, personality, wolf instincts and pheromones. Mating was said to be complete when one wolf marked through a deep bite in the curve between the neck and shoulder. Omegas were always marked as a sign they were taken and unavailable to other Alphas and Betas (satisfying their possessive nature). In a Beta-Beta relationship, they usually both marked each other. Once the mark is completed, it makes the mates more attuned to each other – they can pick up their scent from further away, or they can sometimes sense the other’s emotion; in general, their presence just felt greater.

Each year without a mate meant the closer they came to becoming Unclaimed – wolves who were never mated and often went into depression or gave themselves to prostitution. Jimin felt terrible for them – he had met a few Unclaimed in their town and they were all extremely sincere and kind wolves who would have undoubtedly made a beautiful mate. He hated it when he heard others talking lowly of them; their worth was not determined by the presence of a mate. How shallow could one be to even think that? The judgement was particularly harsh for an Omega, who were traditionally portrayed as dependent, docile beings to please their mates, thus others began to question their competency. Now, Jimin did not believe his sole purpose in life was to bow to everything his mate commanded of him, most certainly not, but it didn’t mean Jimin didn’t yearn to have someone to curl up beside at night, have him or her murmur sweet nothings into his ear after a bad day. He wanted someone who wasn’t narrow minded, who didn’t try to control everything about him, who would let Jimin be demanding every once in a while, who was kind and sweet and didn’t abuse their role as his higher ranked lover (because Betas and Alphas were superior in society).

Last year, Jimin had thought he found his mate. He was tall and sincere Beta with the most gorgeous laugh. It crushed Jimin when he asked another Omega to be his mate instead, explaining he had never intended to mate Jimin but thought he was lovely friend. Those words dug into Jimin more than he had expected.

He spent the whole week after shut in his room. Now when he reflected on this, he wondered if it had been more fear and desperation to find a mate, rather than a desire to be with the Beta.

This would now be his fourth year meeting new Alphas and Betas – he wanted to find someone he could love, to fill the empty void inside – he wanted it more than ever. Someone who wouldn’t make him conform to the traditional rules of Omegas, who would see him as an equal in the relationship. His heart ached longingly.

The door to his bedroom opened and a mixture of lavender and cinnamon wafted into the room.

“Jimin,” a soft voice called, filled with love and affection. A touch of concern. “You need to get ready soon. Taehyung’s just arrived.”

Jimin sighed as he responded to his mom with a lethargic wave of his hand, signalling he was getting up. Of course, his Beta best friend was coming to steal food from his place, as usual. He rolled out of bed and rubbed his eyes as he went to the bathroom, vision a bit blurry with sleep. He sighed as he leaned onto the sink and yawned. His parents were starting to get worried and other residents of the town were beginning to get nosy and judgemental. But most of all, Jimin just wanted to have someone else to love unconditionally.

His wolf made a rare sound of agreement.

“Have you thought about traveling around instead of waiting?” Jimin asked Taehyung as they walked into the forest, travelling on a familiar, worn path.

 “No, because if I leave and he comes along we’ll never meet for sure,” Taehyung stated like it was the most obvious thing in the world. “He should just hurry up and get here so we can fall in love already.”

Jimin laughed, warmth spreading through his chest. “How are you so sure it’s a he? And that they’re an Alpha or Beta?”

“My wolf knows. I’m a Beta, but with more of an Omega side than an Alpha trait,” Taehyung insisted, stubborn as he always was. “Trust me, it’s one of those two. I don’t really care which one.” He turned around, stepping backwards, and gave Jimin a cocky smile. “And, what about you? Does little Jimin need a big Alpha to look after him?” He winked, only making the implication of the question more lecherous.

Jimin grimaced. “I don’t need anyone to look after me, thank you very much. I am capable of looking after myself. But, if I had to choose, I think I’d prefer a Beta. Alphas are always so aggressive and bossy and God knows I don’t need that.” His wolf bared its teeth, riled up from talking about their future mate in such a way.

Taehyung cackled. “I don’t think a Beta could handle you. You’d have them running away with their tail between their legs.”

“But, you don’t,” Jimin challenged.

“That’s because I don’t want you like that, and let’s be real, you may try act scary but you’re really a big softie,” Taehyung rolled his eyes and then perked up a bit as the gathering clearing came into view.

All the town Betas and Omegas were there, standing in their age group. Some looked thrilled, others reluctant. Jimin felt his chest clench and his wolf rise, tail wagging faster than ever – he reined him in.

They stuck together as they found a few others of their age, giving each other anxious smiles.

Jimin’s eyes darted around and found Seokjin, another friend of his. Seokjin was an Omega like him with a gentle, gorgeous face – big eyes and full lips, a soft voice and kind demeanour – he would be most Alphas’ and Betas’ ideal Omega. He was tall and broad shouldered for an Omega, but he was stunning. Jimin knew Seokjin’s had many, many Betas and Alphas ask to be their mate, however, Seokjin always denied their offer. He would say he hadn’t found ‘the one’ yet and he refused to settle for anyone less – it wasn’t fair on them or himself - Jimin had always admired him for that. Thankfully, Omegas now had a say in who they were bonded with, which didn’t always happen in the past. They were sometimes taken as mates by force and the mating left them dependent on a monster. Now, if an Alpha or Beta did that (or really any type of wolf did it to another), they were incriminated and sent to jail.

Unlike Seokjin, Jimin definitely possessed the classic stature of an Omega – small and petite – with eyes that crinkled into crescents when he smiled. However, he didn’t think he was anything special to look at. Not next to wolves as good-looking as Seokjin.

“Jimin,” Seokjin came up to him with bright grin, looking happy even if this was now his seventh year. He didn’t seem fazed by his age in the slightest, but sometimes Jimin saw a flicker of doubt, always masked by his cheerful appearance. Usually by now, people would start to talk about a wolf that was yet to mate (especially in a small town like this), but Seokjin and his family were wealthy and everyone loved them because they were such kind-hearted people, so instead they believed Seokjin had very high standards and wanted to mate with someone of high status. Jimin disagreed because Seokjin never fussed about such things.

The older’s eyes shone excitedly. “I heard that there are wolves from the city here!” His parents were very close with the mayor and so he often heard little snippets of information about the visiting Betas and Alphas.

Jimin blinked in surprise. They were located in a small town near the forest and were a close but substantial sized pack. Wolves from the city were known for being in very small packs (or sometimes none at all) but regardless they liked to live by themselves and have their own territory. They had a reputation for being well disciplined and controlled, but possessive and protective of their mates due to the greater amount of lone wolves roaming around. Lone wolves were wolves that had been kicked out of a pack, and they often disrespected mating codes and came in between mated pairs for entertainment – that, was always something to be afraid of.

“That’s awesome! I hope my mate is from the city so I can escape this place and I’ll finally be up to date with the latest technology,” Taehyung jumped in glee, smiling all teeth.

Seokjin chuckled, ruffling Taehyung’s hair, and then said in a quieter voice, “I heard some are Alphas.”

Jimin gulped, for some reason an odd, twisting, churning sensation in his stomach. “Alphas from the city? Really?”

Taehyung gasped, exaggeratedly. “Jimin, you magical Omega, what if one chooses you? Oh, gosh, I can see it: the angry Jimin wooed by a hot Alpha who melts Jimin into a puddle of googly eyes.”

“Tae, please.” He mumbled but his wolf sat up, excited by the prospect. Jimin pushed him down.

Seokjin ignored their arguing and rubbed the back of his neck. “It’s strange though, right? We rarely get Alphas. Especially from the city.”

Jimin nodded, pushing Taehyung’s annoying voice out of his mind.

Alphas didn’t come to their town that much because they were all generally high status and wealthy because they were often in positions of societal power. They liked finding mates in the city, not in small, country-side towns. Betas were the most common types of wolves and Jimin couldn’t say he didn’t occasionally wish to be a Beta. They could be dominant or submissive and were well-respected. Beta-Beta relationships were often harmonious and nice (his parents were both Betas and their affection for each other to this day astounded him), laid-back and sweet. Jimin wanted that sort of respectful love.

However, Alphas usually opted for an Omega over a Beta because an Alpha and Omega were the only pairing who could give birth to an Alpha offspring. Any other pairing could only produce a Beta or an Omega, whilst an Alpha-Omega couple could produce any of the three. Many years ago, Alphas wanted to have Alpha offspring so much they would take multiple Omega mates to increase their chances. Jimin always shivered in disgust when he heard about that – Betas and Omegas become very attached to their mates (and could barely think of getting a second), but Alphas were able to break their bond and take other mates. It was heartbreaking and horrible and another reason Jimin did not want to be mated to one. He didn’t want to be left broken with empty, soulless eyes and a gaping hole where his heart had been ripped to pieces by a mate whose promise of forever had a limit.

“Jiminie, Jiminie,” Taehyung latched onto his arm, still hyped, breaking him from unpleasant thoughts. “You could whip your Alpha into shape, make him spoil you – if they’re from the city they’re bound to be rich!”

Jimin smiled because Taehyung seemed more excited for him than he did for himself. “I don’t know… Money is not important as long as…” he trailed off as the scents of the new Betas and Alphas, which was already hanging in the air, became stronger.

They were coming to the clearing.

Jimin’s stomach coiled and he felt sick. His wolf whined and pawed the ground in anticipation.

The town mayor held up a hand, all other wolves becoming silent immediately. He was an Alpha wolf in his fifties who had been mayor for as long as Jimin could remember. He was a good leader and looked after them well. All the Betas and Omegas turned to the right, scouring the thick trees for movement. Taehyung rested his chin on Jimin’s shoulder, one hand grasping his. Jimin bit on his lip, distracting his unsteady stomach by trying to pick apart the different scents – sandalwood and lemongrass, calendula, soap… A whisper rippled through the tension of the clearing as they saw numerous figures walking through the trees. Jimin slunk back, suddenly feeling uneasy. What if I still don’t find a kind mate? What if I never do? He gripped Taehyung’s hand, the Beta briefly shooting him a concerned look before facing back towards the approaching newcomers.

The mayor began to speak, saying words of greeting and gesturing to the crowd of Betas and Omegas, expressing rehearsed words of thanks. The first few to step into clear view were Betas. Some smiled and showed their clear enthusiasm whilst others look bored and indifferent and Jimin assumed they’d probably visited a few other towns already and were probably tired of traveling. Among the twenty or so who were in this pack, Jimin could easily pick the Alphas. There were two – they gave different impressions, but something about them unquestionably screamed ‘Alpha.’

The taller one had blondish brown hair cut shorter at the sides. His face was quite impassive but he flashed a quick, lipped smile (looking a bit uncomfortable with the attention he was most certainly getting) and Jimin saw dimples that softened his appearance. He was dressed in a loose shirt that complimented his body.

The other Alpha, however, sent shivers down Jimin’s spine – good or bad, he wasn’t too sure. His auburn brown hair was slightly parted as it fell into eyes the shade of dark chocolate with flecks of cinnamon, attractive and inviting. His expression was blank but unlike the other Alpha, he didn’t smile or try look friendly – he seemed downright cold. Jimin felt like there were dangerous promises lingering behind that nonchalant gaze. His hands were tucked in the pockets of long pants and he was wearing a black t-shirt with half sleeves, accentuating his broad figure. He gave a ‘stay away from me’ vibe which Jimin almost rolled his eyes at because the whole purpose of this event was to meet lots of other wolves. Almost as if he could sense Jimin’s judgement, said Alpha’s stare locked onto Jimin whose wolf rose with happiness. Jimin intended to hold the eye contact because he wasn’t going to let any Alpha intimidate him, but he found that easier said than done as he realised just how striking this wolf was. He fit the description ‘tall, dark and handsome’ to the letter.

Surprisingly, the Alpha dropped his gaze first but the moment of triumph was instantly squashed when Jimin realised he did it so he could rake his eyes down Jimin’s body instead, not trying to be subtle in the slightest. His scrutinising gaze left a hot trail in its wake and when his eyes flickered back up, Jimin ducked his head and stared at the ground. He felt a squeeze on his hand and turned to Taehyung, forgetting they were still holding hands.

“You alright?” Taehyung mumbled, not wanting to disturb the mayor as he explained what was going to happen for the newly presented Omegas and Betas.

Jimin nodded. His skin prickled and he fought the urge to glance back at the Alpha, wondering if he was still staring. His free hand clutched the hem of his shirt and his feet shuffled. Not able to fight his curiosity, his eyes darted quickly. His heart sank for some reason when the Alpha no longer was. Instead, he was leaning to the side, saying something to the Beta beside him who had fair, porcelain white skin, mint green hair and a scowl that could kill.

“Do you see anyone you like?” Taehyung asked, eyes dancing across the Betas and Alphas.

Jimin just hummed with a shrug. His wolf, on the other hand, pulled his ears back and bared his teeth, ‘Liar.’

Jimin let out a long sigh as his back hit the grass. Sunshine beamed onto his face and he let his lips curl into a small smile. All he could hear was the sound of birds in the bare canopy, rustling of leaves, the rushing of water from the stream nearby. He stretched his arms out towards the sky, somewhat entertaining himself by trying to block the sunlight from his eyes. Once the presentation finished, they walked back amongst the newcomers to prepare for the bonfire. Taehyung, with his friendly and confident attitude, attracted many guests to him and he chatted animatedly to them on the way back. Jimin often forgot that the visiting wolves got nervous too – Taehyung was always amazing at breaking the ice. Other members of their town stuck close to him so they could join into the conversation. Seokjin, because he was so good looking, also had Betas fawning over him.

Jimin talked to a few, but he was timid with strangers. Meeting new wolves was stressful and he never knew what to say. He didn’t want to go back to the town – he wanted to clear his head, especially after the brief staring match with that Alpha. Carefully, he started to drift to the side and slow his pace, letting the others overtake him so he could slip away. When majority of the wolves had overtaken him, he assumed he was at the back.

He thought wrong.

The two Alphas and the scowling Beta were trailing behind a few steps. Jimin was so focused on sneakily slipping away that he didn’t pick up on the footsteps behind him. Thus, when a hand brushed his shoulder from behind, Jimin had almost tripped with shock, heart rate accelerating. He spun around, eyes wide.

The taller Alpha grinned, guiltily. “Sorry.” They stopped.

The other two looked at him with stony expressions. He suddenly felt all hot and flustered standing so close to them, particularly the handsome Alpha whom he had made eye contact with earlier. Their eyes briefly met and for a second Jimin swore he saw them darken with some unknown desire, but he had already looked away before he could try figure it out.

He bit the inside of his cheek. Great. “Um… I left something back at the clearing.”

“Oh, what did you leave?” the taller Alpha asked, raising an eyebrow.

None of your business. He was going to say something along those lines but an intoxicating, rousing scent washed over him and his mind blanked. “My bag,” he replied lamely, eyes darting to the second Alpha – it’s his scent. The Alpha faced him, feeling Jimin’s eyes on him, but the Omega immediately looked down at his shoes.

“Okay,” the first Alpha mumbled, sounding very unconvinced, but Jimin didn’t care as long as he could leave. “Hope you find it.” He extended a hand like he was going to pat Jimin on the shoulder again, but after a split second hesitation he changed his mind. The Beta chuckled and the second Alpha glared at him. “Don’t fall too behind.”

Jimin nodded and managed a nervous smile. He avoided eye contact as he stepped around them, feeling their eyes on his back as he walked away. When he was sure there was sufficient distance between them, with one hasty glance over his shoulder, he darted into the thicket of trees and away from the main path. He followed the sound of the gurgling water of the stream to find the small patch of grass he had deemed as his spot. Then he collapsed onto the grass and closed his eyes, letting the anxiety in his stomach slowly melt away.

When he woke, it was dark.

It took a few seconds for his senses to kick into gear and his mind to rearrange itself. Bats and owls called in the distance and night insects were flying and buzzing around. Jimin made a sound of annoyance – he was supposed to be back at town by now. He hoped Taehyung wasn’t too concerned. His friend knew Jimin liked to go to the forest by himself sometimes but he hadn’t actually told Taehyung before he left. Jimin didn’t particularly like being in solitary, but at times he found it more comforting than being in town where they told him all about getting a mate and how to serve them. Please. Jimin stretched his legs and stumbled blearily to his feet. As he was starting to head off, the hair on the back of his neck stood up and his wolf was down in a defensive position.

Someone else was here.

His body stiffened as he scanned the perimeter. He really, really hoped it was just Taehyung or Seokjn looking for him. Sometimes lone wolves travelled along with these visiting packs to try find a mate. They had a reputation for being rather uncivilised. Jimin’s wolf barked, asking him to be let free.

Jimin gave in. He shifted, morphing into a silvery-grey wolf. His senses sharpened and his heightened sense of smell allowed him to draw in a beautiful balm that Jimin couldn’t distinguish; it was masculine, clean, sharp and crisp with subtle sweet undertones. It lulled him and caressed his senses, unable to stop the whine that escaped his throat. He mentally scolded himself. In his wolf form, his biological Omega instincts to be submissive were even stronger. They were harder to fight and that was the main reason Jimin didn’t like shifting. This was an Alpha scent, and as he slowly took the aroma in, he had a feeling he knew who it belonged to. Though he felt an urge to bow his head in submission and howl for the wolf, he managed to rip his focus away and pushed off his back legs.

He ran away.

“Where have you been?” Taehyung demanded, voice reflecting relief but eyes still filled with worry. “I was this close to telling the mayor you’d run off again. You have to stop doing that. There are so many newcomers – some of them could be bad.”

Jimin swallowed and squeezed Taehyung’s shoulder. “I’m sorry, but I’m okay. I just fell asleep for a while.”

“A while? You were gone for hours,” Taehyung scoffed and sat Jimin down on a chair close to the fire that was blazing now. The orange and yellow glow lit up the night and the warmth helped to calm down his beating heart. As soon as he reached the Townplace where everyone else was gathered, he’d gone to his house to change into clothes (his parents gave him suspicious looks, wondering why he was in his wolf form) and then rushed out to find Taehyung. Taehyung sat down beside him and elbowed his side, jutting his chin to where Seokjin stood with the taller Alpha. “I don’t think Jin-hyung will be here much longer.”

Seokjin was smiling and laughing radiantly; he didn’t look shy or intimidated at all. The taller Alpha was already gazing at Seokjin like he’d give him the moon and stars. Jimin felt a pang of jealousy, and yet he was extremely happy for Seokjin, because damn he deserved it. He’d been waiting for a long time.

“That was quick?” Jimin chuckled as he did a quick check around. Omegas and Betas were sitting around the fire in groups, laughing, talking, flirting – some were already kissing. Jimin sighed in relief when he saw no second Alpha.

“That Alpha approached Seokjin an hour or so ago. They’ve been talking non-stop,” Taehyung deadpanned.

“It’s cute,” Jimin chuckled as the Alpha leaned in to whisper something and Seokjin laughed heartily. He wondered if they’d felt that zing of attraction between them – their wolves realising they wanted the other. “Do you think he’ll agree to be his mate if he asks?”

Taehyung laughed. “It’s probably too soon to tell, but I have a feeling he will.” He scooted closer and poked Jimin’s cheek. “And how about you? Has Jiminie found someone?”

“I should ask you that,” Jimin sputtered, flushing as his mind thought back to the handsome Alpha. He tried to erase that image from his thoughts. “I’ve barely met anyone.”

“Well, hurry up and meet them! Although, I’d say stay away from the group over there – they’re weird – and that one leaning against the wall ‘cause he’s way too ignorant for you,” Taehyung said, pointing not so subtly. Jimin had to slap his hand before any of them actually caught him obviously indicating and saying something unpleasant about them. “Oh, and he is definitely not your - stop hitting my hand!”

“Stop pointing!”

“Then how are you going to know who I’m talking about?”

“Just like use your eyes or head or something.”

“But there are so many you could misunderstand.”

“It doesn’t matter because I…” Jimin trailed off as his wolf instincts jolted. That fragrance from earlier was back. As he had suspected, the other Alpha came into view and… Jimin swallowed.

He was drenched in water like he’d gone swimming in the lake or something (a thought of bewilderment briefly crossed his mind, though he paid it little attention). The Alpha’s hair was pushed back from his forehead and droplets of water decorated his face, his chiselled jawline, his pale pink lips. His black shirt was half undone and his boots were in one hand, still dry. Nearby Omegas and Betas had stopped to stare at him, oozing of charisma and mysterious charm and yet still radiating that ‘stay away from me’ vibe.

Taehyung’s attention snapped from the Alpha to Jimin a few times before his face lit up and Jimim could almost see the lightbulb going off above his head. He clapped his hands together and proceeded to laugh his ass off, disturbing the silence. Everyone turned to look at him, Alpha included. Unfortunately, attention on Taehyung meant attention on Jimin and he most surely did not want that.

“Tae, could you not?” Jimin hissed in a whisper as his cheeks began to burn, red most certainly spreading down his face. He began to panic because Taehyung, being Taehyung, occasionally blurted out inappropriate comments at inappropriate times.

Taehyung opened his mouth, preparing to say something at Jimin’s expense he’s sure, when a shadow was casted over them. His mouth sealed shut. The Alpha stood in front of them, expressionless as ever. His piercing eyes were trained on Taehyung in a way that was almost… threatening? Jimin curled his hand around Taehyung protectively, who quietened down at the presence of the Alpha. Said Alpha followed the movement intently. Jimin tried not to stare at the Alpha’s exposed collarbones and he struggled to keep his own face neutral, constantly being teased by the alluring scent of the wolf. With the hand not holding his boots, the Alpha suddenly clasped Jimin’s chin; his wolf gave a surprise cry. The movement was fast and sharp, Jimin barely registered it. Watching Betas and Omegas around him gasped quietly but the collective sound made it ripple through the air.

The area had gone dead silent.

The Alpha’s grip was firm but by no means painful; Jimin could easily break out of his hold if he tried, unfortunately his mind was frazzled and his brain and muscles weren’t coordinating. The Alpha’s hand was warm and the longer it stayed on his skin, the more scorching it became. Jimin’s heart was thrumming in his chest and his breath had caught in his throat. Up close, this Alpha looked young, and perhaps if he wasn’t looking so intimidating, he’d be cute.

“What’s your name?” he asked, seemingly unsettled by all the attention on him. His voice was deep and smooth. It sounded perfect to Jimin, and his wolf raised his ears to try hear more.

“Jimin,” Jimin replied quietly. When the Alpha continued to look at him expectantly, he further added, “Park Jimin.”

“Hmm,” the Alpha hummed like he was considering it, scanning the features on Jimin’s face.

Jimin was about to ask for his name in return when the other’s thumb brushed Jimin’s lips, an act that had Jimin’s blood racing faster, before he released his hold. It left a sensation that was domineering and territorial. The Alpha stepped back, earnest stare burning into Jimin who felt like his whole body had stopped functioning. The Alpha gave a slight glare of irritation at the other wolves who dropped their heads, shocked by the scene. “Yoongi,” he spoke and the scowling Beta from earlier stood up lazily, not daunted at all by the taller male. They both walked away from the fire. Neither looked back.

Jimin was too stunned and dazed to be embarrassed. He knew other wolves were still watching him, trying to figure out why that just occurred, and to an ordinary looking Omega like Jimin nonetheless.

Taehyung giggled, eyes turning into crescents. “Jimin. He claimed you.”

“H-He did not,” Jimin started.

“Yes, yes he did. He didn’t mark you, but he like, scent-claimed you in front of – of everyone!” Taehyung said with glee, forgetting about how bitterly that wolf had stared down at him a few seconds before. He leaned forward and then drew back with a shit-eating grin. “He left his scent on you.”

When another wolf showed an act of dominance like that in front of other wolves, it was like a warning: stay away – he’s mine. It wasn’t an act of power towards Jimin, it was targeted to other wolves. Jimin gulped. Was that true? Did this Alpha plan to take Jimin as his mate? His Omega wolf howled with contentment, but the other part of him was repulsed by the idea. This Alpha was aloof and cold, and from the way he carried himself he was proud and haughty. Jimin huffed, how he dared to even think he could just act so possessively, like Jimin was some object he could just claim without even a proper conversation.

“Why do you look so angry?” Taehyung questioned.

Jimin pressed his lips together. “That’s why I don’t want an Alpha mate. They’re so… so… egotistic and self-righteous. What makes him think that I even want to be his mate? Huh? He didn’t even know my name and all he’s done is stare at me like I’m some sort of conquest or challenge. He didn’t even tell me his name!”

Taehyung hit his shoulder, snorting. “Calm down, will you? You haven’t even given him a chance. Besides, I know you find him h-o-t. Your eyes went all hazy and you blushed.”

“That is not the point,” Jimin scowled. “I am washing this off this instance.”

“It will take at least a day to get an Alpha’s scent off,” Taehyung stated matter of fact.

“I’ll make it come off,” Jimin hissed adamantly. He stood up, feeling flustered and angry, when Seokjin walked over with the remaining Alpha. He had half a mind to smile and try appear like he wasn’t about to punch someone. After all, Seokjin was his friend and his hyung.

Seokjin was beaming but one sweep of Jimin’s expression and he knew teasing him was out of the question. He cleared his throat. "Hey, uh, this is Namjoon.” He gestured to the Alpha who raised a hand.

“Hi.” He smiled, dimples showing. His aura was completely different from the other Alpha’s. He seemed open and friendly.

See? Why couldn’t the other Alpha be like this? Then maybe Jimin would have at least considered him. “Hello.”

Taehyung waved as well. “I’m Taehyung! And Jiminie here will be an Alpha’s future mate.”

Jimin glared at grinning Taehyung. Seokjin chuckled behind a hand and Namjoon rubbed the back of his neck. “Ah, yes, Jungkook.”

“Jungkook?” Jimin repeated unintentionally. So that’s his name. His stomach clenched and his wolf wagged his tail.

“Yeah, Jeon Jungkook. A little troublemaker that one is,” Namjoon laughed, looking a bit puzzled for some reason, but brushing it off.

“Jeon?” Taehyung sputtered and jumped to his feet. He grabbed Jimin by the shoulders and shook him. “Like incredibly rich, incredibly high profile Jeon? The Jeons are powerful as shit. Right? Are we talking about the same Jeon?”

Who were the Jeons? Jimin blinked and he felt even worse about the burning feeling left on his chin.

Namjoon nodded with a grin. “Yes. He’s only twenty-one but he’s working in his father’s company – he’ll be taking over a few departments next year.”

Taehyung gasped, hands flying to his mouth. “Jiminie you’ve snagged yourself a tycoon.”

Jimin wriggled out of Taehyung’s harsh hold. “It doesn’t – doesn’t matter. Okay? Because we’re not… I’m not… I’m going back home. See you.”

Namjoon smiled and nodded his head. Jimin glanced at Seokjin who was gazing affectionately at the latter. Yep, he had most definitely fallen. Jimin sighed and bowed before walking away, taking quick steps. Taehyung made kissy sounds into his ear as he passed. He punched his arm lightly which only amused Taehyung more. He didn’t know why he was friends with him sometimes. 

That night he curled under the blanket, seeing the quiet Alpha’s face every time he closed his eyes. In his dream he heard a smoky, husky voice saying his name and felt large hands trail up his arms, down his stomach, across his back. In the darkness, Jimin reached for something and his fingers curled around a broad shoulder. When his grip faltered and slipped down, it closed around toned biceps. Eyes the colour of earth, with specks of vibrant topaz, gazed at him with indescribable affection, so much it seemed he would smother Jimin with it. Jimin breathed in a heavy scent, fresh but biting, soothing Jimin into a heavenly state, sinking into his every pore. He said something Jimin didn’t understand, too blissed to comprehend language by that point, but his wolf was at ease and his body pliant and responsive to every heated touch. Then there was a sharp pain in the curve where his neck met his shoulder and Jimin jerked and cried out.

He woke up, sweating profusely. His blanket was twisted around and half falling off his bed. His pillow had been pushed right up to the headboard. Jimin reached for his neck and fingertips grazed smooth, unblemished, unmarked skin. He exhaled heavily and felt a sinking feeling of loneliness and emptiness pool in his stomach. He’d felt like this before – yes – but never this deeply. This time he felt abandoned, isolated, unloved and only realised he was crying when he tasted salt trailing into the corner of his mouth. He wiped his eyes, confused, dejected, upset and tried to go back to sleep, aching for someone he never even had to begin with.

Jimin’s eyelids felt heavy as he raised a cup of coffee to his lips, willing himself to swallow. He hadn’t been able to fall back asleep, plagued by a sense of yearning and mind filled with nothing but his strange dream. His parents shot him another worried look, trying to decipher why he had bags under his eyes and seemed as if he’d roll onto the floor unconscious any second.

“Son, how are you feeling?” his father finally asked, a question he and his wife had been holding inside for a while now. “Did something happen yesterday?”

Jimin shook his head sleepily. “I just didn’t get a lot of sleep. A lot was on my mind.”

It wasn’t untrue.

His mother made a sound of sympathy and wrapped her arms around him. “Oh, sweetie, I know this is stressful. I know you want to find your mate, but be patient. They’ll come eventually,” she smiled and kissed his temple.

“Thanks, mom,” Jimin replied, eyes forming crescents.

His mom ruffled his hair but then her hand froze in his strands unnaturally. She frowned. “You smell different.”

Jimin bit his lip. “What?”

“You have another scent on you,” she spoke slowly and then clasped her hands, mouth dropping open. “Did you find a potential mate yesterday?”

Of course his scent was still on him. “I put some cologne on - it’s not what you think,” Jimin began but she was already fawning over him, brimming with excitement for her son who wanted to disappear into the ground and not show his face for a few days. “Mom, please.”

“Alright, alright,” she conceded, but still clearly imagining scenarios in her head. She sat down next to her husband who was reading the paper, tuned out of their conversation.

Jimin gulped the rest of his coffee and placed the empty mug into the sink. He turned the tap on and hastily rubbed at his chin and jaw – as if thinking that would make the scent disappear. He didn’t want to be marked by an Alpha he barely knew. He wiped the water with the back of his hand and practically ran to the door when Taehyung entered, forgetting to knock as usual.

“Hey, Jimin,” he greeted, sounding joyful. His eyes twinkled with amusement and he smirked. “Do you still smell like –”

“We are going now, bye mom,” Jimin pushed him out and hastily waved to his parents. “Bye dad.” They perplexedly waved back.

“But I haven’t had breakfast yet,” Taehyung argued.

“Eat at your own house for once!” Jimin argued.

Taehyung pouted. “Can I please just get an apple or something?”

“Ugh, fine, but one word to my parents about this and I’m never letting you into this house again.”

“Whatever, not like you’ll be living here much longer any – ow – okay!”

Jimin didn’t think this day could get any worse.

Firstly, as soon as he and Taehyung stepped out of the house, every passing Beta and Omega not so discreetly glanced at him. Jimin hated being in the spotlight like this, especially for something he never asked for. Taehyung was cackling into his palms whilst Jimin wanted to drown in his sweater. He tugged the sleeves to cover his hands and dropped his head. It was just so annoying. Who did this Jeon Jungkook think he was? Coming here and making his life difficult? Jeon or not, it didn’t change a thing.

“There’s no way I’d agree to be his mate,” Jimin grumbled, eyebrows drawn. “He hasn’t even tried to talk to me. He just struts around with that high and mighty attitude of his. Who could want him as a mate?”

Taehyung pondered for a second. “Namjoon told us that he’s just shy.”

Jimin’s eyes widened and he almost scoffed. “Shy? Then what was his entrance yesterday? He didn’t seem to care about all the attention on him. And why was he soaked anyway?”

“He went swimming,” Taehyung replied like that was totally normal - like everyone did that in late autumn when winter was fast approaching. People only went swimming at this time when they wanted to catch a cold – and sensible people just don’t do that. “Besides, possessiveness probably trumps shyness in that case – he’s an Alpha, after all. Also, think about how he was raised. His family’s so respected and he probably had maids and butlers and everyone looking up to him – it would be kind of hard not becoming a little big-headed. But Namjoon said he’s not insufferable – gloats every now and then but never to the point he insults or is rude to anyone. Apparently, he’s just not good at talking to new people, but once you get to know him he’s loud and funny and sweet. That’s why he was surprised when Jungkook did what he did. He must really like you.”

Jimin flushed. He could definitely see how that sort of upbringing would affect the way one would perceive themselves. He could forgive that a bit. However, Jimin had trouble matching the rest of these qualities to the Alpha he had encountered. “I don’t know Taehyung… he seems like trouble.” He didn’t want to get his hopes up, then be left saddened when he realised he never wanted to mate him. He didn’t want to go through that again.

Taehyung looked guilty and his eyes softened, turning serious. “I know last year was terrible but, you can’t let that stop you from trying to find your mate. I thought you liked Jungkook, or were attracted to him, at least, and even if that’s all it is right now it could become something more. He’s not going to be here long. If you feel something, you have to act on it.”

Jimin’s cheeks burned. He couldn’t deny that Jungkook was tempting, something about him allured Jimin despite his attitude. “Well…” Out loud he could easily say he’d reject the Alpha, that there was no way he’d accept him as a mate, but those words always left a bitter aftertaste and a tightness in his chest that wouldn’t disappear. “I don’t know, Tae,” he admitted, voice soft.

“Okay, you have time to figure it out. Just don’t rule him completely out yet,” Taehyung said gently.

I don’t think my wolf will let me.

Jimin wrapped his arms around himself as a chilly breeze whipped through the air, slapping his face and causing him to inhale sharply. Winter was almost here and Jimin was looking forward to it. He loved snuggling into warm blankets, sipping on steaming tea, taking long baths; he loved how the warmth contrasted against the cold. Jimin smiled lazily. He stepped around trees with practiced ease as he made his way to his own little clearing. That sense of loneliness from last night had dulled but it was still very much present, almost as if it was just waiting for the right moment to strike when Jimin was the most vulnerable. He found it counter-intuitive that he would decide to isolate himself further by going to his private place, but for some reason it felt less suffocating to be physically alone than being surrounded by people who only seemed to worsen the feeling. Jimin rubbed his forehead, confounded with himself and much too tired to try figure it out.

He stepped into the clearing and stopped, eyes widening in surprise and heart rate accelerating. He flinched and was tempted to turn back, pretend he was never there, but then annoyance flared up inside him because this was Jimin’s spot. What was he doing here? Besides, he had questions to ask this Jungkook and he wasn’t going to let him scare him off.

Jimin swallowed thickly and slowly approached the Alpha. He was lying down on the grass, one arm thrown across his eyes and the other resting on his stomach. His legs were slightly bent at the knees and the auburn strands of his hair were splayed across blades of grass. Jimin opened and closed his mouth, not sure how to alert him of his presence – which, to be honest, he probably already sensed now anyway. Jungkook looked contented; his mouth was closed and relaxed, his breathing even. Was he asleep? His wolf dropped down, head between his paws, eyes adoring. Jimin felt a small twinge of guilt. He looks so peaceful maybe I should just -

“Are you going to stand there all afternoon?” Jungkook broke the silence. He lifted his arm away and sat up, tilting his head back to look up at Jimin. He sounded impassive and Jimin wished that he would speak with a bit of emotion. Even irritation or anger would be appreciated – it would just make understanding Jungkook easier. Jimin couldn’t tell where he stood with him; he couldn’t tell if Jungkook minded his presence, if he liked him like Taehyung believed, if he really was shy.

“This is my spot,” Jimin answered dumbly, fingers twisting together, hoping his tone hadn’t been accusatory and then a part of him hoping it did. As soon as Jungkook had looked at him, all the courage he had mustered to interrogate him had dissipated, reduced to nothing but nerves by the blend of cinnamon and coffee eyes.

Jungkook squinted as the sun moved from behind a cloud and light filtered in through the trees, leaves beginning to fall off. “Then sit down.”

Jimin blinked, once again mind trying to analyse his tone, his words, his expression. Jungkook was unreadable. He sat down slowly and Jungkook resumed his previous position as if uncaring of his presence. Jimin sat awkwardly beside him, a flurry of happiness and a dash of tenseness forming. He hugged his knees to his chest, resting his chin on top. “What are you doing here?” He mumbled finally.

Jungkook didn’t open his eyes, and Jimin preferred that he didn’t. His ardent gaze only drew Jimin in and distracted him from what he was really feeling, what he was supposed to be feeling. “I like it here.”

Jimin bit his lip and another passing wind filled his senses with the beautiful smell that was Jungkook. God, he hadn’t even noticed it until now, so taken with how ethereal Jungkook looked in the grass, light shining on his honey-coloured skin. Like this, he appeared gentle and sweet; so very un-Alpha. “You’re from the city,” Jimin mumbled and when Jungkook remained silent he decided it was okay to continue. “Why did you come all the way here?”

The corner of Jungkook’s lips raised into an almost half smile. He made a sort of dismissing motion with his hand and Jimin was strangely mesmerized by the long, slim fingers as sunlight peeked through. “Last year I went to popular urban areas. I don’t know; it didn’t feel right. So, we picked places far away for a change, more or less.”

Does here feel right? Jimin was silently pleading for Jungkook to say something, anything, to suggest that he recognised Jimin as a potential mate. He didn’t. Jimin felt like a rock sunk in his stomach and tried another way to coax the answer out. “Do you worry you won’t find your mate?” Say it.

“No. Not really,” Jungkook replied flatly.

From the way he reacted, Jimin had a feeling he had gotten his answer. Whatever happened last night must have meant nothing. Jungkook had been playing around, joking. Jimin’s wolf curled around himself.

“Did you come here yesterday?”

Jungkook’s eyes fluttered open and he raised his upper body slightly, propping up into his elbow. His stare was smouldering and yet so vacant. So hollow. “I passed through. After I swam.”

“You do realise it’s almost winter,” Jimin muttered under his breath.

“Yes, I do realise,” Jungkook retorted, slightly defensive, but then his voice returned to its usual indifference. “I felt like it.”

“Idiot,” Jimin mumbled before he realised what he said and who he was talking to. His voice caught in his throat and he blinked at the ground, suddenly feeling very exposed. “I mean… because it’s so cold. You could’ve gotten sick.” Jimin raised his gaze to look at Jungkook who maybe had a ghost of a grin. Even that was transfixing.

Jungkook hummed and then dropped his head back to look at the sky, feeling the sun on his face. Jimin perhaps lingered too long looking at his sharp jawline, his Adam’s apple, his smooth neck. He turned crimson and snapped his attention away when Jungkook languidly faced him. Everything about Jungkook was smooth and confident, and Jimin was hasty and restless. It made him feel even smaller in comparison, as if their gap in status wasn’t enough.

Jungkook chuckled. It was in the back of his throat and lasted only for a second. But Jimin heard and it was enough to make him feel lightheaded.  “Am I really that attractive? You stare at me a lot.”

Jimin wanted to disappear. Of course he had to point it out. Gosh, and so bluntly too. “Get over yourself.” He felt apprehension come as the words left his mouth, realising again that perhaps he spoke too casually, too rudely. Jungkook was an Alpha and he could dominate him in a second if he wanted to. As much as Jimin fought, it would be in vain.

“For an Omega, you’re very brazen,” Jungkook simply replied, not appearing affected by his words at all. He seemed to just shrug it off.

Jimin frowned despite the relief. “We’re individuals, you know. I’m not just some Omega.”

“Sorry,” Jungkook said and his eyes even seemed a bit apologetic, not that Jimin was very good at reading into these things.

His apology had stunned Jimin. Jungkook said it so easily, and sincerely. There was no trace of sarcasm or bitterness.

Jimin sighed and felt a twinge of guilt. Who was he to talk? He grouped Betas and Alphas and sometimes judged them unfairly based on stereotypes too. Hadn’t he done that about Jungkook multiple times already? “It’s okay. I suppose I do it too,” he admitted and Jungkook looked at him and his lips quirked into that crooked smile. Beautifully dangerous. He didn’t look smug or hold it against Jimin. He didn’t react how Jimin thought he would.

“Anyway, Omegas shouldn’t be afraid to speak out. I think them feeling all scared that they’ll be punished or something is twisted,” Jungkook began and Jimin was drawn in by his words. Jungkook grimaced towards the tree branches above. “Relationships between Alphas and Omegas shouldn’t be built on obedience and compliance – it should be based on respect.”

“Relationships?” Jimin repeated before he mentally berated himself. There are many different types of relationships!  He swore Jungkook’s cheeks tinted with pale pink. Jimin smiled into his knees at Jungkook’s opinion. I misjudged him. I really misjudged him. His wolf looked boastful. “I agree.”

Jungkook closed his eyes, going back to looking peaceful. “What do you do here in this town?” He changed the topic easily.

Jimin chewed on his lip. “Uh, well, there’s a cinema, parks, library, small gaming arcade. We meet up at cafes and talk. Normal stuff like that.”

“Yeah, but what do you do?” Jungkook specified. “Like your job?”

“Oh,” Jimin let out an embarrassed sound. “I teach contemporary dance.” His eyes flickered to Jungkook, wondering if Jungkook was judging him, after all, he was the heir to an incredibly powerful corporation. He hoped not – Jimin was proud of what he did. He loved dancing, it was his passion; he couldn’t possibly see himself doing anything else (except maybe becoming a professional dancer or choreographer, perhaps). “What about you?”

Jungkook exhaled deeply. “I sign a few documents, attend a few meetings, that sort of thing.”

Jimin rolled his eyes and said flatly, “Aren’t you going to be CEO of your own company one day?”

“Ah, so you already knew what I did,” Jungkook mumbled, half-smiling. “Why did you ask then?”

“I was showing interest,” Jimin grumbled and picked up a stray leaf, throwing it in his general direction. It didn’t go far – swaying in the air before floating down a few inches from Jungkook’s hand lying in the grass. From there, they continued to ask simple questions to each other, talking about everyday, mundane topics, yet it sounded so entertaining and interesting. Jimin finally understood that saying ‘everything and nothing.’

 “Why do you come here?” Jungkook spoke after a brief pause, falling silent to listen to a bird sing. He turned his head towards Jimin, dark eyes curious.

Jimin cleared his throat. He didn’t expect the conversation to turn this way, especially when he didn’t have a logical answer. He realised he hadn’t even asked what he’d been wanting to ask Jungkook. He hugged his knees closer. “I like having my own space. To clear my head, I guess. It makes me feel better,” he replied.

From the corner of his eye, Jungkook sat up a little. “About what?” His tone changed colour – it was bolder, more vibrant.

“Huh?” Jimin breathed, because he couldn’t think of anything else to say, distracted by the change in demeanour.

“Makes you feel better about what?” Jungkook repeated, sounding patient.

Jimin blushed and stared at his hands. Why do you care? Yet Jimin felt his heart clench and he wanted to tell Jungkook. He felt like it was okay to tell him, like it was safe to. The words slipped out of his mouth, quiet and uncertain, self-conscious and embarrassed. But most of all, desperate and hurt. “About being alone.”

A second passed and Jimin wanted to laugh and brush it off. He doesn’t want to look pathetic in front of Jungkook, in front of anyone, but an Alpha especially. He doesn’t want to look like – like – like an Omega, needy for a mate, dependent, fragile and delicate. Something bubbled up inside him and threatened to spill out – he hoped it was laughter, even if it was choked and awkward, but then he pushed the sensation down when he feared it might be tears. He will not cry in front of Jungkook – a stranger. “I mean, I know it sounds weird. Having lots of other people around me makes me feel smothered… like empty, but here, it’s like I’m at peace, in a way. It’s strange. I don’t know how to describe it.” Jimin chewed on his lip, wondering what kind of senseless crap he just blurted out. Jungkook was probably going to think he was stupid and weird. Jimin looked up, uncomfortable.

Jungkook was fast. He leaned across, abrupt but controlled, and one light push to an unsuspecting Jimin and he was falling onto his back, surprisingly gently. Jimin’s arms broke away from each other, releasing the hold around his knees and his heels ungracefully hit the ground. Large hands wrapped around Jimin’s wrists and pinned them either side of his head, grip secure but somehow tender. He was bent over Jimin, low and almost predatory, and yet Jimin felt an odd sense of security wash over him.

“What are you doing?” Jimin asked, sounding dazed and clueless. His Omega wolf was rolling with happiness from such close proximity with the enticing Alpha. Jungkook’s scent invaded and engulfed Jimin, wrapping around him like a second skin, calming him and yet making him fervent. This will last way longer than the imprint from before.

Jungkook’s only response was a brush of lips across Jimin’s shoulder as he slowly nosed along his neck. Then he drew back and scrunched up his nose. Jimin hated to admit it was cute. “Did you put cologne on?” He said the word like it was acid on his tongue, like the act was a crime and should be forbidden. He looked outright displeased and it amused Jimin.

Jimin laughed as Jungkook scowled, muttering something about chemicals and smelling unnatural. His eyes closed as he giggled, feeling smug and satisfied. That will teach him for – oh. Jimin shuddered pleasantly and he felt heat rapidly spreading across his body. Jungkook had pressed his lips to the hollow of his neck and his tongue darted out, swiping across his skin. He could feel Jungkook’s smirk.

“Really, what are you doing?” Jimin asked again, now more urgent as Jungkook sucked on the skin. His body had become pliant underneath the Alpha and his wolf was telling him to submit, submit, submit. “You’ll leave a mark – ah, Jungkook.” His head felt dizzy and pleasure tingled all the way down to his toes.

Panic began to arise when Jungkook’s teeth grazed across the sensitive skin and he jolted, back arching and unintentionally pressing against Jungkook’s body, getting closer and closer to full compliance. So much contact – too much, and not enough. Jungkook nibbled across the skin and Jimin’s body tensed because it seemed any second now he might decide to bite into the pale neck presented to him. But Jungkook hadn’t even asked him, hadn’t even implied he wanted to be his mate. All he did was show these acts of possession that left Jimin puzzled. He didn’t want to be disappointed like this again, but he most certainly was not Jungkook’s toy to play around with. “Seriously, stop! Jungkook, you haven’t even asked.” His tone raised in pitch as fear crept it.

Jungkook drew back immediately, mocha eyes filled with something that looked like desire and lust. It was dangerous and seductive. He checked over Jimin’s face like he was making sure he was okay before speaking, “Asked you what?” His voice was gravelly and low but it sounded cold and distant again.

Jungkook’s question was like a dagger to the heart. Jimin breathed heavily underneath him. Wasn’t it obvious? Nibbling across the neck was a common act before one would mark their mate. Jimin stared up at Jungkook incredulously. His mouth felt dry and he found himself at a loss for words. Did he really have to spell it out? Then fear crept in and a voice in his head asked, ‘did Jungkook even want to mate you?’ It was like ice had been thrown all over him. Jungkook peered down at him, expectantly and waiting. Oh God. “Aren’t you going to mate me?” he whispered, his wolf hopeful.

It was like last year all over again. Jungkook glanced away, guilty. “No, I mean, I wasn’t going to ri–”

Jimin wrenched his hands from Jungkook’s grip as his body numbed over. “Get off,” he demanded. His wolf growled because he too also felt played, used and cheated. Jimin wanted to scream at him, and break down into tears at the same time.

Jungkook faltered but when Jimin shoved against his chest he sat back on his heels – that indecipherable expression on his face again. He licked his lips (lips that had just been pressed against Jimin’s neck). “Wait –”

Jimin blocked him out and stumbled to his feet, clumsy and frantic, wobbling momentarily and ignored the way his anger faintly dissolved when Jungkook’s hand reached out to steady him. He stepped back from the Alpha and glared. “It’s not – this isn’t – it’s not funny.” He stammered and hated the way his voice cracked in the middle. He turned on his heel and walked away, angry at Jungkook, pissed with himself.

That feeling of loneliness returned, settling into its usual place to consume Jimin’s thoughts and drain him. Jimin had barely noticed it when he had been with Jungkook.

It was certainly worse now.

Jimin lathered soap into his hands and scrubbed his neck, shuddering when he could still feel Jungkook against him. It had felt so wonderful, so right, and now so meaningless. His scent clung to him despite the steaming water and the various harsh soaps he used. He was everywhere – touching his skin, behind his eyelids, haunting his thoughts. Nails scratched along the area and irritated red marks of frustration decorated his neck. Jimin let out an enraged, infuriated sound as he stood under the shower. Everything was worse now, because before, he could believe Jungkook was proud and a jerk, ignorant and stupid. And now, now Jimin had to know that he was actually sweet, and had radiant half-smiles. Even though Jungkook sort of forced himself onto Jimin, he had stopped as soon as Jimin demanded. He was unexpectedly easy to talk to and he made Jimin feel oddly at ease, in a way he had never experienced before. He didn’t get mad when Jimin called him an ‘idiot’ or got angry for categorising him. Their short, simple conversation made Jimin’s ice wall melt, crumble, fall in on itself.

Whoever Jungkook chooses will be very lucky.

Jimin shut the water off, feeling sorry for himself. He reached for a towel and wrapped himself slowly. In the foggy mirror, he could see a dark red mark on his neck where Jungkook had marked him. Temporary. Like his intentions. His affections. And hopefully, his presence in Jimin’s life. Jimin’s wolf suddenly snarled, reminding Jimin that Jungkook was not all that. He was not the perfect Alpha because he messed around with Jimin who wanted little to do with him in the first place.

It was hard to believe that though, when Jimin felt heartbroken. He hadn’t even realised he held any such feelings. Was this what happened when one found a wolf they wished to mate with? Jimin tightened the towel around his body. It can’t be, because Jungkook doesn’t want me.

He spent the next day in bed, refusing to go out and making up the excuse that he was sick. He fully intended on doing that today as well, but Taehyung had stormed in screaming “Seokjin has mated!” and Jimin couldn’t possibly miss the chance to congratulate him. Taehyung fired questions at him regarding his glum mood (and why he reeked even more of Jungkook’s scent) but Jimin didn’t want to answer, knowing he’d sound like a fool. When they both arrived at Seokjin’s house, his temperament took an ever further nose dive.

Seokjin’s eyes were watery, but Jimin had never seen them shine brighter than they were right now. A hand was grasped in Namjoon’s and a bite mark was healing where his neck met his shoulder. Jimin felt an ugly feeling of jealousy overcome him, but he tried his best to smile for Seokjin because he didn’t want to dampen his cheerful mood.

Taehyung was all over Seokjin, cooing and throwing ripped up pieces of paper in the air like confetti, clapping and laughing like a child on Christmas. He ignored the way Namjoon tensed when he hugged him tightly because any couple after they’d just mated was going to be quite possessive. However, Namjoon tried his best to hold back because Seokjin was so happy. Jimin thought that in itself was a sweet scene. He felt his heart constrict and he wondered if he’d ever have a mate like that – eyeing off other wolves, one hand clasped in his, pressing kisses into his hairline.

“Can you get me some water?” Seokjin asked, voice sounding a bit fatigued but undeniably happy, “with ice, too.”

Namjoon nodded and stood up, clearly trying to overlook the way Taehyung was jumping up and down on the couch beside the newly mated Omega, clutching his arm. “Uh, sure.”

Jimin’s Omega wolf whined longingly. Everyone always did say an Alpha in love was a sight to behold.

“Jimin,” Seokjin spoke up. He tilted his head to the side, eyes filled with worry. “You’re so quiet. Is everything okay?”

Jimin forced a smile, nodding. He ran a hand through his hair, a habit he did when he was trying to buy more time to think of what to say. “Yeah, I’m just… not feeling well.”

“He’s been like this for days,” Taehyung murmured and his excitement dimmed down, matching the concern on Seokjin’s face. “Seriously though, what happened?”

It wouldn’t be so bad to tell them, Jimin supposed. Taehyung was his best friend and Seokjin was probably the kindest wolf he’d ever met. He bit his lip and flashes of coffee brown eyes and charming half smiles invaded his mind. “Well, um, yesterday –” His voice cut off as soon as Namjoon entered, a glass of water in his hand. He placed it onto the coffee table and slid it to Seokjin who shot Jimin an apologetic look for the interruption.

Jimin didn’t know if it was a good idea to speak about this in front of Namjoon. What if he told Jungkook and they laughed about his naivety? He knew he couldn’t ask Namjoon to leave, after all, it was known that new mates didn’t cope well with distance for an extended period of time, and this topic was definitely going to take some time. He stood up and brushed non-existent dust off his jeans, “I have some errands to run. I’m sorry. But, I am so happy for the two of you. I really, really am.” He gave a half-hearted wave and turned to leave. Namjoon had smiled and thanked him, Seokjin continued staring at him with concern and Jimin felt guilty because Seokjin should be celebrating right now, not worried about him.

“Tae, you should –” Seokjin began.

“Yeah, I’ll follow him,” Taehyung assured Seokjin, also getting to his feet. “Jimin, wait up.”

Jimin slowed his steps and allowed the Beta to attach himself to his side. It struck him then that he may never see Seokjin once he left to the city with Namjoon at the end of the week.

He rushed back and threw himself into the older boy’s arms.

Taehyung rested his chin on Jimin’s shoulder and made a gagging sound. It was obviously fake but the slight scrunch in his nose wasn’t. “Did you bathe in Jungkook’s scent or something? I can hardly smell you under it all. Alpha pheromones are no joke.” Seokjin and Namjoon had both noticed for sure, but neither said anything.

Jimin rolled his eyes and leaned back against Taehyung, the two of them sitting on Taehyung’s bed in a somewhat intimate position. Yet, the feelings between them were, and always had been, strictly platonic. They’d known each other since childhood, survived school and struggled through puberty together, pulled embarrassing pranks on both unsuspecting victims and each other – they were like brothers. Though, sometimes Jimin wished he could have just fallen in love with Taehyung (“Everyone wants to fall in love with me, Jimin,” Taehyung had cockily replied when he told him that).

“For a moment, you know,” Jimin confessed. “I really wanted to be his mate.”

“Oh,” Taehyung answered. He squeezed Jimin’s shoulders and tried to cheer him up with a goofy grin. “More than last year?”

Jimin barely felt anything when he thought about the Beta last year. “Yes. Last year I had hoped but this time… it was almost a need.” He brought his hands to his face and made a groan of humiliation. “Look at me, Taehyung. I sound so desperate.”

“No, you don’t,” Taehyung insisted, tone firm. He frowned, a look that was not often seen gracing his face. He huffed. “Should I have a talk to this Jungkook? He’s starting to piss me off – acting like he wants you and then denying it.”

“No, Tae, it’s all over now,” Jimin swore. He wasn’t going to put his hopes up again now that he knew Jungkook’s actions weren’t genuine. Jimin had suspected as such, but when sitting and talking with the Alpha, he believed he had completely mistaken him. “Besides, I know how you get when you’re angry – you’ll piss him off really bad and he might hurt you.” Taehyung, when happy, was all sparkling rainbows and blinding smiles, but when angry he became like a spawn of Satan, sent straight from hell to rip out beating hearts.

“Oh, please,” Taehyung derided with an emphasized eye roll. “And besides, Yoongi wouldn’t let Jungkook touch me.”

Jimin turned around to raise an eyebrow. “Yoongi?”

“Ah,” Taehyung exclaimed and… was that embarrassment? Jimin sat up and spun around. “Yes, well, he’s a Beta I met – Namjoon’s friend and also Jungkook’s. Do you remember the Beta who followed Jungkook on the first day? Anyway, we’ve been talking these past few days, among other things…”

“W-Wait, wait, what?” Jimin gasped.

“You poor baby. Do I have to specify?”

“No, stupid,” Jimin hit his shoulder as Taehyung chortled. A million questions were running through his head. “You’ve never mentioned him before! Is he the scowling one?”

“You’ve been rather preoccupied,” Taehyung quipped thought not unkindly, shrugging like it was no big deal. But Jimin knew Taehyung like the back of his hand – this was no ‘no big deal.’ “And, he does scowl an awful lot, but that’s just the way his face looks. It can’t be helped.”

Jimin practically clawed at Taehyung’s arm, who was trying to squirm away. “Are you – are you going to - ?”

Taehyung twisted his arm away and flicked Jimin in the forehead who drew back with a pout. “Maybe. I think, rather, I’ll go back to the city with him and see if we see a relationship together first. I don’t want to rush into anything. He seems to prefer that too. So…”

“Tae,” Jimin breathed and his eyes formed his signature eye smile, throat choking up. “I’m so happy for you.” As he spoke the words, his heart constricted – that feeling of abandonment growing bigger, but his joy for his friend was stronger.

“Well,” Taehyung flipped his hair back, trying to act like it was nothing. “Don’t get me wrong. He’s a pain in the ass. Sleeps all day and lazy when he’s awake. I don’t know what I see in him really.”

“Shut up. You’ve fallen for him.”

“Yeah, but only a little.”

Seokjin was leaving.

Taehyung was leaving.

And Jimin was drunk out of his mind.

He was moving clumsily on the dance floor, immensely different from his usual, graceful, dancing style, and pressed up against some other wolves. The club reeked of alcohol, sex, vomit and sweat and in the back of his mind his wolf was on high alert, making sure nobody tried to take advantage of him. Jimin is not this sort of person – he doesn’t like getting drunk or dancing among the equally drunk, but his two closest friends are leaving and he feels awful. And lonely.

And he just wanted to make it go away.

“Such a pretty, small Omega,” a Beta slurred into his ear and Jimin, even if he was tipsy, pulled back with a scowl.

He hated the way the Beta said it, ‘pretty’ and ‘small’ in a way that was patronizing. Jimin stumbled away from the lewd stare, feeling like he wanted to crawl out of his skin.

A new song started to play and Jimin closed his eyes, losing himself to the beat and rhythm and addicting melody. Screw Jungkook and his gorgeous face and his dazzling crooked smile and his mesmerizing voice. I don’t want him. I don’t need him. He’s just a stupid, conceited Alpha. Jimin’s fist clenched and a voice in his head says ‘you keep telling yourself that.’

Someone came to dance with him. The room was spinning and the lights were low but Jimin could make out single-lidded eyes and thin lips, smiling in a way that was brash and arrogant. Hands come to rest on his waist and pull him close and Jimin briefly thought this isn’t right but that only made him want to do it more. So he let it happen, slightly on edge.

The other guy mumbled compliments in his ear and Jimin only picked up half of it, but from what he did hear, it was enough to make him flinch. “Whoever let you go is going to be sorry. You’re mine now.”

Ugh. Jimin hated being talked to like this – like an object to be owned by other people, passed around. He went to step away but the hands on his waist prevent him. Irritation crossed his alcohol consumed mind. “Hey, let go.”

“But why? We only just started.”

“I don’t want to dance with you,” Jimin hissed and tried to pry his hands off. The guy only gripped him harder and Jimin winced in pain. His wolf snarled.

The other leaned forward, drunken breath blowing in Jimin’s ear, making him squirm. “You’re so feisty, are you this aggressive in bed too? I’d love to find out.”

Jimin grimaced, disgusted. The mere thought of it repulsed and offended him. “Fuck off, or –” He was cut off by another person stepping between them, shoving the offending wolf away. The new guy was only slightly taller than Jimin himself, but he had an aura that told others not to mess with him. He glanced at Jimin and then grabbed his hand, tugging him through the club towards the exit. Jimin was stunned but let this stranger lead him out into the street.

He came face to face with a concerned and enraged Taehyung.

Jimin looked to the guy who had helped him out of the unpleasant situation and realised, oh, this is Yoongi.

Taehyung was livid. “Jimin hyung, what are you doing? You can’t get drunk alone, you’ll be taken advantage of. How could you do this to yourself?” His best friend crossed his arms, eyebrows narrowed and jaw clenched hard.

Jimin opened his mouth to reply, probably something doleful, but his teeth chattered as his senses started to work again and he recognized just how cold it was. “I t-think I left my jumper inside. I-It’s cold.”

“You can buy a new one,” Taehyung said candidly and wrapped an arm under Jimin to support him, and also provide some warmth. “Come on, let’s get you home.”

Jimin nodded, too tired to resist and it wasn’t like he wanted to go back into the club. He bit his lip. “I’m going to be alone, Tae,” Jimin garbled, words sounding incoherent, and rested his head in the crook of Taehyung’s neck. “No one is e-ever going to fall i-in love with me.”

“Shh, stop spouting bullshit,” Taehyung sighed. “You can come visit me in the city, scratch that, come live with me. With us.”

Jimin sniffed, teeth chattering. “Yoongi w-wouldn’t like that.”

“Yoongi will put up with it.”

“Yoongi is right here,” said male butted in, sounding a little bothered, but when he saw Jimin’s tearful face he softened. “But yes, you can come stay with us, I guess.”

“I like you already,” Jimin murmured and Taehyung snorted, albeit pleased. Yoongi zipped up his jacket, complacent.

Jimin felt his eyes begin to close, eyelids heavy all of a sudden. The rhythmic sound of footsteps – his, Taehyung’s, Yoongi’s – began to lull him into sleep, soothing him. The slightly sick feeling in his stomach and dizziness had eased and he was feeling far more relaxed. He really wished he could have fallen in love with Taehyung, his best friend. It would be so easy. So nice. He mumbled something about how thankful he was for Taehyung, but his friend abruptly jerked away and pushed Jimin into the arms of the unsuspecting Beta.

Why is everyone shoving me around today?

Yoongi stumbled with Jimin until he caught his balance. He was on the verge of cussing and asking what in God’s name Taehyung was doing when he saw the familiar, tall figure walking towards them. His hands were in his jeans pocket and a beanie was pulled low, bangs hanging over his eyes. Yoongi sighed, “Taehyung, don’t...”

Said Beta had already stormed off towards the other.

“Fantastic,” Yoongi said, voice blank.

Jimin cracked open an eye and saw a blurred, fuzzy face that looked like an Alpha he knew. His suspicion was confirmed when that beautiful scent washed over him. He was already drawn to it, even in his drunken state, and yet his wolf was telling him to ‘stay away’ and Jimin decided to listen to it for once. He curled his hands around Yoongi’s neck and hid his face. I do not want to see him.

“There, there,” Yoongi muttered, patting his back awkwardly.

Jimin couldn’t see what was going on, but he heard snippets of Jungkook and Taehyung’s argument, or rather Taehyung yelling heatedly at Jungkook, who patiently tried to respond before being interrupted mid-sentence. He whined, not wanting his friend to get in a quarrel because of him.

“Don’t worry, Jungkook won’t do anything,” Yoongi comforted him, sensing Jimin’s distress. “He’s not like that.”

Jimin felt a tight feeling in his stomach, like disappointment and sadness from Jungkook’s earlier rejection. I know, and that’s why I had to end up liking him.

“Now you listen here brat, you stay away from Jiminie or I’ll make your life hell when I come to the city. He doesn’t need this from you!” Taehyung continued to shout as Jimin curled up against Yoongi, incredibly embarrassed. Jimin was older, he was the hyung, so why was Taehyung having to defend him? He felt terrible. This was his problem, Taehyung shouldn’t be caught in the middle.

Jungkook said something, not angry, but firm. Jimin turned slightly to see him and their eyes met. There was that dangerous promise lingering behind his controlled appearance as he did a once over of the position he and Yoongi were currently in. Jungkook’s scent suddenly became stronger, or maybe Jimin just sobered up a little, and he didn’t think he could fight it anymore. He pulled away from Yoongi slowly and walked towards the disagreeing pair, each step agonizing and relieving. He and Taehyung stopped arguing when they saw him approach.

“Jimin,” Taehyung started but a pleading look from Jungkook and he stopped. Jimin gave Taehyung a tight smile, I can handle it. This wasn’t Taehyung’s problem, it was Jimin’s, and he had to fix it himself. “Fine. Fine!” the Beta snapped to himself more than anyone else. He gave Jimin’s shoulder a quick squeeze, making sure he really was okay, before spinning back to Jungkook, eyes grave. “But, I swear, if he comes back upset again I will –”

“Alright, that’s enough you two,” Yoongi interrupted, taking Taehyung’s hand as he tried to put into words the torture he had in store for Jungkook. “I think he got the message. Yes, I know, he’s a brat. Let’s go, Jimin will be fine.” Yoongi glanced over his shoulder at Jungkook and maybe it was because he was older, or his piercing stare, or something else entirely that Jimin couldn’t quite pinpoint, but he swore everything became tenser than before. The air seemed to get colder, too. Jungkook may have even cowered a bit. “Right, Jungkook?”

Jungkook met Yoongi’s glare but his tone had changed when he replied; it was politer, less harsh. “Yes, hyung.”

Taehyung looked stunned (then smug) whilst Yoongi was satisfied with Jungkook’s response. He looked at Jimin and gave a small, almost encouraging, smile before hitting Taehyung lightly on the back of the head. “And you, I told you to just leave it alone…”

Taehyung retorting something back after one last worried glance, still fired up, was the last Jimin heard of him before facing Jungkook. His strained expression relaxed as he faced Jimin, a hand on Jimin’s narrow shoulders. “Hey,” he sighed and brushed some of his hair back. He looked genuinely remorseful, looking away a few times like he was ashamed. “I’m sorry.”

Jimin tilted his head back. Jungkook was at least a head taller than him. He wanted to reply with something smart, something angry to show Jungkook just how much he troubled him, but a shiver ran through his body and the chilly breeze whipped his bare arms. “I’m c-cold.”

“Oh,” Jungkook said and after a brief pause he tugged off his hoodie, wearing a long sleeved shirt underneath. He gave the hoodie to Jimin who put it on without a second thought. The sleeves were too long, it was loose on his petite body but it was warm. And it smelt like Jungkook. “Weren’t you the one warning me about getting a cold before?”

Jimin nodded dumbly before swaying and crashing forward into Jungkook’s chest, hitting his chin with the top of his head. Jungkook hissed but quickly balanced Jimin, holding him against him. “Whoa, how much did you drink?”

“Not that much,” Jimin answered as he tried to count how many he had consumed, but the simple maths hurt his head and he gave up. He sighed into the warm material. “You smell nice.”

Jungkook ran a hand through Jimin’s silver hair. Jimin couldn’t be bothered to try deny how much he liked the contact. “You smell like vomit and alcohol. And cologne. And Yoongi. And other people.”

“What did you expect?” Jimin’s voice was muffled against Jungkook, still a bit of wit left to make the comment.

Jungkook pulled the hoodie up over Jimin’s head, warming his numb ears and ignoring Jimin’s rhetorical question. “Are you feeling okay?”

“I feel alone,” Jimin said, voice small. His hands were clasped together (sort of – the long sleeves got in the way) and he was staring at the ground. He needed more alcohol – that ugly emotion was gradually seeping back.

“You’re not alone,” Jungkook assured him, voice so soft and caring it caressed Jimin and eased his feelings of trepidation. His wolf made a sound that could have passed as a purr. Jungkook cupped Jimin’s cool cheek and gently tipped his head back. “I’m here.”

Jungkook leaned forward and kissed him, a mere press of the lips but it was so gentle, so sweet, so loving. When he drew back, the waves of emotion overflowed with a crushing force – anxiety, delight, fear, sadness, joy – and Jimin broke down in his hands.

Jungkook made sure he caught every single piece.

Jimin snuggled closer to the source of heat, breathing in a delicious scent and unconsciously letting audible a clear sound of contentment.

There was a chuckle, sweet and affectionate, and hearing it made Jimin feel at ease. He tugged on a soft material – a blanket - and brought it up to cover half his face, eyes opening with great effort. The room was dim but he saw faint light peeking through the blinds; he guessed it was early morning, perhaps an hour after sunrise. He tilted his head back and squinted, making out a strong jawline and smooth neck which he was currently resting against, extremely comfortably. He yawned and felt his eyes closing again, too heavy.

“Go back to sleep,” the person said, drawing circles on Jimin’s back through his shirt with his thumb. “It’s still early.”

“Mm, ‘kay,” Jimin mumbled, words sounding unclear to even his own ears. He was about to do just that when he realised I am in bed with somebody else. What. He shot up, fast – too fast because his head throbbed in pain. Sleepiness ebbed away as he came face to face with a startled but amused Jungkook. They were both clothed (thank goodness), and it didn’t feel like anything happened…

“Please tell me you haven’t forgotten everything,” Jungkook teased, that goddamn eye-catching half smile on his handsome face. “You weren’t that drunk.”

Jimin paused and thought back, flushing in embarrassment. Oh God, I cried in front of him. Jungkook had held him to his body, arm around his waist, and walked him to the hotel where he was staying at. They hadn’t talked much after, just a comment here and there, and Jungkook let him shower and gave him a spare change of clothes, which Jimin was wearing right now. He looked down at his attire meekly. The pants were long and loose, just like the shirt – it slipped down a shoulder and, Jimin blushed furiously as he realised Jungkook was staring at the exposed pale skin, eyes inviting. Jimin huffed and tugged the sleeved up which only made the neckline sink low, exposing his chest because Jimin’s frame was far smaller than Jungkook’s. He adjusted the clothes and Jungkook shot him a look of deep disappointment.

“Pervert,” Jimin snapped and Jungkook chuckled, before trying to piece back the rest of his night. After getting changed, he had sat down on the bed, intending to talk it through with Jungkook once and for all, clearing up whatever it was that was between them when… Jimin frowned. “Did I, uh, pass out?”

“Yes. Almost immediately,” Jungkook replied, sounding entertained yet doting. “It was very cute how quickly you fell asleep.”

Jimin glared as he felt heat rising up his neck. He hated how flustered Jungkook made him. And with no trouble, too. “So, nothing happened?”

Jungkook raised an eyebrow in suggestion, but Jimin could tell he was serious. “No. I wouldn’t do anything whilst you were in an intoxicated state.”

“Oh,” Jimin nodded and didn’t know why he felt a bit saddened. He was happy that Jungkook didn’t take advantage and it definitely spoke to his character, but he felt disappointed that nothing at all had progressed. “Oh, thank you.” Their eyes met and Jungkook looked like he wanted to say something, but he didn’t. Jimin got up slowly, sliding off the bed. “I guess I should go.”

Jungkook sat up, hair ruffled from sleep and it only added to his boyish good looks. “You don’t have to.”

His response set free thousands of butterflies, but Jimin didn’t welcome the feeling with ease.

“If I stay, then what?” Jimin sighed, confused. They were just going around in circles. What were they doing with each other? “What are you trying to do?”

The other swallowed and glanced down, and something popped into Jimin’s head without consciously thinking about it.

He’s shy.

Jimin’s fingertips grazed the edge of the bed as Jungkook shifted, uncomfortable… or nervous? He had to admit he looked adorable like this – like a little puppy. Jimin’s wolf on the other hand snarled, not liking it one bit. ‘He’s not shy. He’s trying to save his own ass.’

“I can’t do this with you,” Jimin finally said and Jungkook’s gaze snapped up, almost alarmed. Jimin sat on the edge of the bed, the distance between them feeling like miles. “You’re too confusing. You act like you want me, but you say you don’t. I don’t get you, and even though I like you, I can’t keep waiting for you to give me some sort of indication that this isn’t a game for you. It’s not fair. It hurts. It’s not fair that I’m the only one hurting.”

Jimin stared at the generic white bed sheet, pads of his fingers running across it to distract himself from the gaze of the other. His stomach was in his mouth but he praised himself for having gotten through it. Jungkook licked his lips, and he was back to looking obscure. Jimin wondered if his close friends and family could see past it, see what was really underneath his cold façade. He felt jealous. He wished he could too. He wanted to be able to see Jungkook behind the cold exterior he created, he wanted to know Jungkook for all that he was and wasn’t, his deepest fears, his biggest dreams. Jimin swallowed a lump in his throat at the fact he wanted so badly to continue waking up beside him, be able to be close to him, to love him; the possibility that he may never have that, couldn't have that, upset him. Is this what it felt like to just know when you wanted someone as your mate?

“I never said I didn’t want you,” Jungkook spoke, voice low and it sounded like he had picked his words carefully.

Jimin was dumbfounded by his response, but regained his composure as best he could. He sucked in a breath, ready to dispute, wishing he didn’t have to and wasn’t able to.

“The other day, in the forest. I asked you if you intended on mating with me and you said no.” His throat choked up, saying the rejection out loud was like another slap to the face. Especially to the Alpha directly.

Jimin stared up at him from under his lashes, chewing on his lip. How could Jungkook respond to that? He had said no, he had looked at Jimin all confused. That reaction had been the source of many unwanted emotions. His wolf growled at the memory.

Jungkook lifted a hand like he was about to reach across and cup Jimin’s cheek, but he faltered and drew back. “That wasn’t how I meant it,” he said in a hushed voice, sounding sheepish and apologetic, with a hint of panic. “I misunderstood you.”

“You misunderstood me?” Jimin repeated, disbelieving. A tiny ray of hope shone through the thick clouds of gloom and melancholy.

“Yes,” Jungkook explained hurriedly, like he was afraid Jimin was going to disappear any second. “I meant that I wasn’t going to mate with you then and there – I don’t know why I answered like that – that’s just how I get sometimes. I’m sorry.”

Jimin felt like time had stopped. He stared, motionless, at Jungkook who seemed edgier than usual.

“What?” Jimin whispered and his emotions were faster than his brain because they were swirling with hope and gladness. “W-What does that mean?”

“It means,” Jungkook began, sounding nervous. He closed the distance between them and tangled a hand in Jimin’s soft hair, lips brushing his ear, relaxing like not touching Jimin had distressed him. “I want to be with you, obviously.”

“R-Really?”

“Yes, as a mate, as a friend, as your lover,” Jungkook kissed a spot behind Jimin’s ear who closed his eyes, inhaling sharply. He never realised just how sensitive that spot was until now. “I’d known since the second I saw you.”

“As a mate?” Jimin was dumbstruck. He’d hoped to hear those words, damn near prayed, but actually hearing it was a different matter altogether. “Really?”

Jungkook snickered, warm and fond. “You’re brain really isn’t working right now, is it?” He drew back to look at Jimin, properly smiling, slightly mischievous, but completely honest. If his half smile was dazzling, his full smile was something else entirely. His eyes had lit up and he looked utterly endearing – Jimin wanted to take a picture and save it in his memory forever.

“Oh,” Jimin breathed and his hands found purchase on Jungkook’s shoulders. Oh. He does want to mate with me. He felt indescribably, unbelievably, immeasurably happy. Tears started to form in his eyes and his mind was unable to grasp anything except that he wants to mate with me. His wolf was deep in thought, contemplating Jungkook’s words, but secretly pleased. Jimin bit his lip. “N-Now?”

Jungkook’s eyes crinkled at the corners as he laughed. So beautiful. “That depends on you.” He brushed back a stray tear, fingers gentle against his cheek. “If you want to be my mate, that is. If you know you won’t regret it in a few days. If you’re sure you’re doing this for the right reasons.” Jimin heard the trace of worry Jungkook tried to disguise.

Right reasons?

Jimin dropped his gaze to Jungkook’s collarbones, unable to handle the Alpha looking so vulnerable. Without his good looks, without his status, Jungkook would still make Jimin’s heart race. He was understanding, and patient, and respectful. He was teasing, but not rude, and he had never talked down to Jimin, never told him what to do, and never reproached his behaviour. He just knew that being with Jungkook wouldn’t be an Alpha-Omega relationship (at least, only on the outside) – they wouldn’t have ranks or superiority – they’d be equal. Jungkook accepted him, Jimin realised, and perhaps better than Jimin had accepted him. His wolf agreed grudgingly, but even he couldn’t deny how much he liked the Alpha.

Jimin looked back up, chewing on his lip. “You’re perfect,” he whispered finally. Perfect for me.

“I’m assuming that’s a yes?” Jungkook asked, relieved, lips tugging at the corners, arms circling him closer.

Jimin rolled his eyes but his spirits rose higher from the close, physical contact. “What else would it be, idiot?”

Jungkook had been slow and gentle when marking him, but geez Jimin had not expected it to hurt so much.

He had been pressed back on the bed, skin coated in a thin layer of sweat, trying to steady his breathing as Jungkook hovered over him, lazy smile playing on his lips. He looked rather proud and satisfied with himself as he peppered kisses across Jimin’s face and neck, leaving small bruises under his collarbones as if the mating mark wouldn’t be enough. Jimin ran his hands down Jungkook’s toned stomach and felt the muscles in his back – the Alpha shivered, eyelashes fluttering against Jimin’s skin. Their lower bodies were slightly sticky due to past activity that had most definitely not been slow or gentle, but Jimin had liked it that way. He pulled Jungkook down to his lips, allowing his tongue to be sucked into his mouth, moaning as Jungkook kissed him skilled and passionately. He drew back with a tug on Jimin’s bottom lip between his teeth, grinning slyly as he released it.

“You’re so pretty,” Jungkook said, and typically Jimin would be recoiling with annoyance, except Jungkook was looking at him like he was the most precious thing in the word; his eyes sincere. “So beautiful.”

Jimin laughed, blushing faintly, hands entwining tightly with Jungkook’s and simply taking the time to take everything in. The ‘cold’ Alpha whom Jimin had undoubtedly been attracted and repelled by, was now in bed with him, naked skin pressed against hot skin, laughing and teasing him with all emotions displayed. Jimin loved discovering every new smile, every new reaction. He was truly content.

Jungkook reluctantly released a hand to stroke Jimin’s hips where the pale skin was marred with finger shaped bruises from when Jungkook had gripped him too hard. He sounded regretful, “Did I hurt you?”

Jimin shook his head, cupping Jungkook’s cheek with his free hand. “A bit, but don’t worry. I’m fine. You made sure of that.”

“Sorry,” Jungkook murmured anyway and kissed him, slow at first then progressively picked up speed. They kissed until they both ran out of breath, lungs burning with the lack of oxygen. Jungkook moved down his face – his chin, the lobe of his ear, his jawline – before stopping at the curve between his neck and shoulder. He exhaled and Jimin felt his body tense slightly in anticipation. “I don’t think I can hold off anymore. Can I?”

Jimin’s pulse sped up, but not necessarily in fear. He gazed into Jungkook’s doe-shaped eyes, kind and heartfelt. He was silently asking if Jimin was okay – that it wasn’t too late to change his mind, and that this was his last chance to. Jimin smiled, and nodded. “Yes, you can.”

Jungkook’s hand tightened in his. “This will hurt, a lot. I’m sorry, love.”

Love. It made Jimin tingle with bliss and joy. “I’ll put up with it for you.”

“Hmm,” Jungkook grinned and winked. “I’ll make it up to you later. I promise you can have full control of the Alpha.” He leaned in and lightly bit the shell of his ear, making Jimin squirm and giggle, “Your Alpha.”

Jimin beamed in eagerness. His mate. “I’ll hold you to that.”

Jungkook told him to relax, kissing the spot repeatedly and nipping playfully at the area, making the Omega underneath him laugh. Jimin tilted his head to the side to give him more access. One hand in Jungkook’s, the other in his auburn locks, Jimin let Jungkook’s scent envelop him. The fragrance of their combined scents was soothing and reassuring.

“If it gets too much, say so,” Jungkook said, apprehensive. “Pull my hair or hit me or scream – do not let me keep hurting you if it’s too much. Okay?”

“Yes, yes,” Jimin promised and kissed Jungkook’s temple. “Just do it, please.”

With one lingering kiss, Jungkook bit down into the flesh and Jimin instantly realised he seriously underestimated the amount of pain that would be involved because he had always been more swept up by the romantic notion of it, the idea of it.

He yelped sharply, gasping in pain, but he sealed his mouth shut immediately after because Jungkook paused, searching for another sign to release his hold. Jimin lightly ran his nails over his scalp and Jungkook whined in pleasure. He squeezed Jimin’s hand in apology before he bit down a little further. Jimin felt the canines sink in this time.

His body jolted and tears pooled in his eyes. He couldn’t stop the sob that escaped his mouth. It hurt so damn much. Jungkook’s thumb ran across the back of his hand in silent communication, Should I stop? Are you okay?

“It’s fine, it’s fine,” Jimin cried, tears streaming. He closed his eyes as a strange feeling washed over him and his affection for Jungkook seemed to grow. His scent seemed stronger, every physical contact felt better, closer, more meaningful.

Jungkook pulled back steadily after kissing the tender mark, grabbing tissues from the bedside table and pressing it against the puncture wounds to staunch the bleeding. He scanned Jimin’s tearful face and apologies came spilling out of his mouth. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry. Are you okay? Did I bite too hard? Should I get you some pain relief? I think there’s a first aid kit under the sink, I’ll go get it.” He brought Jimin’s hand to the tissues to hold against the wound as he began to swing his leg off the bed.

Jimin felt a surge of panic, knowing Jungkook was only going into the next room but getting scared nonetheless. “N-No, no, please, just stay here. Don’t leave.”

“Okay,” Jungkook resettled beside Jimin, letting him curl against his body. Of course, newly mated wolves didn’t cope well with distance, especially if they’d literally just mated. “How do you feel?”

“Alright,” Jimin sighed as Jungkook changed the tissues, ignoring the deep, vivid red. “You have some blood on your mouth and chin.”

Jungkook passed him a tissue and Jimin wiped it off his mate’s face, smiling when Jungkook kissed his hand. “How about you? How do you feel?”

Jungkook hummed, lips tugging into a smile. “Never better.”

“Your presence feels stronger, like amplified,” Jimin tried to describe. Even the flecks of lighter brown in Jungkook’s eyes appeared warmer, more vibrant. “Do you feel that too?”

“Yeah,” Jungkook laughed and smirked, teasing. “Didn’t think it was possible.”

Jimin blushed. “Cheesy.” He, with great difficulty because his arm had become tired and weak, cupped the back of Jungkook’s neck and coaxed him to lean down (because he felt too delicate to sit up). Jungkook kissed him, knowing what he wanted, and Jimin’s wolf was howling with happiness – he was mated. He pulled back to make a face, even kissing felt draining.

“Something wrong?” Jungkook questioned, running a thumb across Jimin’s bottom lip.

Jimin tried to look as upbeat as possible, which was a challenge when his body felt like it had been drained of all its strength. He just didn’t want Jungkook to feel remorseful. “I feel really exhausted and weak. Is that normal?”

“Mating does that,” Jungkook gave another guilty look that Jimin wished he would stop doing already. This mark was not something to feel guilt over. It was a sign of loyalty, commitment and love. “I’ll take care of you until you regain strength. Don’t worry.”

Jimin smiled. “Thank you.”

“Anything for you, love,” Jungkook pecked his forehead and he opened his mouth to add something but paused as hesitation flittered across his lovely face.

Jimin tiredly tilted his head to the side, questioning.

“Would you find it annoying if I called you ‘mine’?” Jungkook asked, sounding a tad weary.

Perhaps yesterday Jimin would have said yes, because it was like he was being objectified, but now the idea of belonging to Jungkook pleased him. Perhaps it was his Omega side, but Jimin now realised it was a part of him that he shouldn’t keep trying to deny. Admitting he liked being called Jungkook’s didn’t mean he would like the idea of Jungkook acting like he owned him or controlled him (not that he would, Jimin was sure). No, it was about being Jungkook’s mate. Besides, earlier Jungkook had told him he would be his Alpha, and that had made Jimin ecstatic – they were mates, they were each other’s and only each other’s. “No, I don’t mind. After all, you’re mine too.”

Jungkook smiled and proceeded to ravish his lips – the Alpha wolf in him was satisfied.

“Jiminie,” Taehyung clasped his hands together and pretended to brush away a tear. “Oh gosh, I can’t believe it. I feel like a proud grandfather.”

Jimin looked up at his best friend, suddenly feeling very shy (and a little creeped - why 'grandfather?'). Not because of Taehyung’s dramatic reaction, but because Yoongi was beside him. Jimin thought back to the horrible impression he must have given Yoongi – all drunk and clingy and whiny. He and his wolf cringed. They’d definitely have to apologize and thank him for dealing with that later. Seokjin had reacted like Jimin’s mother, squealing and fussing over him, whilst his father talked quietly with Jungkook. His father wasn’t a scary or terribly strict person, but he was sure he said something about treating Jimin well. Namjoon and Yoongi had acted as if they’d already suspected as such.

“All those times you said you didn’t want an Alpha mate, complaining about stupid, stuck-up Jungkook,” Taehyung tutted and shook his head. Jungkook made a displeased face from behind him – the air between he and the Beta was still a bit tense. “And here you are. An Alpha’s mate, Jeon Jungkook’s mate. Come here, you midget.”

Jimin glared but with no real anger. He was too happy to get worked up, and it was just Taehyung after all. Taehyung threw his arms around Jimin, minding the dressing over his mark. From the corner of his eye he saw Jungkook stiffen when the Beta wrapped his arms around his mate, but made no move. Namjoon and Seokjin beside him smiled knowingly.

“Hey, I had to go through it too,” Namjoon muttered and gave Jungkook a look that clearly told it was now the younger’s turn. He was so plainly enjoying seeing him squirm. Jungkook frowned at his remark and Seokjin, ever the mediator, patted Jungkook’s shoulder, telling him not to get riled up.

Yoongi, on the other hand, didn’t seem to care all that much, and Jimin supposed Taehyung didn’t mind when others hugged Yoongi either, like last night when he had been holding him. Perhaps, it was because they hadn’t mated yet, or maybe neither were terribly possessive because they trusted the other only had feelings for them.

“You reek of him, sheesh,” Taehyung commented flatly as he hugged him.

“I know,” Jimin replied, voice airy and light.

“How many times did you do it?” Taehyung asked, crinkling his nose.

Jimin went red. “What?”

“Oh come on, there’s no way his scent got that strong on you from just laying together.”

“We showered though!”

“Yeah, but together, right?”

“Uh, yes…”

“Think, Jiminie, think,” Taehyung released his hold and muttered something about Alpha pheromones again. Jimin stepped back as Taehyung exaggerated another loud, fake sob.

Yoongi pinched the bridge of his nose, wanting it to end already.

“Okay, you can stop now,” Jimin said on the poor Beta’s behalf, before he grinned widely. “Hey, at least we’ll stay together now! We’ll both be in the city and still be able to meet up.”

“As if I’d let you go somewhere without me. You’d never cope,” Taehyung scoffed self-righteously and walked back to Yoongi’s side, feeling very proud of himself. “I played a key role in this pairing, I must say.”

Yoongi snorted. “If I do recall correctly, you were the one ordering Jungkook to stay away from Jimin.”

“Only to make them realise how much they wanted to be together,” Taehyung mused, trying to sound knowing and wise.

“If Jimin was drunk and Jungkook complaining like a baby, I’d say they already knew they wanted to be together.”

“Ah, but you forget, I was the one who told Jimin to consider Jungkook as a potential mate in the first place.”

“I didn’t forget; you never told me you said that.”

They continued to bicker, Namjoon and Seokjin listening and laughing, but to Jimin their voices gradually became white noise. Jungkook walked up to Jimin and took his hand, closing the distance between them.

“This is going to be our pack in the city, you know,” Jungkook tilted his head towards the four other wolves. “We can still find a new one if we're quick.”

“Don’t be silly, they’re perfect,” Jimin hit his chest, feeling very affectionate of their small but undoubtedly close pack.

“Well,” Jungkook sighed, sounding burdened. “There’s actually one more.”

Jimin’s eyes widened, “Oh? Who?”

“Hoseok-hyung. He’s a Beta. He stayed in the city because he had work,” Jungkook pursed his lips, trying to think of his next words. “He’s very… energetic… really nice, don't get me wrong, but… loud and eccentric. I’m warning you, brace yourself. But he’s a dancer too, so you’ll probably get along.”

Jimin lit up, excited to meet another dancer. He’d always wanted someone to learn new choreographies with, and he was sure there was so much he could learn from this Hoseok. "I can't wait!"

“I can,” Jungkook said flatly; Jimin gave him an unimpressed look. “I thought Hoseok was a handful, but now with Taehyung and Seokjin-hyung… I can’t make any promises.”

Jimin scoffed. “Oh, please.” He raised himself onto his toes to reach his tall Alpha, Jungkook instinctively leaned down, and brushed his lips across his. “Besides, you have me now. I'll stop you from losing your temper.”

Jungkook smirked and wrapped a hand around Jimin’s narrow waist, pressing their lips together, running his tongue across Jimin’s upper lip. Jimin curled a hand around the nape of Jungkook’s neck, feeling his eyelashes against his cheek, sighing into the kiss. When they parted, Jimin stayed close to him, chin against Jungkook’s chest, gazing up at his lovely mate with nothing but adoration. That ugly feeling of loneliness was completely gone, replaced with belonging.

Taehyung and Yoongi coughed. “Get a room.”