Archive of Our Own ^beta

Jungkook hastily dried his wet hair with a towel, ruffling the strands and probably flicking water droplets all over the small bathroom. He patted dry the back of his neck before tossing the towel over the rack. He opened the door that connected to the bedroom and his eyes fell on the curled up body at the end of his bed. His Alpha wolf lazily flicked his tail from side to side, cooing at the adorable wolf.

Park Jimin was asleep, small hands tucked under his cheek and knees drawn in. The plain t-shirt Jungkook had lent him had slipped and was exposing his sharp collarbones and a bit of his pale shoulder. His mouth was slightly parted, breathing evenly, peaceful but no doubt tired from all the alcohol he consumed. Jungkook’s heart probably melted at the sight. He’d wanted to explain his erratic behaviour to Jimin, to finally ask him to be his mate, but there was no way he could wake him up. He looked too adorable like this.

Crap, I am so whipped.

Jungkook sighed and removed some of the unnecessary pillows from the bed, wondering how on earth someone could require so many pillows – wouldn’t it be uncomfortable? He pulled back the duvet and walked back to the end of the bed.

He’s so pretty.

Jungkook brushed Jimin’s silver hair from his closed eyes and pondered how someone could look so lovely sleeping. Jimin was an image of kindness and innocence, but with strong, stubborn morals and beliefs, and Jungkook couldn’t think of anything he’d want to change. He slipped one arm behind Jimin’s shoulders and the other under the back of his knees and lifted him, settling him down on one side of the bed and making sure he was comfortable. Jimin moaned softly, shifting his position and Jungkook worried he would wake up, but his concern was eased when Jimin’s eyes remained closed and his breathing evened. Jungkook slipped into bed beside him, keeping a respectable distance, and turned the bedside lamp off, snuggling into his pillow and bringing the blanket up around them. No longer reeking of alcohol and strangers, Jimin filled his senses with a scent that was light and sweet, with maybe a dash of spiciness and a slight trace of soap and water. He was very aware of Jimin’s presence beside him, and wondered if it would be bad-mannered to just bring him a little – just a little – closer.

His wolf urged him on as he inched towards the smaller male, until he could feel Jimin’s breaths on his neck. Jungkook carefully wrapped an arm around his thin waist, skin sizzling from the contact and his stomach doing all sorts of flips. Jungkook decided that was probably sufficient, after all, they weren’t a couple and Jimin was unconscious and any more contact would just be inappropriate. His lips were still tingling from when he had leaned down to kiss him, and that for now would be enough. However, Jimin’s body shivered slightly and pressed into Jungkook, seeking warmth, and before Jungkook’s mind could even catch up, Jimin’s head was tucked under his chin and his hands were against his chest, lightly holding his shirt.

Jungkook hoped the fast pounding of his heart wouldn’t wake him up. He pulled the blanket higher over their shoulders, smiling in the darkness of the room. Tomorrow, I’ll ask him tomorrow.

X             X             X

Wherever Jungkook goes, whoever he meets, whatever he does, high expectations were set for him. He was a Jeon, an Alpha wolf, and in ten years or so he’d be taking over his father’s multibillion empire. It all sounded amazing and spectacular, but Jungkook was only twenty-one, and whenever he stopped and actually thought about, he didn’t think it was much to be proud of. He was still in university getting his business degree with a minor in performance (because he couldn’t resist), and in his spare time he was doing firsthand experience at his father’s company. He hadn’t actually achieved that much. All the recognition, the high status – that was his parent’s doing. His father was a rags to riches businessman, born to a poor Omega who had a brief affair with a mated Alpha (he had promised to leave his mate for her – he didn’t) and his Omega mother was a university professor in linguistics (a talent he did not inherit, to his dismay). Everyone expected him to be all that – athletic, musical, clever – and so Jungkook had to be. He had been the fastest short and long distance runner at his prestigious high school (he had genes to thank for most of that) and topped the performing arts department through his singing and dancing. Unfortunately, he fell a little short when it came to his academics, but his parents always told him not to worry because it would be different in the real world and that as long as he was passing and trying his best, it didn’t matter. Still, Jungkook had felt like a failure every time he received a less than satisfactory grade.

That was why he was determined to finish university and prove himself for more than just having been fortunate to be born to successful parents. That was why he spent most of his time in his room, flipping through his textbook and jotting down notes, prepping weeks early for exams. That was why he didn’t have time to go searching for a mate. He didn’t have time to be a good mate. He was too busy goddamn it so why was he currently packing a suitcase, debating how many shirts and jeans to take for a trip to a town near the forest in the middle of god knows where?

“It will be relaxing for you,” Namjoon had said. “Last year, you didn’t like the popular places we went to, so we chose the complete opposite this time. You can shift into your wolf and run around in the forest and shit. Get rid of all that stress. It’s starting to rub off on me, and I’ve already got enough.”

Namjoon and Yoongi were incredibly talented song composers for a wide range of hip hop and pop artists and groups, and were also a part of the underground rap scene. They liked to stay relatively out of the spotlight, but their names had become iconic because almost all their works became massive hits. They had song requests coming in day after day.

Jungkook had huffed and glared and rolled his eyes, but eventually found himself giving in, especially when his mother and father had joined Namjoon’s side, bugging him for days and days and days until he finally couldn’t take it anymore. He’d go on the trip just to get away from their insistent pleading.

“I wish I could go too, Jungkookie,” Hoseok had whined as he corrected a dance move, staring at his posture in the mirror and changing the angle of his feet. “But, I can’t back out of this performance. Have fun for me. Bring back a nice mate that I can be friends with.”

Jungkook had scowled at the professional dancer and choreographer in response. “I don’t have time for a mate right now, and you have enough friends.”

“My, Jungkookie, one can never have enough friends. Besides, I’m sure your mate will have other things to do than be entertained by you twenty-four seven,” Hoseok scoffed.

“It’s not that,” Jungkook muttered and crossed his arms. “I’m afraid I’ll get distracted by them, you know, wanting to be with them all the time. What if they’re so cute I can’t think about anything except them? What then?”

Hoseok laughed so hard he fell on the floor, and Jungkook didn’t get what was so damn funny.

He pushed the memory out of his mind as he zipped the suitcase closed. He flicked back his hair and sighed. His Alpha wolf was fuming, not understanding why Jungkook didn’t want to find his mate. Of course, deep inside, Jungkook did, but to find him now - it just wasn’t good timing. He was so focused on his studies, the company… he didn’t want to be a negligent mate, nor get diverted from his goals.

Jungkook fell back onto the hotel bed and groaned, letting his suitcase drop loudly to the floor. He raised his upper body simply to roll his neck in a circular motion, easing out the tightness. It had been a long trip even if they had travelled by plane. Yoongi had been practically dead on his feet by the time they arrived. Jungkook had not been that much better.

Namjoon entered his room after a quick knock to alert Jungkook of his entrance. He was the only one who was up and lively. “This place is so nice. The air smells really fresh.”

Jungkook, to be quite frank, did not care right now. Yes, it smelt clean and natural (the best scents there were, in his opinion) but he was too tired to be appreciative. It was only five in the morning and the meeting in the forest clearing wouldn’t be until nine. He had four hours to sleep, and he fully intended to do just that.

“I have a good feeling about this place,” Namjoon said, playing some hip hop song on his phone and gazing briefly out the window, watching the mist roll in.

“That’s great,” Jungkook yawned as he reached for a pillow. “Wake me up when it’s time?” He decided not to mention that he, too, felt an odd sense of hope from this place.

“You better shower beforehand,” Namjoon murmured as he left the room.

“Whatever.”

Namjoon was right, this town was nice.

It was quite small, but it had all the necessities – schools, a hospital, shops and so forth. The forest nearby was definitely a plus – Jungkook couldn’t remember the last time he had shifted into his wolf form and gone for a proper run. He missed that – he, Namjoon, Yoongi and Hoseok used to race each other around the national park and take turns howling, seeing who could be the loudest (it was always Hoseok).

They had to group at the town mayor’s house, a spacious, gorgeous piece of old architecture that Jungkook was intrigued by; it was such a change from his modern style apartment and the grey city buildings. He didn’t know the other wolves who had come from different places and he realised he and Namjoon were the only Alphas there. Strange.

Last year, there had been no shortage of Alphas and they had met the presented Omegas and Betas through a very classy, sophisticated ball. Jungkook hadn’t enjoyed it as much as he thought it would – mannerisms were strict and the ball was overly formal and boring. He was too worried about how he looked, how he spoke, how he acted that he hadn’t talked to anyone. He wasn’t good at socialising with new people, at least not in that sort of way. It drained him, so he put on his perfected mask of cold indifference and waited impatiently for the event to be over. Though perhaps a rare trait for an Alpha, Jungkook was shy, particularly when it came to asking for things he really wanted. He wasn’t embarrassed with attention (he’d gotten used to that a long time ago), but when he was in front of someone important, or asking something important, he choked. He tried to end sentences fast, cut conversations short, and he was too tense to smile. Due to that, he usually came off as brooding, taciturn and uninterested. He just hoped his mate wouldn’t mind that or look down on him because of it.

“Aren’t you glad you came?” Namjoon grinned as they waited for the town’s Omegas and Betas to gather in the woods before they could go be introduced.

“No,” Jungkook snapped in spite. Firstly, he wouldn’t admit it regardless and secondly, he had nothing to be glad about. His head was spinning with the amount of study he’d have to do when he got back home, and although he wasn’t employed at the company or anything, he felt bad that he had the opportunity to get all this work experience just because his father was the founder and CEO. He wanted to prove himself and this wasn’t the way to do it.

“Unappreciative brat,” Yoongi muttered but Jungkook knew well enough that there wasn’t any malice there.

Jungkook carded his fingers through his hair, flipping it over his forehead and then parting it, and then repeating. He and his Alpha wolf have had a strange feeling since they arrived and it was making him nervous. And a nervous Jungkook was an aloof Jungkook. He would let his cold side come out and assume the image of the typical Alpha wolf – prideful and arrogant. In his opinion, Jungkook thought it looked better than being anxious and shy.

Despite the fact that something about him felt off, Jungkook never considered the possibility that maybe, just maybe, he’d meet his mate at the forest clearing. As they began to trek through the baring trees, he picked up on many different scents (some of them were not pleasing to him) and his wolf was more alert than usual – far more alert than last year when he had been jaded and uninterested. It just didn’t really cross his mind that Jungkook would find his mate, so when he laid eyes on a slim Omega with sultry eyes and a bottom lip being abused by his teeth (and yet still somehow managed to look cute and innocent, which just didn’t make sense, really, but that’s how it was) he felt the Alpha in him almost completely break loose.

Now, Jungkook was raised to behave impeccably – he was a wolf of high class, but more importantly, with integrity and discipline, and he had always maintained a good grip on his wolf, at least, until this moment. He clenched his jaw and his muscles tightened as he held himself back from striding over to the Omega then and there and take him away from the Beta he was clutching onto.

Jungkook wanted him now.

Jungkook had never actually thought about what he would do when he met his mate (and he was absolutely positive this was what this Omega was). Sure, he’d thought about what he would do with his mate after they’d met, like snuggle on the couch together and watch cheesy dramas, or go to fancy, overpriced restaurants and complain about the small servings, or walk aimlessly through the city at night, hand in hand. He had no shortage of those scenarios. But how to react when he found a wolf he wanted to take as his mate?

He came up blank.

The Omega wolf held the eye contact, skin flushing the slightest bit, and Jungkook couldn’t resist. His Alpha side dominated his mind and even though he knew this was most certainly going to make the Omega uncomfortable, he shamelessly did a full sweep of the Omega’s body. The embarrassment and regret he felt after his Alpha side was righteously shoved back into place, he disguised through his poised nonchalance. The Omega was petite and short and all Jungkook thought of was how easily he could wrap him up in his arms, how he could tuck his chin atop his head or nestle his nose into his fluffy, soft-looking hair. He swallowed and took a step back, practically ripping his gaze away. Other Omegas and Betas were staring at him – Jungkook knew he was attractive, he wasn’t that dense – but he barely spared any of them a second of his attention. Instead, he turned to Yoongi who still looked like he was recovering from the flight.

“Hyung,” Jungkook murmured quietly, and Yoongi looked up, inquisitive. “I think I found my mate.”

A brief look of surprise flittered across Yoongi’s face. “What? Are you sure?”

“Yes,” Jungkook answered, not even a second of hesitation.

Jungkook grew up being adored with no shortage of wolves throwing themselves at his feet. And yes, Jungkook entertained them from time to time when he felt some form of attraction – he’d taken many different Alphas, Betas and Omegas to bed and exhausted them for hours under the sheets. Perhaps, once or twice he had thought ‘maybe this is the one,’ but all those feelings of lust and desire and amusement seemed so utterly inconsequential compared to the tide of emotions he was overcome by when he saw this particular Omega.

“Well, uh,” Yoongi pulled a face and Jungkook knew he was trying to think of what to say. Yoongi was relatively laid back and level-headed, not like Jungkook who could occasionally be headstrong. They couldn’t effectively relate to each other through their personality. “Control yourself?”

Jungkook exhaled out the corner of his mouth, eyes straying towards the other wolf, nails digging into his palms as he watched the smaller shuffle his feet, listening distractedly to the town mayor; Jungkook himself had not paid heed to a single word he had said. Unconsciously, his tongue darted out of his mouth and wet his lips, already imagining sinking his canines into the pale skin and feeling his body against his, completely immersed by the other’s presence.

Fuck, fuck, fuck.

“Jungkook,” Yoongi called his name, and despite being a Beta, Jungkook had grown up respecting him an awful lot, and thus Yoongi had a surprising amount of influence over him. “Stop looking like you’re about to attack someone. You’ll scare him off if you keep that up.”

Jungkook fought a groan of frustration and gritted his teeth, ordering his wolf to be behave.

“What was that about?” Namjoon asked, raising an eyebrow at Jungkook who was gazing longing ahead at the mass of wolves walking back to the town. Their slow steps gradually ensured they were well at the back of the group.

Other wolves had tried to make conversation with them but Jungkook really wasn’t up for that now, and Yoongi being Yoongi sort of intimidated them. Namjoon was probably the most approachable but he was clearly too interested in finding out what was bothering Jungkook, so he subtly turned the other wolves away, letting them know they weren’t looking to converse.

“Jungkook’s found his mate,” Yoongi replied flatly, some of his mint green strands brushing across his eyelashes.

Namjoon smirked, liking the sound of this very much. “Well, I think someone owes me an apology for complaining about this trip, and some sincere words of gratitude.”

Jungkook’s dark eyes trained on Namjoon. Yes, he supposed he did owe Namjoon that, but the older was grinning so smugly there was no way he was going to make him feel any more self-satisfied. Jungkook rolled his eyes instead, making Yoongi and Namjoon laugh. They walked in comfortable silence, making a comment here and there about the town and how different it was from the city. Every couple of minutes, Namjoon would mutter some lyrics he was testing out and Yoongi would hum a new melody he was creating. Jungkook was trying (trying be the operative word) to revise university lecture notes in his head but it wasn’t working because all he could think about was the Omega in front of him.

His eyes widened as he suddenly realised said wolf had started drifting away from the pack, slowing his pace and letting the other wolves overtake him. It was definitely intentional because he had slipped away from the Beta he had been hanging around with earlier.

Huh.

Jungkook bit the inside of his cheek as they neared him. Yoongi made a sound in the back of his throat, like contained laughter. “That’s him,” he nudged to Namjoon.

Namjoon looked to Jungkook for affirmation, which was confirmed by the way Jungkook’s body posture had gone tense and rigid, jaw not as relaxed as it should be and veins in his hands a bit more prominent. Jungkook saw the flash of amusement in Namjoon’s eyes too late, not that he would be able to do anything to stop it anyway. It was almost like revenge for not having apologized and thanked him, because Namjoon let his hand brush the Omega’s shoulder and Jungkook held back a glare as the poor wolf jerked in shock, feet skidding slightly on the path. He spun around, eyes wide and mouth opened in surprise, blinking up at Namjoon, startled.

Now Jungkook felt deep annoyance for two reasons. Firstly, because Namjoon had touched the Omega, but more importantly, he had scared him.

“Sorry,” Namjoon apologized, and Jungkook knew he was earnest. But still. There was no need to frighten the Omega just to get back at Jungkook, which he was sure was why Namjoon did it.

The Omega’s gaze snapped from Namjoon to Yoongi and then, hopefully a little longer to Jungkook before he looked away, face tinting the loveliest shade of pink. Jungkook pressed his tongue against the back of his bottom teeth, trying to keep his face as stoic as possible. He couldn’t deny the pining he had for this Omega though, and the longer he looked at him the worse it became. Now that he was close, he could smell the wolf’s scent and it had Jungkook’s mind spinning. It was a gentle, clean scent, faintly sugary but not overly so. It was tempting and enticing and his hands itched to bring the Omega closer, his gums aching from wanting so badly to mark him. Saliva pooled in his mouth and Jungkook swallowed. His control wavered, and not wanting to do something irrational that he’d most definitely regret, Jungkook changed the object of his focus to some random tree next to the path instead. Of course, he was still intently listening.

“Um… I left something back at the clearing,” the Omega said quietly.

Jungkook and his Alpha wolf almost whined at the sound of his voice. It was light but mesmerizing and just the way he spoke in general was the most beautiful sound he had ever heard. Jungkook wished he was speaking to him instead.

“Oh, what did you leave?” Namjoon asked.

Jungkook also did wonder what it was the Omega had left. He didn’t have anything, did he? No, Jungkook definitely would have noticed.

“My bag.” The Omega’s response was too fast, to forceful, too fake. From the corner of his eye, he saw the Omega’s resolve falter and then Jungkook became very aware that those hypnotic eyes were looking at him. Not knowing what else to do, he turned his head back to face him, but the Omega almost instantly dropped his gaze. Jungkook’s wolf made a soft growl of disappointment.

 “Okay, hope you find it,” Namjoon replied and lifted his hand again and Jungkook couldn’t fight the glare this time. The Omega eyed the hand, definitely apprehensive (after all, he was being stared at by two Alphas and a hostile-looking Beta), and Jungkook didn’t want him feeling worried any longer. Luckily, Namjoon caught on and let his hand fall back to his side. Yoongi only just contained a laugh, a few small sounds escaping his throat, and Jungkook’s glare became that of irritation. “Don’t fall too behind.”

The Omega nodded before quickly walking away, eyes looking anywhere but them. Jungkook fought the urge to watch him as he left. He wondered where he was going because he had definitely been lying with his excuse to part from the group.

He felt a sick feeling of dread form in his stomach. He’s not meeting another wolf, right? As much as he disliked that idea, it wasn’t Jungkook’s place to stop such a meeting from happening either way. He wasn’t his mate yet – he had no authority over him. And even if they were mates, he wouldn’t want to boss around the Omega like that – he was his own person; he could make decisions for himself. It wasn’t like he could follow the Omega either because… that would be extremely inappropriate and stalker-ish. Once again, mate or not, everyone had a right to privacy.

“Stop thinking so hard,” Yoongi’s monotone voice cut in. “You only just met him, and besides, you’re going to kill the one brain cell you have left.”

Jungkook was not necessarily attention seeking, at least he didn’t think so. When he had been younger, he would shy away from the eyes of onlookers. As he grew up, he sort of came to expect it, and to a certain extent, enjoy it.

That’s what it was like now – wolves were watching him with admiration, jealousy, desire. He dropped a relatively large piece of wood onto the growing pile where the night’s bonfire would be, sweat on his forehead, and scanned the area. There were so many wolves observing him, and yet the one he wanted to be looked at by wasn’t there. The sun had begun to set. Swirls of orange, purple and pink stained the sky, and it was a view Jungkook hadn’t seen in a long time. In the city, he’d be hunched over textbooks right now, the sunset one of the furthest things from his mind. In realising this, he wondered if he was living life too quickly, not taking time to appreciate its everyday wonders. He wondered if his mate would drag him away from his desk to bid farewell to the sun or massage the aches in his shoulders from slouching or bring him cups of coffee when he was falling asleep. He wondered if there really was no perfect time to find a mate, and this was as good a time as any.

He walked over to Yoongi who was standing strictly in the shade, watching Namjoon talking to a bunch of other wolves, open and friendly. Sometimes, Jungkook wondered why he had two introverts for his best friends (he supposed there was Hoseok).  

“He’s not here,” Jungkook mumbled as he looked back into the forest, wolf inside him urging to seek him out.

“Go look for him then,” Yoongi sighed.

Jungkook’s eyes widened a fraction, not having expected such a response. He thought he’d be talked out of the idea, given justifications for his absence. Instead, Yoongi was staring at him like he knew Jungkook would take off any second. “W-What?”

Yoongi shook his head lightly, looking slightly exasperated. “No matter what I say, you’ll do it anyway. So I won’t waste my breath. You’re too stubborn.”

Jungkook supposed that made sense.

Yoongi’s expression hardened. “And besides, this is the fifth fucking time you’ve come and whinged to me, so would you please go and leave me alone? I don’t know how much more I can take.”

Now that made even more sense.

“Aw, hyung, don’t you love me?” Jungkook teased, lip curling in amusement.

“Only sometimes, and definitely not right now,” Yoongi rolled his eyes.

Jungkook laughed before his concern for the Omega surged back. He did a cursory glance before slipping back into the forest, movement quick and sharp. He stayed on the main path, waiting to pick up on the Omega’s unique scent, or see or hear something to point to his whereabouts. His wolf swerved as a passing wind carried with it a hint of sweetness, like honey.

He moved in the direction of the wind, weaving through the trees only somewhat gracefully; he hit his shoulder a few times. He was a city wolf – he wasn’t used to this. The scent grew stronger and his instincts could feel the wolf’s presence up ahead. Steps fastened, but they remained light and muted in the air, filled with the sound of nature.

Jungkook stopped a few steps back. The Omega’s form was rigid and wary, his eyes squinting into the darkness, no doubt having sensed another’s presence. Jungkook clenched his jaw as his gums began to ache, zoning in on the pale, smooth neck, imagining what it would look like marred with his mark. His scent became stronger, and Jungkook let his thoughts wonder to rolling around in the sheets, lazy Sunday mornings, the Omega coated in Jungkook’s scent because he was mated – he was Jungkook’s gorgeous mate and no one else could have that opportunity. His Alpha side came back with a passion. He stepped forward, foot landing heavily.

Take him, now.

Jungkook clenched his hands into a fist, ‘no, not yet, I’ll scare him. It’s not right.’ He didn’t want to do it like this – it was heavily frowned upon by many and Jungkook was one of them. His parents would be disappointed in him, and Jungkook would never forgive himself.

It was hard to leave the wolf be. The Omega was lovely – physically, yes, but even more so because Jungkook could see a fire blazing quietly within him, fierce and tenacious. It was a trait most Omega’s didn’t possess – or, perhaps, didn’t think they were allowed to show. The more typical Alphas would view this Omega a conquest, a challenge to be overcome, a task, a burden, an animal needed to be tamed. Jungkook hated that, talking about Betas and Omegas like they had to be moulded to fit the Alpha’s wants and needs, like they were flawed if they didn’t, like they couldn’t be accepted the way they were. And the truth was, Jungkook may strongly support these beliefs, but that didn’t mean he didn’t have Alpha qualities – he could most certainly be domineering and selfish and hot headed, and though they were true attributes of his personality, it worried him that it would get the better of him one day.

He didn’t want to push his mate around, he certainly didn’t want his mate to let him.

The Omega began to shift, clothes tearing and his body morphing. Now stood a silver wolf, ears and hackles raised, alert. Silvery-grey wolves were common, one of the most common coat colours, and yet Jungkook was intrigued in a way he never had been before. The top strands of his fur were lighter, a smoky white, and underneath there were hints of darker grey. His eyes were inky black, searching, and his stature was average for a male Omega.

He was beautiful.

Jungkook himself felt an urge to shift. He would undoubtedly be bigger – in height and length – and his coat was a rare dark auburn with strands here and there of ash brown and chestnut red. His eye colour changed too – it became a muted grey-green. He thought of the way their coats would complement each other, and how he could curl up on the ground with the other beside him, nuzzling into the Omega’s soft, silky fur, a contrast to his rough-coat.

He noticed when the Omega suddenly went almost lax, appearing a bit dazed, and a bit conflicted. Then it took off hurriedly. Jungkook was concealed enough in the shadows and darkness, and the wolf sprinted away too fast to even glance in his direction.

Jungkook gripped a tree branch brutally hard as he resisted the urge to chase him. The bark cut into his palms, snapping him from his Alpha stupor.

Shit.

He needed to get his act together if he was ever going to be able to approach this Omega in a way that was normal.

His body was burning from anticipation and the desire to mate, and the longer he put it off, the worse his Alpha side was going to get.

He needed to cool the fuck down.

Normal was not diving into a stream to clear his head.

Normal was not walking back to the Townplace, the bonfire raging, and him dripping with water.

Normal was definitely not cupping the Omega’s – Park Jimin’s (he finally knew his name) - chin, brushing his thumb across his full bottom lip because he couldn’t lean in and kiss him.

Jungkook was aware of the attention on him, aware of how uncomfortable Jimin was under his gaze, and very aware of the Beta whom Jimin was cuddling against. Jungkook would never want his mate to feel like he couldn’t befriend other wolves, but they weren’t mates (yet) and every other wolf felt like a threat, rivalling him for the Omega’s affections. This wasn’t what Jungkook had intended to do when he came back from the forest, but he had acted on impulse, an uncontrollable compulsion.

Jimin’s skin was soft, his voice softer, and his eyes shone with a mixture of bewilderment and irritation.

He was more perfect up close.

Jungkook was done for.

And so was any chance at a relationship if he didn’t get the fuck away. He dropped his hand, palm burning from the simple touch, and bit down on his back teeth, steadying himself.

“Yoongi,” he snapped, not meaning for his voice to be so terse. Yoongi could scold him later. Namjoon was standing beside another wolf and it didn’t take a genius to figure out he didn’t really want to be distracted right now.

Yoongi got up from where he had been lazing in a chair, disinterested, walking slowly towards him. He was wearing an expression of great, restrained amusement and slight surprise. Jungkook turned away and began trekking back to the hotel, Yoongi’s arm slightly brushing his elbow.

“Nice going, Jeon,” Yoongi said under his breath.

“Shut up,” Jungkook muttered, tugging on his front bangs, damp from the water. He stared at his feet in shame, chiding his Alpha wolf for being so damn persuasive.

A few minutes later, Yoongi raised an eyebrow. “Should I even ask why you’re soaking wet?” Jungkook made a pitiful, whiny sound and Yoongi abruptly quickened his pace, voice becoming uneasy. “No, no, no, don’t start.”

“Hyung, I totally stuffed everything up. He probably hates me now,” Jungkook complained, corners of his mouth skewing down in distress, voice raising in pitch. “What was I thinking?”

“I don’t know, but you should keep your thoughts to yourself,” Yoongi said flatly as they entered the hotel, pressing the button for the elevator desperately as if hitting it numerous times would make it come faster.

But Jungkook couldn’t possibly keep his mouth shut when his mind was being bombarded with images of Park Jimin. He was the most adorable wolf Jungkook had ever laid eyes on. His palm and fingers were small, eyes were framed by dark lashes, the shadows casting over full cheeks, and curved down to tempting plump lips. His voice had been the prettiest sound – not as deep as Jungkook’s, but delicate and gentle, almost caressing his words and Jungkook wanted so badly to hear his name spill from his lips. Then his imagination drifted to what it would sound like all sleepy in the morning, tired after a long day, comforting and teasing when Jungkook was sad. He gulped as he imagined it raw and strained, breathy and desperate beneath Jungkook. His eyes would be hooded and dark with lust, and his bottom lip caught between his teeth – or maybe, Jungkook’s teeth…

“I know that face,” Yoongi barked and Jungkook snapped out of his reverie. He hadn’t even noticed they were in the elevator already, going up to their floor. “It’s your ‘I-want-to-fuck-him’ face.”

Jungkook rubbed the back of his neck, a small scowl gracing his features. “I don’t just want to fuck him.”

“Okay, please get away from me,” Yoongi raised his voice and as soon as the elevator doors opened he shoved Jungkook shoulder, swerving him to the side and out of the small transport. “I don’t want to hear about your infatuation with your mate. You can blabber about him with Namjoon when he comes back.”

“Where are you going?” Jungkook raised an eyebrow, seeing that Yoongi was still standing inside the elevator.

“Back to the bonfire,” Yoongi sighed and then slapped a hand over a button, the doors beginning to close. “Don’t follow me.”

“But hyung, I need help, I don’t know what to do –”

Yoongi shot a hand between the closing doors, the sensor making them open again. “Seriously, you sleep with a different person almost every week. I’m sure you know how to charm someone by now.”

“Not every week! And he’s not just any person. Besides, everyone in the city knows who I am – if I simply introduce myself they’re suddenly all over me,” Jungkook muttered. As awkward at socialising Jungkook may be, he didn’t have to try very hard to bring someone back to his apartment. He thought of all the times people had ignored him and brushed him off, only to come bounding back when they realized who he was. It had made him weary of other’s intentions. That was partly a reason why he didn’t like meeting new people. He felt safer sticking with Hoseok, Yoongi and Namjoon because they didn’t think any differently of him.

Yoongi rolled his eyes. “Like you haven’t used that to your benefit.”

“Whatever,” Jungkook shot back, but he couldn’t quite deny it. “It won’t work here. It won’t work with him.” And he didn’t want it to – he didn’t want his mate to love him because of a surname, because of a family reputation, because of his wealth. He should have introduced himself to Jimin too, but he held back because he was worried that his expression of discomfit would change into one of glee – he definitely didn’t want to see that.

Yoongi sighed. “Probably not. Well then, you’re just going to have to figure it out.”

“Yoongi, I can’t,” Jungkook ruffled his hair and the Beta’s annoyed face softened, seeing the actual worry on the young Alpha. “He’s so cute and gorgeous and my throat will get all choked up. And he smells so good I can’t think straight, and have you heard his voice it’s the most –”

“Okay, bye.”

That night, the three of them shifted into their wolf forms and raced each other through the forest, greeting a few other wolves who had the same idea. Jungkook threw his head back and howled, having missed the way the sound rushed through his throat, loud and clear. The wind whipped ferociously into his rough coat and Jungkook savoured it. He found the stars in the midnight sky and howled once more, before Namjoon tackled him from the side, snapping their jaws jokingly at each other.

When they got back to the hotel, Namjoon and Yoongi gave him strange, but almost proud looks.

“What?” Jungkook asked.

“Your howl was different from usual,” Namjoon laughed knowingly.

Jungkook raised an eyebrow. “Was it?”

“It was a mating call.”

A few miles away, Jimin was trying to fall back asleep, mind swirling with a strange dream, heart reaching for something intangible.

Jungkook’s eyes opened, his shirt cuffs coming into view, sleeve bunched slightly at the elbows. He was lying on the grass, basking in the sun, warming his skin from the chilly winds. He wasn’t very sensitive to the cold and could get away with wearing relatively thin clothes, at least until the snow came. He had woken up late this morning, it was almost midday by the time he rolled out of bed, and after a quick shower and breakfast he came back to the clearing Jimin had been lying in before. Something about knowing he had also been in this exact position made his wolf satisfied. Jimin’s scent lingered in the grass and it was refreshing and calming.

He heard the noise of footsteps and knew who it was without having to look – the scent was familiar, and the way his wolf wagged its tail was a giveaway. His pulse quickened and he tried his best to feign nonchalance. He didn’t know what other expression to make. He was terrible at acting open and friendly – it just didn’t work with him. Jungkook felt his nerves rising but his mask of indifference was reliable, he’d spent many years mastering it. Concealing his feelings was easy; he didn’t want Jimin to see the mess of emotions he was right now.

His skin prickled as Jimin came closer, stopping a few steps from him. What do I do? What do I do?

Act cool, Jeon.

Jungkook moved his arm back and sat up, finding the courage to look at Jimin in the eye. The sun was above him, making his hair almost glow. He looked like an angel.

“Are you going to stand there all afternoon?” Jungkook questioned, wishing immediately after that he’d chosen to phrase it in a kinder sentence.

Jimin fidgeted, fingers twisting together and Jungkook wanted to reach out and take them into his own, calming him down. “This is my spot,” he said quietly, but firm.

So cute.

“Then sit down,” Jungkook replied and his wolf was practically prancing with joy because Jimin was so close to him. Once again, it crossed his mind that he should have said, instead, ‘do you want to sit down?’

But Jimin dropped down beside him after a brief pause. He left a fair distance between them, but Jungkook wasn’t going to complain. Jimin pulled his knees to his chest, crossing his ankles and laying his chin atop his folded arms. “What are you doing here?” He asked quietly.

Jungkook had laid back down, closing his eyes to prevent further frightening the other. It would be easier like this – Jimin and all his perfection was distracting. “I like it here.”

“You’re from the city… Why did you come all the way here?” Jimin asked, voice a little timid.

Jungkook raised his hand and moved his fingers through the air in a way that indicated it wasn’t very important, trying to think of a way he could explain his dislike for the formal, strict events. “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.”

“Do you worry you won’t find your mate?” Jimin continued, sounding a bit hopeful.

Jungkook’s body tensed and he wondered how he should answer: ‘No, because I’ve found him,’ or maybe just ‘you’re my mate.’ Both sounded terrible and yet either probably would have been better than the response he did give. “No. Not really.”

Even with his eyes closed, he felt the disappointment from the Omega. He scolded himself. This was not what he planned. Crap, crap, crap. His wolf growled in frustration, reproaching Jungkook for making Jimin feel this way. He wondered if he’d totally blown it now. The conversation seemed like it was at its end already.

But Jimin was better at socialising than him, clearly. “Did you come here yesterday?”

Jungkook forced himself to open his eyes and try make eye contact. He needed to make up for his stupid response earlier. He was relieved Jimin didn’t just stand up and go. “I passed through. After I swam.” Short answers were good – it prevented him from rattling his mouth off and saying dumb things.

Jimin looked a bit stunned. “You do realise it’s almost winter.”

Jungkook felt panic form inside him because who really does go swimming at this time of year? It wasn’t like he could confess he had to calm his Alpha down before he lost control and took Jimin as his mate by force. “Yes, I do realise,” Jungkook replied, and the unease made his voice clipped so he quickly added, in a milder tone, “I felt like it.”

“Idiot,” Jimin mumbled, before the horror of his words made him hesitate. “I mean… because it’s so cold. You could’ve gotten sick.”

Jungkook didn’t mind, he liked the small verbal jab. It seemed like Jimin felt calmer around him, and that was definitely a plus. The part about him worrying about his wellbeing made something warm spread through his chest. He hummed to show it was okay before he laid back down, eyes gazing off into nothing as he internally applauded himself for this interaction. He was actually talking to Park Jimin, and he was kind and sweet. All this happiness made him a bit more confident, a bit more daring, so when he felt Jimin’s eyes take in his features, he thought it would be okay to make a teasing comment. “Am I really that attractive? You stare at me a lot.”

Not that I mind, really.

Jimin flushed, embarrassed to be caught. “Get over yourself.”

Jungkook’s wolf cooed. “For an Omega, you’re very brazen.” He noted the look of worry, relieved to see him relax again.

“We’re individuals, you know,” Jimin quipped, eyebrows drawn into a grimace. “I’m not just some Omega.”

Jungkook cringed at his poor choice of words. He should have known better. Jimin reminded him of his mom – she would surely say something about this, hating to be categorised. “Sorry,” Jungkook apologized, hoping he felt his sincerity.

Jimin seemed startled by his admission of guilt. “It’s okay. I suppose I do it too,” Jimin said, lightening the tension and giving a meek smile.

Jungkook may have just fallen in love with him more. Alphas had a reputation for being domineering and proud, a label they too had to walk around with, but since Betas and Omegas were treated so much worse in the past, little sympathy was shown for it. So, for Jimin to admit it as well – it showed he was rational.

“Anyway, Omegas shouldn’t be afraid to speak out,” Jungkook began, feeling the need to give some input. “I think them feeling all scared that they’ll be punished or something is twisted. Relationships between Alphas and Omegas shouldn’t be built on obedience and compliance – it should be based on respect.”

Jungkook’s mother was a firm believer in equality, something his father also felt strongly for, thus they raised Jungkook to be fair and respectful to Omegas and Betas. Jungkook had plenty of Alpha friends in school, and some of them did not share such views. When he was younger, perhaps eleven or twelve, his mother had scolded him for boasting of his achievements, telling him his future mate wouldn’t approve either. Jungkook had glowered and snapped, “It doesn’t matter. I’m an Alpha.” His mother had gotten extremely stern, telling him that wasn’t how he should conduct himself, going off into a lecture about being humble and courteous and that status did not excuse any sort of immature behaviour. Jungkook had felt very embarrassed with himself. He lashed back, saying how one of his father’s Alpha colleagues always bossed his Omega around but they still loved each other. His mother had gotten very upset and left the room, whilst his father was disappointed but sat Jungkook down and explained that his colleague didn’t love his mate, he loved the power he had over her, and the Omega wasn’t with him because she loved him, but because she was trapped. A few weeks later, Jungkook found out the Alpha had been charged because the authorities found out about the emotional and physical abuse - his mate finally spoke out. Jungkook had felt sick when he discovered the news. He locked himself in his room for a whole day, unable to comprehend how one could treat their mate like that.

He never wanted to do that to his mate.

They continued to talk about this and that, not focusing on a topic in particular and teasing each other every now and then. Jungkook found himself obsessed with the way Jimin smiled; his eyes turned into endearing half-moons and his lips curled all sweet and charming, brighter than the sun. His laugh was infectious – it was light and airy, floating through the air like bubbles, popping in the air and showering Jungkook with content. Jimin was strong-minded, but he was never hostile, never unkind.

Jungkook’s wolf was enchanted.

“Why do you come here?” Jungkook asked, thoughts returning to when Jimin had slipped away from the group on the first day, his lie so obvious to pick. He seemed like someone who liked company.

Jimin became a bit cautious and Jungkook almost regretted asking. “I like having my own space. To clear my head, I guess. It makes me feel better,” he replied, sheepish.

Jungkook straightened his posture, tilting his head to the side. Jimin’s tone had dipped – a shift of emotion – and even though he tried to hide it, Jungkook had memorised the way he spoke well enough to hear the change. “About what?”

Jimin looked confused. “Huh?”

Jungkook stared at him, curious. He wanted to know what would dampen Jimin’s mood – he was the type to forgive quickly, laugh easily, smile frequently. “Makes you feel better about what?”

Jimin’s pale skin flushed baby pink and he lowered his gaze; Jungkook craved his attention as soon as it was gone. “About being alone.”

Jungkook felt his heart clench in pain, like his ribs were caving in and crushing him from the inside. His wolf pawed the ground, distressed, because Jimin sounded so unhappy. Jungkook wanted to say a lot of things, like he’d never have to be alone again, because he wouldn’t let him possibly feel that way. But his lips were frozen, unable to shape the words, lost in his mind, slipping from his grasp.

Jimin gave him a tentative look. “I mean, I know it sounds weird…”

Jimin continued talking, Jungkook knew because he was staring at the moving lips, but his words don’t register in his brain. All Jungkook knew was that each syllable hurt him, hurt for him. Jimin was hugging his knees tight against him, half his face hiding. Jungkook wanted to comfort him – he wasn’t very good at it though. His eyes dropped down to his shoulder and he wanted to mark him now – a reminder – that Jimin would never be without.

When the Omega blinked up at him through his dark lashes, all lost and uncertain, Jungkook gave in to his need to shelter the other.

Jungkook leaned across, exerted some pressure against Jimin’s shoulders and the Omega fell backwards. Jungkook slipped a hand around the nape of his neck, making sure the other didn’t hit his head or hurt his back. A knee slipped between Jimin’s legs, supporting Jungkook’s body weight as he took Jimin’s wrists in his larger hands, pinning him against the ground. He made sure he didn’t grip him hard, and that if Jimin wanted to, could break free.

Jimin blinked a few times before gathering himself. He looked up at Jungkook with inquisitive eyes. He didn’t sound afraid, just puzzled. “What are you doing?”

Jungkook didn’t know himself, honestly. He hadn’t thought this far. However, with the smaller male underneath him, his mind raced with not so innocent thoughts. Jimin’s scent drew him in, and Jungkook leaned down to where his scent was the strongest. He could feel his pulse beneath his skin, warm and smooth and lovely. He held back a groan when he thought of what it would be like hot and sweaty and marked. He nosed higher up his neck, and something bitter and tart made him snap his head away.

“Did you put cologne on?”

Jimin blinked and then giggled, the sound a gorgeous melody to the beat of Jungkook’s heart. The Alpha leaned back down and decided he really disliked this scent on Jimin. After a second of hesitation, he pressed his lips against the soft skin, sucking lightly before brushing his tongue across, relishing the way Jimin inhaled sharply in surprise. He had let out a small “Oh” and the sound was almost a moan.

Jungkook wanted to hear more.

“Really, what are you doing? You’ll leave a mark - ah, Jungkook,” Jimin’s back arched so beautifully when Jungkook grazed his teeth across, fighting the temptation to just mark him now. The soft gasps put Jungkook on a high, wanting to see what other sounds he could pull out. “Seriously, stop! Jungkook, you haven’t even asked.”

His alarmed tone burnt Jungkook, and the fire of his words scalded him with shame and guilt, regret scattering through his body like ashes. You messed up again. Look what you’ve done. Jungkook’s demeanour changed as worry crept in – his mask sliding back into place, as if he was the one needing protecting. “Asked you what?” He didn’t know why he asked this when it was obvious what he had failed to mention.

“Aren’t you going to mate me?” Jimin breathed, wavering, but clinging desperately to courage.

Of course, I want to. But, Jungkook didn’t want to mark him here, not when they, or at least he, were in the heat of the moment, driven by desire rather than something more like love. “No,” he answered and then forced himself to explain, “I mean, I wasn’t going to ri–” I wasn’t going to right now, was what he wanted to say, but Jimin’s face had fallen and he was pulling away.

“Get off.”

Jungkook wanted to hold on tighter, but his muscles were unmoving. Jimin pushed him, and Jungkook weakly fell back onto his heels, knees digging into the grass. He ran his tongue across his lips, trying to get the words he needed to say out. “Wait, please, that’s not what I meant.”

It was no use, the Omega wasn’t listening.

Jimin’s balance was shaky as he got to his feet, and Jungkook unthinkingly placed a hand on the back of his calf to help him. “It’s not –” Jimin’s voice sounded broken from disappointment and rejection, “this isn’t…” it cracked and Jungkook swore he felt it break across his heart. “It’s not funny.”

Jimin looked at him like he was stupid for trusting Jungkook, stupid for hoping, stupid for wishing, and Jungkook hated it. Among the regret he felt, and there was an awful lot, a part of him was the slightest relieved because it seemed Jimin had wanted to be his mate too. But it was quashed when the Omega turned and walked away, shoulders hunched and head low. His wolf snarled at him, go explain now… how dare you upset him! Jungkook rose to his feet a little too late.

I’ve done enough. I’ll only hurt him more.

Jungkook is not sure he had ever felt this hopeless.

He wasn’t used to not having control, and maybe that was why Alphas craved it so much. Jungkook can’t deny, he too needed it in his life. But when it came to Park Jimin he was at a loss. He couldn’t control him, and it seemed Jungkook couldn’t even control himself. It was terrifying.

“He hates me. I screwed up,” Jungkook said to Namjoon, lying on his bed, staring at the ceiling. Yesterday’s scene was on repeat in his mind, his idiotic words echoing. Shame overwhelmed him. “How do you stay so collected in front of Seokjin?”

“I don’t, but he gets me,” Namjoon chuckled as he typed on his laptop, sending a new musical arrangement he had created that day to his colleagues to continue touching up and editing. “From like the first second we met, we kind of clicked.”

“Jimin doesn’t…” Jungkook trailed off because the words, the mere thought, made his wolf growl angrily at him. Such thoughts didn’t belong. “Maybe I read into it all wrong. Maybe he’s not meant to be my mate. Maybe it’s just lust.”

Namjoon frowned, though at his laptop or Jungkook, he wasn’t sure because Namjoon’s eyes stayed glued to the screen. “You seemed pretty certain before.”

“I thought I was,” Jungkook grabbed a pillow and placed it over his face. “But… we’re not… it’s so… difficult.”

It’s probably my fault, though.

Namjoon frowned deeper (it was definitely directed towards Jungkook). “Well, you’re hard to read, you know.”

“What? So?” Jungkook knocked the pillow off of his face, turning his neck and pressing his cheek into the mattress to get a better look at the older.

“You’ve got this – this neutral, unreadable face,” Namjoon sighed and half closed his laptop screen. He tugged on his jumper sleeves as he thought. “Look, don’t take this the wrong way – it’s not a bad trait necessarily. It’s just, you’re cold to other people. I don’t know if you intend to, or you just do it unconsciously, but your voice is all flat and you literally have no expression.” When Jungkook opened his mouth to protest, Namjoon hastily continued. “I know you’re shy and awkward, and I know you hate showing your emotions, but maybe the reason Jimin doesn’t quite understand you is because you’re not willing to let him.”

Jungkook stared back at him, sometime during Namjoon’s small speech he had sat up. Jungkook already knew most of that, when he got nervous he feigned indifference, but the last part threw him. Was he really that guarded? Did he hide his feelings that much? But, Jimin wouldn’t want to see an Alpha that could be all shy and bashful, would he? Jungkook gazed at the floor, feeling even more helpless than before. He was saved from answering, however, because their room door opened and Yoongi came in. The remainder of a grin lingered on his lips, and his eyes were shining.

“Hey,” Namjoon greeted him, as Yoongi put away his coat. “How was Taehyung?”

Taehyung, the Beta Jimin was friends with. Yoongi had taken to him very quickly, but Jungkook was too stressed about himself to even find it in him to tease the Beta.

“Fine,” Yoongi smiled fondly, and then gave Jungkook a suspicious look. “What’s wrong with your face?”

Jungkook glared.

“He’s struggling with Jimin,” Namjoon replied, leaning back on the wall.

“Still?”

“Mm.”

Yoongi exhaled loudly. “I’ve never seen you be so bad at something.”

Jungkook let out a frustrated noise, throwing the pillow at the Beta who ducked just in time. He pointed at him exasperatedly. “Yoongi is cold and mean – how did he and Taehyung match so easily?” Yoongi walked away to the bathroom, whilst Namjoon pondered. “I mean, he’s way worse than me!”

“Taehyung is bold and loud and it probably takes a lot to intimidate him. Jimin is probably bold too, but reserved when it comes to strangers, like you,” Namjoon said, running a hand through his blonde hair. “Also, there’s no status difference between Yoongi and Taehyung. You, on the other hand, are an Alpha, and he’s an Omega. And regardless of that, you’re a successful CEO’s son, and he probably think he’s just anyone from a country town.”

“He doesn’t care about that,” Jungkook whispered. Jimin had briefly brought it up, asking if he was looking forward to having his father’s company in the future, but Jungkook detected no selfish intentions in his voice (and he was most certainly an expert in picking up on those). When Jungkook responded with ‘yes, but not anytime soon’ Jimin had just smiled, all sweet and beautiful – no comment about money, luxury, family status. Any worries Jungkook had about Jimin liking him for his riches (though he probably doesn’t like him anymore) were eased. “And he’s not just anyone.”

“Then tell him that,” Namjoon said. He raised a hand, as if to calm himself down. “Look, what I’m saying is, you have to step up a bit. Alphas are meant to lead and, I know you hate all this stereotyping – I do too, but you can’t deny the natural instincts we have from our ancestors. It’s biological, Jungkook, you have it in you.”

The two Alphas stared at each other as if in some form of silent encouragement. Did Jungkook have it in him? His wolf rolled his eyes, offended for questioning himself.

“Wow, Namjoon, that was inspiring,” Yoongi deadpanned, stepping out of the bathroom.

Jungkook groaned, rolling onto his stomach and burying his face in the duvet.

He had waited in the forest, heart beating fast, pressing his lips into a thin line. He had hoped that Jimin would come again and Jungkook could drop all this nonchalant pretence and just explain himself, even if he turned into a rambling, awkward mess. If Jimin was meant to be his mate, he wouldn’t mind. Maybe he’d find it cute, even. Jungkook’s chest flushed warm when he thought of that.

Hours and hours and hours crept by.

He didn’t come.

Jungkook lowered the beanie on his head and his hair fell into his eyes. He gave a dejected sigh. Jimin probably didn’t want to come back here, not after what happened. Not after what he said. Namjoon and Seokjin had mated earlier that day, and Jungkook had given his congratulations and felt very happy for them, and it gave him courage to want to do it himself. That courage was slowly ebbing away.

He shoved his hands into his pockets and decided to head back to the hotel. I’ll find Jimin tomorrow, for sure. I’ll ask Taehyung or Seokjin or someone. I’ll ask him tomorrow. Jungkook watched a streetlight flickering on, illuminating a small area in light. He hadn’t realised it had gotten so dark.

He heard the sound of muffled music and bright lights shining a street or so ahead. Nightclub. He didn’t need to pass it to get to his hotel, but he picked up on familiar scents and it made him stop in his tracks: Taehyung, Yoongi and Jimin. He took a deep breath before walking in their direction, eyes filling with concern when he saw Jimin leaning onto Taehyung. Was he drunk? Jungkook hoped it wasn’t because of him.

Taehyung glanced up and saw him, and then scowled darkly. The hostility that came over the Beta was actually terrifying. It rivalled Yoongi’s, to be honest. Taehyung pushed Jimin into Yoongi’s unsuspecting arms and then squared his shoulders, jaw clenched. He walked angrily to Jungkook and a fist came flying before any words did.

Jungkook dodged out of the way, thank God for his reflexes.

Taehyung didn’t seem to care that he missed, because a second after he was yelling, voice low and deadly. “What the fuck are you doing here?”

Jungkook kept his voice steady and even. “Taehyung, I –”

“You arrogant asshole! How dare you think you can fuck around with Jimin! Who the fuck do you think you are?”

“I’m not –”

“He’s so upset because of you!”

Jungkook briefly wondered why Taehyung was asking him all these questions if he wasn’t even going to let him answer. He heard Jimin make a sound of distress, and his wolf ached to comfort him. “I know, I want to –”

“You know? Then why aren’t you doing something about it?”

“Well, I’m trying –”

“Now you listen here brat,” Taehyung began and Jungkook willed himself to keep his temper. He was occasionally impetuous, but now was not the time to show it. Besides, he deserved it. “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!”

Now was also not the time to be feeling all mushy because Taehyung said ‘Jiminie’ and he thought that sounded adorable – the fact that it came from the Beta and not Jungkook was enough to keep his mind in check. He let his Alpha side come out, just a fraction, before he spoke. “Please, I really need to talk to him.”

Taehyung paused, a bit thrown by his change in demeanour. From the corner of his eye, he saw Jimin turn and look at him, and Jungkook matched his gaze. He couldn’t help the way his possessive side flared at the sight of Jimin in Yoongi’s arms, when Jungkook so desperately wanted to be the one to hold him instead. He hadn’t even gotten to yet, and the fact that Yoongi had got to hold him first made him green with envy. He knew Yoongi didn’t feel that way towards Jimin, and Taehyung didn’t care so really Jungkook shouldn’t care either, but he did. He cared a lot.

Jimin slowly pulled away from Yoongi and took a few small steps towards him, body shivering slightly.

“Jimin,” Taehyung sighed but Jungkook gave him a pleading look, feeling very thankful for his doe eyes. The Beta made a sound of dislike but gave in grudgingly, “Fine. Fine! But, I swear, if he comes back upset again I will –”

Yoongi had decided he saw enough, and maybe to cut Jungkook some slack. He took Taehyung’s hand and gave a light tug. “Alright, that’s enough you two. I think he got the message. Yes, I know, he’s a brat. Let’s go, Jimin will be fine. Right, Jungkook?” He cocked an eyebrow, waiting.

Yoongi was stern when he wanted to be, and this was one of those times. He had been mistaken many times for an Alpha himself. Yoongi wasn’t glaring, but his eyes were brutal enough – Jungkook bit the inside of his cheek. “Yes, hyung.”

The two Betas left, bickering, but holding hands nonetheless. Jungkook turned his gaze onto Jimin who was staring at the ground, arms wrapped around himself, hair falling into his eyes. Jungkook wanted to gather Jimin up in his arms. “Hey,” he said lamely, but his voice was all round edges, a contrast to its usual sharpness. “I’m sorry.”

It wasn’t enough to excuse his behaviour, it wasn’t enough to convey what Jungkook really felt, but it was enough for Jimin to meet his eye. He had a moment of contemplation, before he suddenly trembled violently. “I’m c-cold.”

“Oh,” Jungkook murmured and it wasn’t a sound of surprise, it was one of adoration. Gosh, he was too much. And then he mentally kicked himself for not seeing the way Jimin’s small frame quivered. He pulled the hem of his jumper over his head, careful not to turn it inside out, and handed it to the Omega. Truthfully, he would have liked to help him put it on, but he didn’t think that would be proper, yet. “Weren’t you the one warning me about getting a cold before?” he teased softly, trying to break the ice.

Jimin gave a slight nod, but Jungkook was completely raptured by how endearing Jimin looked wearing his jumper. It was far too big on him – his hands disappeared in the sleeves and the bottom of the jumper hung to his mid-thighs, and the loose fit made Jimin look so cuddly. His possessive side sizzled with content. Jimin’s lips formed a small smile at the warmth before his left knee buckled and he crashed forward, and Jungkook had no option but to catch him – he thanked his fast reflexes again. The crown of Jimin’s head collided painfully with his chin, snapping his jaw up and he almost laughed in relief because he was fortunate not to accidently bite the inside of his lip. He settled his hands on Jimin’s shoulders and held him close. Jimin fit perfectly in his arms. “Whoa, how much did you drink?”

“Not that much. You smell nice.”

Jungkook’s wolf whined in happiness at the compliment. He ran a hand down Jimin’s arm, stopping at the elbow and moving back up to the shoulder, repeating the action to generate heat. “You smell like vomit and alcohol,” Jungkook cringed (the vomit was very slight, and it definitely wasn’t Jimin’s, thank goodness). He crinkled his nose, “And cologne. And Yoongi. And other people.”

Jimin huffed against his chest. “What did you expect?”

Jungkook ignored him as he fiddled with the hood, bringing it up over Jimin’s head and letting it rest on his forehead. So cute. “Are you feeling okay?”

The other glanced down, teeth trapping his bottom lip and Jungkook really wanted to bite his lip for himself. Jimin’s voice became quiet. “I feel alone.”

Jungkook hated when he said that.

“You’re not alone,” Jungkook whispered with urgency and conviction. He slid a hand onto Jimin’s warm cheek, thumb swiping across his cheekbone and fingers brushing against his ear. “I’m here.”

Then he leaned in, heart working overtime, and lowered his lips to the Omega’s crimson lips. Jungkook’s kissed a lot of different wolves, but none of them had ever felt this goddamn right. Jimin’s lips were slightly chapped, tasted of some alcoholic drink Jungkook couldn’t be bothered to figure out the type of, and slotted perfectly with his own. Jimin responded a beat later, raising himself on his toes and Jungkook curled a hand around his waist – kissed him a little deeper. It was over too soon, but Jimin was all rosy cheeks and glossy eyes.

Jungkook smiled nervously, his own face a little warm.

Then Jimin began to cry.

Jungkook blanched as he tightened his arm around him, keeping him upright, wondering why he was upset. Should he not have kissed him? Jimin’s hands locked around his neck and his face was pressed into the soft material of Jungkook’s t-shirt. Jungkook held him silently until Jimin’s body stopped racking with sobs, until his tears had dried up.

“Let’s get out of here,” Jungkook whispered into his hair, his shampoo smelt citrusy.

Jimin leaned his head on Jungkook’s shoulder, lashes wet with tears, eyes tired. “Okay.”

X             X             X

Jungkook usually liked waking up to an empty bed.

He wasn’t necessarily annoyed with their staying, it was just more convenient if they left. There was no awkward morning conversations, no walk of shame, no having to make promises of calling whoever it was Jungkook took to bed because he already knew he wouldn’t. Jungkook was young and enjoying being single. He liked his one-night stands, and wanted them to stay as one-night stands. He didn’t have to distract himself with a relationship, he didn’t run the risk of forgetting about anniversaries and scheduling creative dates or breaking their heart (or getting his broken).

And before he had come to this town, before he met Park Jimin, he was relatively positive he didn’t need his mate just yet.

But today, when he woke up with a sleeping Omega in his arm, using his shoulder as a pillow, he changed his mind about everything.

He could envision waking up with him every morning forever, getting ready for their day, kissing in the bathroom, feeding each other in the kitchen. He thought about watching Jimin dance, going on sappy vacations, introducing him to his parents.

But first, he had to actually ask Jimin to be his mate.

The Omega stirred and showed signs of waking up about twenty minutes later. Jungkook had been absent-mindedly tracing patterns on his back, watching the room get brighter as the sun rose. He wasn’t even going to lie – the fact that Jimin was absolutely smothered in Jungkook’s scent enthralled him.

Jimin pressed his face into the crook of Jungkook’s neck, a sleepy sound escaping his throat. Jungkook chuckled, loving how close together they were. He could almost pretend they were already a couple. Jimin’s eyes fluttered open, sluggish with sleep.

“Go back to sleep. It’s still early,” Jungkook said softly.

Jimin smacked his lips together, tired and disorientated. “Mm, okay.” He snuggled in closer and closed his eyes again, before Jungkook felt his body go rigid and he shot up with shocking quickness. His eyes were wide, giving Jungkook a once over before looking down at himself. His hands clutched the duvet in astonishment.

Jungkook felt a small dash of worry, but kept his voice light. “Please tell me you haven’t forgotten everything. You weren’t that drunk.”

He could almost see the wheels turning in Jimin’s head as he went over the events of last night, face changing from embarrassment to relief. Jungkook found himself extremely distracted by the loose sleeve that had fallen to reveal a shoulder. Jimin caught him staring and adjusted it, much to Jungkook’s dismay.

“Pervert,” Jimin muttered as he checked over his appearance. He shifted on the bed and gazed at Jungkook, sheepish. “Did I, uh, pass out?”

“Yes. Almost immediately,” Jungkook bit back a laugh, before hesitantly adding, “It was very cute how quickly you fell asleep.”

Jimin flushed at his compliment before uncertainly biting on his lip. “So, nothing happened?”

“No. I wouldn’t do anything whilst you were in an intoxicated state.” Jungkook had decency.

“Oh… Oh, thank you,” Jimin responded quietly. Jungkook wanted to reach over and smooth away the worry from his face, reassure him somehow. Jimin locked eyes with Jungkook, looking discouraged. “I guess I should go.”

His wolf shook his head and then growled at Jungkook, ‘Tell him.’ He sat up, panic squeezing his stomach. “You don’t have to.” I don’t want you to.

His words only seemed to trouble Jimin. “If I stay, then what? What are you trying to do?” His voice had become thin and desperate – desperate to hear words that Jungkook was struggling so much to say. They were simple words - with great significance - but nevertheless simple words. Jungkook could chat daintily to high-class crowds, act deadly with people he disliked, talk dirty to his lovers, but he couldn’t find it in him to speak directly to Jimin. The Omega’s shoulders slouched and when he spoke again, his tone was tight and choked. “I can’t do this with you.”

What? Jungkook’s blood ran cold.

“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 likes me! Jungkook wanted to tell him it wasn’t a game, and that he didn’t want to hurt Jimin. He’d suffer all the pain himself before he made Jimin go through it. It was now or never, Jeon – he needed to get his shit together.

“I never said I didn’t want you.”

Jimin stared at him, surprised, then disheartened. “The other day, in the forest. I asked you if you intended on mating with me and you said no.”

“That wasn’t how I meant it. I misunderstood you,” Jungkook said hurriedly, wanting to hit himself for his idiocy. His hand moved on its own accord, itching to touch Jimin, comfort him, but he held himself back.

“You misunderstood me?”

“Yes.” God, yes. “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,” Jungkook explained, hoping Jimin would understand despite his broken sentence. Would Jimin think he was an idiot? Reject him? Realise he wasn’t the confident Alpha he portrayed himself to be? He gulped, worried. Namjoon said to show his emotions and he was trying – fighting every time he felt like slipping into his state of detachment where it was safe, where Jungkook could maintain control.

“What?” Jimin looked at him, all confused. “W-What does that mean?”

Oh, please don’t make me say more. His wolf rolled his eyes, ‘you’re going to for your mate, dumbass.’

Jungkook took a deep breath, edging closer so he could run his hands through Jimin’s messy bedhead, mussed up and yet still so charming. “It means I want to be with you, obviously.” Relief coursed through his veins from finally getting the words out, and because Jimin didn’t flinch away from his touch, and if anything, leaned back into it.

“R-Really?”

He’s really torturing me, isn’t he?

Jungkook willed himself on. “Yes, as a mate, as a friend, as your lover,” Jungkook leaned in slowly and pressed a kiss behind his ear, Jimin’s earrings brushing across his cheek. He added timidly, “I’d known since the second I saw you.”

Jimin was clearly in a daze, a mix of emotions flittering across his face. He was an open book. “As a mate? Really?”

Aish.

“You’re brain really isn’t working right now, is it?” Jungkook teased, a fond smile stretching out on his lips, unable to be restrained.

“Oh,” Jimin placed his hands on Jungkook’s shoulders, eyes dancing with happiness and Jungkook wanted to drown in them. He felt his heart clench when Jimin’s eyes began to water. “N-Now?”

“That depends on you.” Jungkook replied, realising that he hadn’t actually asked Jimin yet, though he could guess the answer. His wolf’s tail was wagging so fast it was a blur. He thumbed a tear away. “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.”

Not for my status, my money, my looks.

That’s what his one-night stands fell for, that’s what they wanted from him for themselves. His father had been a poor Alpha with little prospects when his mother fell in love with him. Her family protested the marriage, cut her off completely, only to come running back when his father became one of the wealthiest men in the country. ‘It didn’t matter what his bank statement was, or if we had a one-room apartment, or if we couldn’t buy nice things; it didn’t matter as long as I had him,’ his mother had said to a young, curious Jungkook, ‘None of it mattered because I had him.’

And that’s what Jungkook yearned for. He wanted Jimin to want him, not what came with him.

Jimin broke eye contact, and Jungkook’s nerves latched onto him, aggressive and agonizing. Jimin wasn’t materialistic – Jungkook knew that – but maybe, maybe there was something else? Maybe Jimin didn’t really know if he wanted to be Jungkook’s mate? Maybe Jungkook just instilled doubt in him? Jungkook rested his forehead against Jimin’s temple, pondering if he had been too naïve, too much of a dreamer, too expectant. When Jimin lifted his head, Jungkook glanced up, eyes searching.

Jimin smiled sincerely, sending sparks through Jungkook’s body, releasing him from his concerns. One of his front teeth overlapped just slightly, and it was unbelievably cute. His cheeks were tinted pink, his eyes watery, his voice honest.

“You’re perfect.”

When he finally marked Jimin, sunk his canines into the curve between his neck and shoulder, it had felt like something deep inside him, a part he didn’t even know about, was complete.

And because of their mating bond, every kiss, every touch, every smile they shared afterwards felt more intimate, they felt closer than even when they had been pressed right against each other. Jimin shifted in his arms and leaned his head back, satisfied at the red mark he had left on the base of Jungkook’s neck. Jimin made a tired sound. “Everything hurts so much.”

Jungkook’s gaze darted to the healing mark which he had finally managed to apply some antibacterial cream and a small wound dressing to. “Still? I thought it would be okay by now.”

“Not the bite mark,” Jimin chuckled and ran a hand up Jungkook’s toned stomach, muscles shivering at the contact. “Everywhere else.”

“Oh,” Jungkook blushed, and then smirked. “And here I was hoping we could go another round after you regained all your strength.”

Jimin’s eyes widened. “How are you so energetic?”

“It’s called stamina, love, stamina,” Jungkook’s tone dropped, purposely making it gravelly and husky, sharp eyes not missing the way Jimin’s neck and chest reddened and his fingers curled in the rumpled sheets. Jungkook licked his lips and rolled over Jimin, pressing him into the mattress, leaving open mouthed kisses down his body.

Jimin moaned softly, eyes fluttering shut. “I don’t know if I can go again.”

“I’ll take care of you,” Jungkook reassured him and felt Jimin’s arousal heighten as he grazed his teeth across his sharp hipbones, having learnt Jimin made the most sinful mewls when he did.

Jimin reached down and tangled a hand in Jungkook’s hair. “You’re going to have to ask the hotel for new sheets tonight.”

Jungkook chuckled. “Or maybe I can just come back to your place?”

Jimin’s eyes shot open and a look of terror flashed across his face. “Absolutely not.”

“Why?” Jungkook asked, a bit hurt. Did Jimin not want him to meet his parents?

“I can’t let my parents hear me like – like this,” Jimin gestured frantically around the room like the sounds he made during sex were perceptible.

Jungkook laughed into Jimin’s stomach as he squeezed his thigh. “I promise I’ll behave.”

“Ugh, I’ll think about it.”

Jungkook did end up going to Jimin’s house that day for dinner, and he felt guilty when their stares zoned in on Jimin’s neck because maybe he got a bit too enthusiastic with the hickeys, but Jungkook had one on his neck too so…

Jimin’s mother was small and petite, like Jimin, but had a bubbly, overflowing personality and she was warm and friendly and, like how Jungkook always wanted his mother-in-law to do, showered him with compliments.

“Jungkook dear, you’re so tall and handsome and sweet. Oh darling, isn’t he lovely?” she said to her mate who simply nodded.

Jimin was undoubtedly pleased with his mother’s liking to Jungkook, but maybe not the way Jungkook enjoyed the praises a bit too much. “Mom, stop feeding his ego. He doesn’t need it, trust me.”

“I am not feeding his ego, but oh, talking about feeding, are you eating enough Jungkook dear? Here, have some more cake.”

Jimin’s father was also very kind, and though he looked like he was about to grill Jungkook about his life from birth to now, his expression had changed entirely after he saw Jimin throw his hands around Jungkook’s waist, beaming at him with more warmth than the sun. In the end, he patted Jungkook’s shoulder and said, “Be good to him, because he’ll never stop loving you. And please let him come home to visit us once in a while.”

Jungkook knew some Alphas never let their mates travel without them, and sometimes didn’t like them going home to visit their old pack, for whatever reason. Jungkook couldn’t imagine not being able to see his parents. “I’ll do my best, sir, and Jimin doesn’t need my permission to go anywhere. He can visit you two whenever he likes.”

Jimin’s father’s eyes twinkled, all glad and relieved, just like Jimin’s did. “You better come visit too.”

“Oh my, God,” Hoseok exclaimed as he practically dived onto Jimin the second he and Jungkook entered the apartment. Jungkook only just managed to push him away, not because he was being protective, but because Hoseok was being an idiot and was seriously going to injure someone. “You are too cute. Way too cute for our Jungkookie.”

“Jungkookie?” Jimin repeated (Jungkook shot Hoseok a dirty look), smiling in amusement before he bowed, glowing with cheerfulness. “Park Jimin, nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too!” Hoseok, the over enthusiastic Beta that he was, bowed in response before pinching Jimin’s cheeks (Jungkook winced in pain for him, though Jimin didn’t seem to mind all that much) and ruffled his hair like an embarrassing older brother. “Jungkook tells me you’re a contemporary dancer? That’s awesome!”

“Oh, thank you,” Jimin replied cordially. “You’re a professional dancer and choreographer, I’m sure that’s much more interesting.”

“No way,” Hoseok exclaimed with a smile a million watts, just as Jungkook muttered, “It’s not.”

“Unpleasant child, you’re not in this conversation,” Hoseok snapped good-naturedly, and Jimin let go of his hand and playfully pushed him away.

Jungkook gave him a look of betrayal before slinking back to Jimin’s side, entwining their hands, resting his chin on Jimin’s head. Jimin looked up and pecked his jaw, comforting him like the warm-hearted person he was. “You’re not unpleasant.”

Jungkook hummed, cocking an eyebrow teasingly.

Hoseok watched their interaction with a combination of awe and aversion, before excusing himself when he saw Yoongi entering the apartment with Taehyung, followed closely by Namjoon and Seokjin.

Jungkook felt Jimin tug on his hand, a slight smirk on his lips. “Jungkookie?”

Jungkook sighed. And this is why I didn’t want him to meet Hoseok. “No.”

“Aw, but it’s cute,” Jimin snickered and tried to give him a stern look. It failed. “Besides, you don’t even call me hyung when I’m two years older.”

“Yeah, but…” Jungkook trailed off as he desperately tried to think of an excuse. That also failed.

“Jungkookie,” Jimin cooed and Jungkook clenched his jaw. “Can I please call you that?”

“Will saying ‘no’ actually stop you?”

“No.”

Jungkook rolled his eyes as Jimin laughed, probably enjoying the cringe on Jungkook’s face. “Jungkookie,” he whispered, and squeezed his hand. “Kiss me.”

As if Jungkook could ever say no to him anyway.

(And he supposed the nickname did sort of sound cute, but only when it came from Jimin).

“Jimin?” Jungkook whispered in the dead of the night, streetlights peeking out from under the curtains and chasing away the stars.

He felt Jimin curl in closer. “Hm?”

“You don’t feel alone anymore, do you?” Jungkook asked quietly. He’d worried about this for a while now – especially when Jimin suffered from some home sickness in the first few weeks since moving into Jungkook’s apartment.

“No silly, I have you.”