Archive of Our Own ^beta

There was a stain riding the hem of his long white sweater.

In the grand scheme of things, Jimin wasn’t concerned he had spilled a bit of mango smoothie on himself that morning, but as he sat on the floor of the hallway, back pressed against the cold cement wall across from his dorm room, the tiny stain seemed to be all he could think about.

And given everything that had happened tonight, a stain on his favorite sweater really shouldn’t be the first thing on his mind.

Someone gently nudged his calf. Jimin looked up and around. A vaguely familiar guy stood there, wearing a black t-shirt and black ripped jeans under a baggy leather jacket. A shoulder bag swung carelessly against his hip. His hair was a vivid mint green, framing sleepy eyes. He smelled enticingly of cedar.

“Min Yoongi, right?” asked Jimin, peering up at him. “Yeah, that junior music production major. You won that songwriter comp last year.”

“Always nice to meet a fan.” Yoongi easily squatted beside him, cocked a brow. “Park Jimin.”

“You know who I am?”

“Hard to miss the pink hair."

"You’re one to talk, minty.”

Yoongi chuckled a little. He had just spent a record twenty hours straight in the studio and was feeling a mix of exhaustion and elation upon finishing a track that had been giving him grief for weeks.

He blamed the sudden freedom from his stress for the next words out of his mouth. “What are you doing on the floor of the dorm at three in the morning on a Friday night, kid?”

“What are you doing on the floor of my dorm at three in the morning on a Friday night?” countered Jimin, knowing perfectly well that Yoongi lived off-campus.

He wasn’t a stalker, he swore.

Yoongi cocked a brow. “Dropping off my half of a shared project to my partner in my Compositions class, he lives down the hall. I work better at night,” he elaborated when Jimin still looked skeptical.

“Whatever you say. Plus, you’re exaggerating. It’s barely two-thirty.”

“And you are literally soaked in whiskey.” Yoongi sniffed a bit, though Jimin was well aware his hair and clothes were soaked head to toe in alcohol. Still, that small fruit stain was there. Damn it. “Are you drunk?”

“I wish.” Their attention was diverted to the closed door of Jimin’s dorm room, where enthusiastic moans and loud thumps were echoing from. “Being drunk may make it easier to deal with all that.”

Yoongi relaxed, got to his feet. “Welcome to college, sophomore. Being sexiled is a rite of passage.”

A rather enthusiastic male “Yes!” from inside the room drowned out Jimin’s considering hum. “Is it also a rite of passage to be publicly outed, doused in alcohol and pushed down the stairs in front of half the university?”

Yoongi released a sigh, and fully sat down beside him, shoulder pressed warmly against his despite the odor of alcohol. “Well, shit.”

“My sentiments exactly.” More thumps from inside the room. “That’s my ex-boyfriend, by the way,” added Jimin. Misery eked in at the edges of his words. “My ex as of about four months ago now, so I guess I really have no reason to be upset. Yugyeom. Otherwise known as the alpha asshole now fucking my roommate, Bambam.”

“Well, shit. Doesn’t matter how long you’ve been broken up, there’s still a thing called respect,” said Yoongi with disgust. A small tremor shook his hands. Yoongi may have been an alpha, but his wolf was a sleepy creature, not prone to rousing itself unnecessarily. But the dejected male omega sitting beside him, alcohol unable to disguise the gentle honey and pear tones of his scent, had Yoongi’s wolf paying close attention.

“Do you have anywhere to go?” asked Yoongi quietly, as tears started welling in Jimin’s eyes.

Jimin swiped at his eyes. “My friend Tae’s, maybe, but he hasn’t been picking up his phone—”

A ringtone interrupted them. Jimin extracted his phone from a soggy pocket of his skintight jeans, derailing Yoongi’s thought process for a moment. Jimin wiped it ineffectually against his equally soaked sweater and shook back the damp sleeves that extended to the ends of his short fingers.

“Speak of the devil,” muttered Jimin, but Yoongi could hear the relief. He pressed answer. “Taehyung—”

“Jimin?” came a shaky male voice. Yoongi could hear the voice easily despite the roar of shouting and music in the background of the call.

“Tae?” Jimin’s eyes tightened. “What are you still doing at the party, you left before me—”

“Someone said…you…trouble. Can’t find you,” came the barely distinguishable slurred words.

“Drunk?” whispered Yoongi.

Jimin fiercely shook his head. “Tae’s scared of being drunk, he’s an omega like me, he doesn’t like alphas.”

“Chim Chim,” came the voice again. “They want me…strip. Don’t want to.”

Jimin got up. “Tae? Tae, where are you? Are you alone?”

A burst of raucous male laughter came through. “Sorry, the omega can’t come to the phone right now, he’s about to have his hands real full,” came a new male voice.

“Listen, asshole, you hurt my friend and—” But the call ended and Jimin was left to race for the elevator, heart pounding.

He spat curses as he hastened into the open elevator and pummeled the down button, glancing over as Yoongi followed him. “What are you doing?”

“Thought I could help,” said Yoongi simply, hitching up the bag on his shoulder.

“I don’t want to ruin your night.”

“Jimin.” Yoongi waited until he looked at him. “It’s okay, really. I want to help.”

Jimin smiled shakily. “Thank you,” he whispered.

“Where is this party?”

“Delta Phi,” answered Jimin, and wrapped his arms around himself when Yoongi stared at him in disbelief. “I know, I know, it wasn’t my choice. It’s Yugyeom’s frat. I went there to confront him, not party.”

Delta Phi was home to most of the stereotypically angry, overpowering alphas on campus. A complete conglomeration of assholes full of nothing but hormones, piss and vinegar that most omegas and betas steered clear of in the name of self-preservation.

“So this party was where everything happened tonight?” Yoongi asked as they rushed through the lobby of the dorm building and into the bracing September air. Campus was relatively quiet for the middle of a weekend night but Yoongi still gripped the omega’s arm as a gaggle of female alphas swept by.

“If you’re referring to my ex making an announcement on social media that I’m bisexual and inviting both male and female alphas to, quote, take me for a ride since I’m free, pouring a vat of jungle juice over my head and pushing me down the stairs for everyone to laugh at, then taking my roommate home and fucking his brains out, then yes. This is the party where everything went down.”

“Holy shit,” murmured Yoongi, not releasing his gentle grip on Jimin’s arm. “Tonight just hasn’t been your night.”

Jimin waved that aside. “I’m just worried about my friend. Tae never partied with me and Yugyeom, he doesn’t like the scene. Can’t say I blame him.”

They turned onto Greek row, the noise level picking up.

“So you don’t like these scenes either?”

“I was Yugyeom’s boyfriend.” Jimin glanced at him, eyes blank. “I had to be there. Tonight was just a one-off thing, I went to yell at him for making that post. Obviously I didn’t go a good job standing up for myself.”

“What counts is that you stood up in the first place. And you had a choice about these parties, Jimin. Even if this alpha was your boyfriend, you have a right to be comfortable.” Yoongi didn’t notice Jimin’s eyes widen at his words, too occupied with threading their way through the crowd of drunk alphas and betas littering the lawn of Delta Phi. More than one catcalled Jimin and Yoongi took the omega’s hand in his.

For an instant, Yoongi wondered what the hell he was thinking. He should be back in his apartment by now, stuffing his face since he can’t remember the last meal he ate, reclining in bed with his latest Netflix obsession playing on his laptop screen. Instead he was braving the doors to the most reckless party on campus, towing a freaked-out omega behind him. For an instant he wondered if he could leave Jimin to clean up his own mess alone.

But then he felt the warmth of Jimin’s palm against his. The omega’s shorter fingers intertwined with his longer ones perfectly, and one simple squeeze of Yoongi’s hand eased Jimin’s shaking.

Yeah, Yoongi wasn’t going anywhere.

Damn it.

Three alphas tried to bar them from the door.

“Oh, if it ain’t Yugyeom’s last bitch,” jeered one, arms crossed. “Back for more? There’s some more jungle juice with your name on it.”

“Your free pass to these parties disappeared as soon as Yugyeom dumped your ass. Get lost, pink,” called another.

The last of them shoved at Jimin’s shoulder. The omega just took it, stumbling back a step, but still, he immediately stepped forward again. This time two of them grabbed him by the arms but then a snarl ripped from nearby. They all looked to Yoongi in shock.

“Now that I have your attention, let us pass,” growled Yoongi, leaning forward, eyes hot.

For an instant the three alphas hesitated, hands still on Jimin. But Jimin ripped himself free with a scowl and stormed by. When one reached out a hand, Yoongi grabbed it, bent it back with hardly any effort. The alpha howled and fell back. No one else moved to stop them as they entered the wall of sound.

Strobe lights cast an eerie pall over the crowd, made the faces of college kids unrecognizable. Yoongi watched panic flare in Jimin’s eyes as they got swallowed into the mass, hands reaching, touching. Yoongi bit back another growl and bundled the alcohol-soaked omega into his side, warmth flaring at the contact.

“How will we find him?” shouted Jimin over the noise.

“What’s he smell like, look like?” Yoongi shouted back, knowing his nose would be more sensitive than the omega’s.

“Turpentine and cotton. He’s an art student. Tall, thin, silvery hair.”

Yoongi shut his eyes, sucked in a breath through his nose and wanted to immediately wince. Body odor, alcohol, sweat, more alcohol. A tease of pear and honey from the shivering omega beside him. But there, by the stairs. Cotton. Yoongi towed Jimin out of the morass and up the stairs, dodging couples groping one another against the walls. Upstairs the music and noise faded slightly, the hallway empty but for half a dozen closed doors.

Jimin cocked his head. “I hear him,” he blurted, and sprinted for the door at the end of the hall. The doorknob refused to budge.

Yoongi could smell the turpentine and cotton now, mixed with the acrid scent of fear. From Jimin’s expression he noted it as well. One kick from Yoongi’s thick boots snapped the door from its hinges.

Inside, lust and fear made a potent combination. A tall silvery-haired omega lay sprawled across a king-sized mattress, stripped down to his boxers. Six alphas surrounded him, one holding a video camera, the others drinking from red cups and laughing as one began tugging at the waistband of the omega’s briefs. The omega was protesting in a sluggish way, tossing his head back and forth, face sweaty and pale as his hands batted ineffectually at the alpha’s strength.

“Taehyung!” shouted Jimin and bulleted forward. He shoved aside the alpha standing over him and tugged the omega up and against him, holding his friend against his body as Taehyung’s knees buckled. Instantly six pairs of eyes flared in anger and growls ricocheted around the room.

One lunged forward and Jimin shot his knee up, connecting solidly with the alpha’s groin. He hauled Taehyung away, backing towards the door, as another alpha shot forward, leading with his fist. But Yoongi took a step and deflected it with a forearm, following up with a fist to the face. The alpha’s nose broke with a satisfying, sickening crunch and he fell back with a curse.

“Any other takers?” murmured Yoongi dangerously as he blocked the alphas’ access to the pair of omegas with an outstretched arm. “The omegas are with me. Back off, before I haul you all in to the Board for omega mistreatment.”

The alphas stiffened. It was no idle threat.

Yoongi shoved the omegas towards the door. On the stairwell, Taehyung’s legs finally gave way completely, sending Jimin falling to the ground with a yelp. Yoongi merely swept Taehyung up into his arms, carrying him bridal-style with one arm curled around his waist, the other gripping Jimin by the arm to support him outside.

They fought free of the suffocating crowd and spilled out onto the lawn, Yoongi urging them on down the sidewalk until they reached a quiet corner. Yoongi plopped a dazed Taehyung down on a bench and panted as Jimin sat beside his friend and started tapping his pale cheeks.

“Tae, talk to me,” he urged, voice shaky. “What did you drink?”

“No. No drink,” muttered Taehyung, clinging to his best friend’s hand. “Enhancers.”

Yoongi and Jimin stiffened. Enhancers were the street name for potent liquid pheromones, capable of triggering an omega’s heat and an alpha’s rut within hours of intravenous injection. The drug was popped like candy at raves and had long replaced roofies in the shapeshifter world as a predator’s choice for a non-consenting good time.

Even now, sweat dotted Taehyung’s face and he writhed restlessly on the bench. “Chim Chim, I don’t feel good,” he moaned.

“Don’t worry, we’ll get you to your room, to your nest,” soothed Jimin, urging him up, but Taehyung flailed.

“No, no, I can’t go to the dorm. P-party.”

“Your roommate’s throwing a party tonight? Seriously?”

Taehyung nodded tearfully.

Jimin scrubbed his hands over his face, smearing his makeup. “Okay, Tae, we’ll have to get you back to my room, I’ll kick out Yugyeom and Bambam, it’ll be fine. You can stay there for your heat, I’ll help you.”

Tae was agreeable or perhaps just exhausted to the point of acquiescence, and let Jimin bundle him up.

“Is that really the best move?” wondered Yoongi quietly as the trio made their way out of Greek row back towards the dorm. “Turfing out your ex and shitty roommate. They won’t take that lying down.”

“No other options,” muttered Jimin, on the verge of tears again. “Scholarship omegas aren’t allowed access to the nesting halls across campus, they’re only for the rich kids.”

Yoongi grimaced and kept silent, though on the inside, his wolf raged. The fact there were no options for an omega to safely go through their heat made his alpha instincts roar. He didn’t have many omega friends, which may be a result of him being antisocial in general, but he didn’t remember the omegas he’d known growing up having such a rough go of things. The least he could do is see the pair safely back to their dorm.

It was a tough walk. Taehyung became more and more distraught, moaning “Alpha” under his breath every so often. Yoongi tried to keep a discrete distance but Taehyung’s weight proved too much for Jimin to support and he had to offer a shoulder. He tolerated Taehyung nuzzling into his shoulder, knowing the omega couldn’t control himself.

Jimin, blushing furiously, his scent now touched with embarrassment, focused on towing them straight. He wanted to shower Yoongi in apologies and beg for forgiveness for how absolutely awful the night had gone, and how he never intended to drag Yoongi into it. For months he had been trying to work up the courage to talk to the shy music composition major but had never been able to, settling for quiet smiles when their eyes met, which wasn’t often. And now in one night, all of his hopes of slowly becoming Yoongi’s friend over time had been obliterated.

But he had to worry about Taehyung now.

Their dorm building was calm and quiet, no one in sight as they trudged into the elevator and rode up to the fifth floor. Taehyung became more and more restless, openly grinding and writhing against both Jimin and Yoongi, eyes half-lidded with lust. Jimin felt sick that his best friend had nearly entered a heat—a triggered one, no less—in the presence of six strange alphas.

His dorm room was still occupied from the sounds of things. Concern for his friend overriding his tentative nature, Jimin defiantly unlocked the door and swept it open. On Jimin’s own bed, Yugyeom knelt over Bambam, thrusting into his ass with a hand on the back of the moaning omega’s neck, shoving him into the pillow. At the trio’s entry, Yugyeom looked up, startled.

“Out,” barked Jimin, voice shaking. “Both of you get out.”

“Jimin,” crooned Yugyeom, and, recovering from the surprise, gave another hard thrust despite Bambam’s protests. “I knew you’d come crawling back to me. But I don’t waste my time on trash. We’re done.”

“I don’t want you back, asshole, it’s been four months. I just want you out of my room,” snapped Jimin. “Now.”

The pair on the bed just stared, nonplussed.

“Okay, this is taking too long.” Yoongi, impatient, grabbed Yugyeom then Bambam by the backs of their necks and simply tossed them out of the room, throwing their clothes out next as an afterthought. He locked the door behind him and met Jimin’s astonished stare with a bland expression. “Sorry, I’m not one for subtlety.”

“No, that was great,” whispered Jimin, moments before Taehyung collapsed to the carpet, groaning as he clutched at his stomach. The scent of his slick started to overpower the room, which was already drenched in sex and musk. Taehyung groaned again.

“Chim Chim,” he called, tears streaming down his cheeks. “It hurts.”

“I know, Tae, I know,” Jimin instantly soothed, kneeling beside him. “You’ll get through this. Hey, I can give you your birthday presents early, you know? Got you a bunch of new heat toys.”

Yoongi fidgeted as heat raced up his spine. He tried hard to ignore the lust spiking in the room but it had been a very long time since he had been in the presence of an omega in heat.

“Looks like you’ve got this under control,” murmured Yoongi to Jimin, backing away. “I should go.”

Jimin nodded agreement, but his heart suddenly ached. He got up and walked to Yoongi, hesitated for a second, then went with instinct and threw his arms around the alpha’s neck. Instantly warmth soaked into his bones and his body went lax, nose pressed to the juncture of Yoongi’s neck and shoulder where his cedar scent was concentrated. Jimin inhaled, then huffed a pleased sigh.

“Thank you, Yoongi-ssi. For everything.”

Yoongi was either in torture, or heaven. This close, the rank stench of alcohol was diminished under the sweetness of honey and pears. Jimin was only a couple centimeters shorter than him and his body fit perfectly against Yoongi’s, and despite himself, the alpha snaked his arms around Jimin’s hips, holding him snug and fast.

“Call me hyung,” murmured Yoongi, who could feel Jimin’s lips stretching into a small grin against the skin of his neck.

Behind them, Taehyung let out a low, painful cry, and the pair startled apart.

“I’m sorry, hyung, I got alcohol all over you.” Jimin wiped ineffectually at Yoongi’s jacket.

Yoongi shivered. “You are still a mess,” he said frankly, looking the omega up and down. Jimin was startled into a short giggle, the sound heaven to his ears. “Look, why don’t you go clean up? I can keep an eye on your friend for a few more minutes, he’s still in pre-heat, it’ll be okay.”

Jimin looked at Taehyung, biting his lip with indecisiveness. “You’ve already done so much.”

“I wouldn’t offer if I wasn’t willing,” said Yoongi. He went over to the dresser that smelled of Jimin and withdrew a clean pair of sweatpants, briefs and a t-shirt then nabbed the shower kit and towel from the shelf. “Go on. Wash off this night then come back and take care of your friend. We’ll be okay for a few minutes.”

Jimin could have cried with gratitude. He followed impulse, pressing a kiss to Yoongi’s soft cheek before scurrying out of the room with his things.

Yoongi was left staring after the omega, a hand pressed to his cheek.

-

Jimin meant to rush through his shower, but the moment the steaming hot water cascaded over his aching shoulders he let out a heartfelt moan and let the heat work out the knots. Tonight had gone to absolute shit so fast that Jimin still felt dizzy. He never would have thought Yugyeom could have treated him that way. He knew the alpha was a headstrong brute at the best of times but he had always been good to Jimin. Or so he thought. And his roommate? He thought Bambam was his friend.

Someone barged into the bathroom. “You’re 414 right?” came a rushed call.

Jimin shut off the water. “Yeah?”

“You got mad trouble out here, kid.” The door swung shut again.

Muttering curses, Jimin hastily toweled off and threw his clothes on. What now?

Outside, the hallway was chaos. He could smell Taehyung’s heat, thick on his tongue, and the cedar of Yoongi’s scent riding high with aggression and anger. Taehyung was pinned against the wall outside Jimin’s dorm, held up by two of the alphas from Delta Phi. Five more alphas had Yoongi down on the ground, half in and half out of Jimin’s room, striking and kicking at him despite Yoongi’s deafening growls and snarls. Two other strangers were rampaging through Jimin’s room. His clothes and things were torn and soaked in piss, his mattress looked like gouges had been taken out of it with a knife, and the window was broken, glass littering the carpet. A crowd of Jimin’s floor mates, all omegas and betas, stood further down the hallway, staring at the scene with wide, fearful eyes, none of them moving a muscle.

Panicked, Jimin dove for his friend first, hauling the two alphas off of him with strength borne of desperation. Taehyung freed himself enough to crawl into a corner, arms over his head, shaking and incoherent. The alphas turned on Jimin, and he cried out at the pain as feet and fists connected with his ribs and head.

Yoongi saw Jimin being pummeled and threw his head back. He released a howl that had the alphas recoiling and whining, hands clasped over their ears. But the howl didn’t hurt Jimin’s ears.

It sounded like music.

What could have been minutes or mere moments later, two new figures swept in. One, a black-haired guy with a deceptively young-looking face but thick muscles and a brawny body, knocked out each of the alphas pinning Jimin with harsh strikes to their temples. The other, a blur of wide eyes and red hair, leapt for Yoongi’s tormentors, and between Yoongi and the stranger the alphas were on the run.

“You call us just to bat clean-up?” joked the redhead, helping a wincing Yoongi up from the floor. “Looks like you could have used us a little earlier, hyung.”

“Bite me, Hobi. I was outnumbered.”

“Outnumbered? Since when can you not take on five at once? I trained you better than that, hyung,” teased the black-haired one.

“That’s enough out of you, pup,” growled Yoongi halfheartedly, brushing himself off.

Ignoring their banter, Jimin crawled to Taehyung, ignoring the pain throbbing in his body. Taehyung was a mess of tears and sweat, curled in on himself and seemingly oblivious to the conflict that had just raged. He crawled into Jimin’s arms and the omegas lay there on the floor, soaking in each other’s scents. Jimin felt the last of his tension leave him as Taehyung fell back into his fretting and moans.

What would they do now?

“Is he okay?” came Yoongi’s soothing voice.

Jimin blinked away tears and stared up at him.

There was no trace of judgement or anger in Jimin’s face but still Yoongi felt overwhelmed with remorse. “I’m so sorry, Jimin,” he suddenly blurted, crouching nearby but still out of arm’s range in case Jimin felt uncomfortable with him now. “There were too many and they swarmed the door and I couldn’t get your friend away—”

Jimin reached up a shaking hand, and traced it along Yoongi’s jaw, too exhausted to be shocked by his overwhelming instinct to touch. “It’s not your fault,” Jimin told him, voice thick. “I’m sorry I got you hurt, hyung.”

Yoongi stared at him in complete astonishment.

“I called the cops,” called one of Jimin’s floormates, a petite female omega, a phone pressed to her ear. “They said they’ve got a bunch of Delta Phi alphas in custody, caught them as they ran out the front door. They just need you to make a statement.”

“Tell them we’ll be in tomorrow morning,” Jimin called to her. “Thank you, noona.”

She nodded in a sympathetic way and began dispersing the crowd.

“Um, Yoongi?” came the redhead’s—Hobi’s?—hesitant voice. “Care to explain what’s going on?”

“Jimin, this is Hoseok, a beta, and Jungkook, another alpha,” said Yoongi, gesturing to the newcomers in turn. Jimin recognized the names, knew their reputations as some of the top music students in the program, but he still tensed, wary of strangers. “They’re my roommates, and good friends of mine,” Yoongi added soothingly. “They won’t hurt you. Hoseok, Jungkook, this is Jimin and Taehyung, omegas. They’ve had some trouble tonight. We need to get them somewhere safe.”

“Yoongi, it’s okay,” protested Jimin quietly, eyes wide.

“None of this is okay,” Yoongi shot back, cursing himself as Jimin flinched slightly. “Just…let me help, okay?”

As if in answer to his words, Taehyung let out another heartbreaking groan, arms clutched around his belly again, whimpering in pain.

“He’s in heat,” came Jungkook’s quiet words. His tone held no judgement, simply observation, but his eyes kindled.

“Easy, pup,” cautioned Yoongi, getting to his feet. “Keep your distance.” He pulled out his phone and dialed a number as familiar to him as his own. “Jin? It’s me. Are you home right now?”

“Hello to you too, alpha,” came the drawling reply, the voice warm and male. “Are you calling to beg for food again?”

“When do I ever do that?” Hobi snorted and Yoongi elbowed him out of habit. “Actually, I need some help. A couple omega friends of mine got into some trouble tonight and they need somewhere safe—”

“Say no more,” came the immediate reply. “My guest rooms are always ready, you know me. Do you need help? I can send Joon.”

“No, JK and Hobi are here. See you in a few, hyung. Thank you.” Yoongi hung up and looked to Jimin’s questioning stare. “That was Seokjin, my friend. And a mated male omega. I work with his mate, Namjoon, that’s how we met. They live in an off-campus house, alone. It’s quiet and out of the way and the door is always open for me and my friends. Let me take you and Taehyung there. Please.”

Jimin didn’t like strangers. He was a male omega, one of a mere dozen on the entire campus. He and Taehyung had come to the small Seoul university together from Busan, hoping the modern city would prove more welcoming to outliers such as male omegas who didn’t fit the norm of their alpha-dominated society. Their first year had been a whirlwind of challenges and prejudice, and just when they thought they were settling in to their new lives, tonight had happened.

So many alphas had done them wrong. But Yoongi was different, even out of his mind with stress and worry Jimin could currently tell, even his wolf could tell. His wolf trusted Yoongi’s.

“Okay,” agreed Jimin tremulously. He cast a look at his destroyed room.

“I don’t think any of your things are salvageable,” said Hobi quietly. The beta’s tone was gentle, softer than any other beta Jimin had met. “Those alphas did quite a number on your clothes and stuff.”

“I’m sorry,” added Yoongi helplessly as Jimin started crying again.

Jimin wiped his eyes. “Doesn’t matter. Cause we’re okay,” whispered Jimin fiercely, hugging Tae tight. “We’re okay.”

“My car’s out front,” offered Jungkook, who looked barely old enough to have a license. “Let’s get you guys out of here.”

-

And that’s how Jimin found himself in the back of a worn silver SUV, Taehyung cuddled against his side though the taller omega kept lifting his nose towards the alpha in the driver’s seat. Perhaps it was the fact that Taehyung now wore Jungkook’s black hoodie over his bare chest, Jungkook handing it over to the practically naked boy with little fanfare. The omega buried his face in the collar with happy mewls of “alpha, alpha.”

Taehyung’s slick still permeated the air, his body near sweat-soaked by now. Jimin could read the growing tension in both Yoongi and Jungkook from their positions in the front seats but to their credit, neither of them showed signs of losing control. Hobi seemed completely unbothered, bopping his head in the seat beside the omegas to the tune of the hip hop beat playing quietly over the speakers. But then, betas didn’t experience heats or ruts.

Fifteen peaceful minutes later, Jungkook pulled off the highway and drove east of the city, leaving the neon lights behind. Suburban neighborhoods began to dot the landscape, the final street they pulled onto featuring spacious front lawns with large manses tucked behind private screens of trees and hedges.

“Is your friend in the mafia?” wondered Jimin in awe, gaping as they pulled into a driveway with a large iron fence blocking the way forward. A handsome house of glass and wood sprawled before them.

The three men chuckled. “Namjoon has done very well for himself as a producer,” drawled Yoongi as Jungkook rolled his window down and pressed a button on a receiver.

“That you guys, Yoongi?” came a familiar voice.

“Hey, hyung,” called Yoongi. “Yeah, we’re in Jungkook’s rig.”

“Pull on up. I’ve got a cake in the oven!” chirped the voice, and the gate slid open.

“Thank the gods for Jin and his cooking,” groaned Yoongi. “He’s a model but really enjoys baking,” he mentioned to Jimin over his shoulder. “And he’s freaking good at it.”

Jimin decided he was in a dream.

In a haze, he got out of the car when Jungkook pulled to a stop near the front door. He was distracted from his surroundings by Taehyung tripping out of the car to land on his hands and knees faster than Jimin could catch him, near screaming as agonizing cramps wracked his stomach and lower back, slick now soaking his boxers. Tae reached out with one hand, sobbing desperately.

Before Jimin could reach for him, Jungkook was there. The muscles in his arms rippled as he bent down and bundled the omega up against his chest.

“He’s okay with me,” said Jungkook reassuringly as Jimin tensed. “I’m in control, I promise. I don’t take advantage of omegas.”

Jimin couldn’t doubt his words. And he couldn’t look away as Taehyung—fiercely independent, wild-child Taehyung—wrapped his arms around the alpha’s shoulders and nuzzled fiercely into Jungkook’s neck, now frantically murmuring “Jungkook” over and over again.

The front door swept open. A man stood framed in the golden light of the entryway, tall and broad-shouldered and billboard handsome, with windswept blonde hair. He was wiping flour-covered hands on a navy blue apron covering his jeans and white sweater. A warm smile quickly transformed his intimidating beauty to friendliness.

“You must be Jimin,” he said first, ushering the group inside. Jimin had a heartbeat’s impression of worn hardwood floors, cozy leather furniture and walls covered from floor to ceilings in packed bookshelves before he was swept into a hug that smelled comfortingly of caramel and warm omega. “Sorry for your troubles tonight. Alphas suck.”

The casual insult and resultant cranky rumble from Yoongi put Jimin at ease more than he would have thought possible.

Another whine from Taehyung distracted them all. Jungkook murmured something to him, lips pressed against his hair in a move as natural as breathing, and Jimin blushed at the intimate sight.

“This is Taehyung, and yes, I’m Jimin. We’re sophomores,” he told Jin shyly. “I’m studying dance and Tae is an artist.”

“Explains the turpentine,” murmured Jungkook out loud.

“Are you okay?” Jin was looking at Jimin with obvious concern, taking in the still-wet hair, bedraggled appearance, the beginnings of a black eye from the alphas’ strikes.

“There was a party tonight and it got out of c-control,” Jimin began. His voice raced faster and faster, tears flowing again. “My ex, he was drunk and decided to pick on me tonight for some reason and he got angry, so angry, and everything went wrong and I-I thought Taehyung left too but he called and a bunch of alphas gave him enhancers and now he’s in heat and c-can’t go to his room because there’s a p-party and I’m so s-sorry about all of this, I don’t know what to do, I just d-don’t know what to do anymore—”

A warm hand clasped the nape of his neck and pulled him hard against a broad chest.

Jimin took a shaky breath and was overwhelmed with cedar, Yoongi pushing out his scent like a homing beacon of peace and security. Yoongi hummed deep in his throat, a hand squeezing his neck, the other running through his pink hair.

“It’s okay,” murmured Yoongi. “You’re okay.”

Caving to the pressure building in his head, in his heart, Jimin let out a sob, then another and another as the dam broke. He was vaguely aware of Yoongi picking him up and sitting on a couch with Jimin huddled in his arms. Someone wrapped a blanket around the pair of them and a soft murmur of soothing music played overhead but Jimin could only bury his face against Yoongi’s shoulder in humiliation, hiding from them all. Yoongi kept his lips pressed to his temple, his hair, stroking his shoulders as he let him cry, as he let him break. Jimin felt overwhelmingly safe for the first time the entire evening.

Jin let the pair be at peace and reentered the foyer, where Jungkook still stood with Taehyung. Hobi had long disappeared into the kitchen seeking the source of the smell of chocolate pervading the house.

“Poor thing,” said Jin sympathetically, running a hand over his fellow omega’s hair. Taehyung preened at the attention. “Are you okay to carry him up, JK? Be honest.”

“I’ve got him,” the alpha said carefully. Then he hesitated. “Jin, his scent is different to me.”

“Different how?”

“Like,” Jungkook started, then hesitated again. “Like I don’t want another’s scent on me ever again.”

“Oh, Jungkook,” murmured Jin. But Taehyung began to fret, crying out, and Jin cleared his throat. “Come on, let’s get him upstairs. He’ll feel better once he’s settled and nesting.”

Jungkook nodded emphatically and followed Jin up the spiraling staircase, into a scentless guest room on the second floor. The floors were the same beautiful faded hardwood, the furniture matching. A four-poster bed in heavy oak brandished the wall between two wide windows looking out on the forest behind the house. Thick linens in creamy white adorned the bed, again scentless, as though Jin had placed them fresh from the dryer.

Jungkook placed Taehyung gently on the bed where the omega immediately mewled and began turning circles on his hands and knees, disrupting the pillows and bedspreads. Jungkook went to the armoire and threw the doors open to pull more stacks of pillows and blankets free, placing them on the bed for Taehyung to do with as he wished. Jin retreated to the doorway, watching proudly as Jungkook seemed to read every need of Taehyung’s before the omega could voice it aloud, even going so far as to find the stash of bottled water and dry snacks held in another cabinet that Jin kept stocked for omega emergencies such as these. The alpha placed the supplies on the nightstand within easy reach, then froze as Taehyung stripped off the hoodie that Jungkook had given him and placed it square in the middle of his newly made nest.

“Alpha,” murmured Taehyung, on his elbows and knees, face pressed to the soft black cotton that radiated peace and the clean scent of seawater. “More, please. Alpha.”

Fighting back the roaring of Jungkook’s inner wolf that demanded he take care of the omega in the proper way, Jungkook ripped the white t-shirt off his back and offered it to Taehyung, who accepted it with a pleased cry and added it to his stash, scenting it immediately.

As Taehyung’s hands went to his briefs, starting to pull down the waistband, Jungkook knew his time was up. “Take care, Taehyung,” he murmured to the omega, and met Jin at the door.

“Please, alpha. Don’t go, please,” cried Taehyung, and Jungkook winced hard, eyes stinging.

“God,” said JK in a choked voice, gripping both sides of the doorjamb in a rough grip. “Ask me again when you’re out of heat, baby,” he murmured after a long, selfish inhale through his nose. Then he allowed Jin to steer him out of the room, closing it softly behind them.

Moments later they heard a sodden piece of clothing hit the floor, and pleased moans rang out into the air.

“Proud of you, Kook,” said Jin in his casual way, ruffling the younger alpha’s hair. “Don’t worry, he’ll be right as rain in a couple days.”

“Yeah,” Jungkook distantly agreed, looking over his shoulder as they walked downstairs. “Yeah, right as rain.”

Downstairs, Yoongi still cuddled an exhausted omega. Jimin had fallen asleep, mouth slack with fatigue, drying tear tracks tracing down both of his endearingly round cheeks.

“Taehyung okay?” checked Yoongi, worry in his eyes.

Jin wondered just how his antisocial friend had become so invested in this pair of omegas, but he felt pleased all the same.

“He’s settled in fine. He seemed drawn to Jungkook’s scent so that helped. He’ll be okay. Do you want to put Jimin to bed? I’ve got another guest room set up right next door to Taehyung’s. The poor thing looks exhausted.”

Yoongi blinked down at the omega as if putting him down hadn’t occurred to him. “Yeah, he needs a proper rest.” Slowly, carefully, he gripped Jimin tighter and eased to his feet. Jimin hardly stirred, still fast asleep. Back upstairs, he and Jin tucked him into the bedroom beside Taehyung’s, the furnishings and bed dressings just as calm and scentless. Avoiding Jin’s curious stare, Yoongi obeyed his wolf and shucked his leather jacket, leaving it on the pillow beside the one where Jimin laid his head.

The four friends reconvened in the kitchen.

“Namjoon working late tonight, hyung?” asked Hobi as the three walked in, having made himself at home with a cup of tea at the kitchen table.

“Yeah, he’s hours away from finishing the mixtape. You’d think it was his first one with how much of a perfectionist he’s being.”

With impeccable timing, Jin pulled his chocolate cake from the oven just moments before the timer went off, nudging Yoongi to pour tea for the rest of them. Yoongi made the executive decision to grab the nearby carafe of whiskey and brought it all over to the table where Jungkook poured them steaming cups. Yoongi added a shot of whiskey to his and gratefully breathed in the steam, watching as Jin expertly sliced the cake and plated them each a piece.

For a while there was only the sound of chewing and cups clinking against the table as the four longtime friends relaxed in Jin’s beautiful, homey kitchen. Yoongi’s eyes wandered the room, admiring the gray stone floors, the granite countertops, the double copper sink courted by overhead copper tubs of plants and herbs. The oven was a massive thing of beauty, spotless as the rest of the kitchen. Yoongi had been around when the mated pair had moved in two years ago and Jin had renovated the kitchen with Namjoon’s blessing. Watching his omega friend order around his besotted mate for weeks on end had served as prime entertainment.

“Yoongi,” came Jin’s calm voice. His eyes were warm as he looked at his alpha friend, pushing his empty plate aside. “What happened tonight?”

The others looked to Yoongi as well, and he sighed. “Park Jimin is a sophomore, dance major. I’ve seen him around a couple times but he keeps a low profile. Last year he was hooked up with that Delta Phi alpha—”

“Yugyeom, right?” interrupted Hobi.

“How did you know?”

The beta crossed his arms, eyes blazing. “I knew that Jimin looked familiar. He had black hair when he was dating that asshole, I almost didn’t recognize him tonight.”

“I didn’t know you rolled with Delta Phi,” commented Jungkook, frowning.

“Like hell I do. I was partnered with one of those alphas for a project in my World Civilizations lecture, I had to work in that house. I saw Jimin once or twice there but I saw Yugyeom quite a bit more. He was a true dick when Jimin wasn’t around.”

“What do you mean?”

“He’d go around boasting about his meek little spineless omega who did nothing but splay his legs and beg for his knot. I’m guessing Jimin didn’t know.”

“I doubt he’d put up with it. Maybe he found out and that’s why they broke up, I don’t know. They’ve been over for months.” The empty cup in Yoongi’s hand threatened to shatter under his tightened grip. He released it with care. “Yugyeom made a post on his social media today outing Jimin for being bisexual and saying he was up for a good time to anyone who asked. Jimin went to the party to confront him with Taehyung as backup but Jimin got publicly humiliated for his trouble and somehow Taehyung and Jimin got separated. Then Yugyeom doubled back to Jimin’s dorm and fucked his roommate. They were fucking when Jimin made his way back.”

Jungkook winced in sympathy as Yoongi scraped his hands through his hair. “The kid was just sitting there on the floor outside his own room when I got back from the studio. Completely soaked in alcohol. I can’t tell you how many people I watched just completely step over him without a word, without a glance. I stopped to say hey, thought he had just been sexiled, but it was so much worse than that.”

“You took care of him,” murmured Jin.

Yoongi shifted in his seat. “Any of us would have done the same. He hadn’t even broken, Jin, he wasn’t crying or dejected at all. He seemed thoughtful, which is beyond messed up. He didn’t break until he got a phone call from Taehyung.”

Jungkook looked up. “He called him? Why?”

“Taehyung was back at the Delta Phi party,” said Yoongi, keeping an eye on Jungkook’s rising anger. “Jimin couldn’t figure why, he thought he’d left when Jimin himself did. He was out of it, couldn’t tell us clearly what was going on. Then an alpha got a hold of his phone and said he’d be too occupied to talk so Jimin and I rushed over.”

“Which alpha?” growled Jungkook, half rising from his seat. Hobi cautioned him back.

“One of the ones that you and Hobi helped me take out later,” Yoongi told him, grimly pleased. “When we got to the party, Taehyung was swarmed by a crowd of them. We got him out of there but they’d shot him up with enhancers.” Jungkook growled viciously. “Jimin thought to take him back to Taehyung’s room but Taehyung said his roommate had friends over. So we took him back to Jimin’s room and evicted the ex and roommate. I told Jimin to get cleaned up while I cared for Taehyung but I guess the Delta Phi alphas decided to track us down. That’s when you guys got there. Thanks for the backup, by the way.”

“Hey, you sent out your wolfy howl.” Hobi smirked. “Who were we to ignore a damsel in distress?” Hobi dodged the lighthearted smack with a chuckle. “I’m just glad JK and I were close, we were just at the diner around the corner.”

“I’m glad you were, too, I haven’t faced odds like that since high school.”

“You could have taken them, hyung. We just evened the odds.” Jungkook grinned at him. A hint of turpentine on the air had the alpha directing his attention to the floor above, a clear yearning in his eyes. Not bothering to hide it from his hyungs, who watched with pride at his self-control, Jungkook swallowed once. “So you haven’t formally met Taehyung.”

“No, he was already in pre-heat when Jimin and I reached him. Jimin said he has a bad history with alphas, though, so I wouldn’t push him.”

Jin sighed, getting up to clear the plates. “Name one male omega that doesn’t,” he said, voice and face grim.

He spoke the truth. Male omegas were known for being more fertile and for having longer heats than their female counterparts, and though the physiology of their bodies made it rarer for them to successfully bear young, it was known that they conceived a higher proportion of alphas than betas or omegas. And in a society driven by power-hungry shifters where alphas were a status symbol and omegas the means to which they were created, male omegas garnered more attention than any other sub-gender, more often derogatory and possessive in nature than not.

Distantly, they heard the garage doors slide open. Jin’s expression transformed into a beaming smile as a lanky male soon let himself in through the kitchen door. The newcomer had smoky grey hair in loose curls over his lean face. His eyes were joyous and wide, his dimples deep as caverns on his face as he beamed at his mate. The pair came together in a long embrace and their lips met in a kiss as familiar and fond as habit.

“Hey, babe. You didn’t tell me you were throwing a party,” greeted Namjoon warmly, keeping an arm around Jin’s waist as he turned to their friends. He sniffed at the air, and a brow rose. “With omegas, no less.”

Jin grinned, nuzzled Namjoon’s cheek. “It wasn’t planned, darling. They’re new friends, I’ll fill you in later. They need our help.”

“Well, they can find it here.”

Yoongi felt the last vestiges of tension leave him. He wouldn’t have expected Namjoon to turn the omegas out of his home, not after Jin had welcomed them, but he hated to take advantage of his friends’ generosity. He knew that harboring two male omegas, with one currently in heat no less, was one hell of a lot to ask.

“I can’t thank you both enough.” Yoongi struggled to find the right words. He felt like everything had been turned upside-down that night, that the strings of gravity controlling his life had been rearranged around the individuals convened in that house. “Tonight spiraled completely out of control. Thank you for helping me keep them safe.”

“You’re quite invested in these omegas,” noted Hobi. “Jimin, especially.”

Yoongi shrugged a shoulder, uncomfortable. How was he supposed to respond to that? He knew hardly anything about the shy omega, only that he had a spine of steel, cared deeply for his friends and smelled like something out of Yoongi’s personal fantasy. He knew he and his wolf wouldn’t have rested that night unless he knew Jimin was safe. Realizing the omega slept calmly merely a floor above him set his wolf at ease and let the last vestiges of tension leave his frame.

“We’ll talk more tomorrow,” suggested Jin, reading the exhaustion in the room. “There’s no more guest rooms available but there’s the couches in the den and living room. You all should stay, make yourselves at home. We’ll sort some of the mess out tomorrow. Taehyung definitely isn’t going anywhere until his heat is over so you’re all free to settle in for the duration.”

Yoongi squeezed a hand on Jin’s shoulder and nodded in gratitude to the mated pair, too overwhelmed, too exhausted, to speak the sappy words at the tip of his tongue. Perhaps his friends sensed the words, though, for their expressions conveyed understanding.

Moments later Yoongi dove under a pile of warm blankets on the wide, worn couch in the quiet den, his body sinking into the cushions. He lay in a half-dream state for ages, part of his subconscious monitoring the comings and goings of the house.

So he was partly aware when a warm body, smelling of pears and honey, slid beneath the blankets beside him and curled tentatively against him. Yoongi rumbled deep in his chest, mind finally able to rest as he gathered a pliant Jimin against him and turned his face into his hair, eyes closing as he finally conceded to sleep.

-

Yoongi drifted back to consciousness feeling completely warm. That in itself was strange for him, as he was always cold. He usually slept in hoodies and sweatpants, buried under a stack of blankets, every inch of skin covered. But he knew he currently wore only a t-shirt and boxers, having stripped off his jeans to sleep comfortably on the couch, so he should have been freezing.

The source of his warmth was explained the moment his eyes drifted open to see a cloud of pink hair. On an inhale he smelled crisp, warm pears and honey, and his eyes crinkled in a gentle smile at the sight that greeted him. Jimin lay at his side, cheek pillowed on Yoongi’s shoulder, nose pressed to Yoongi’s neck so that each one of his peaceful exhales was a puff of air teasing his bare skin. Jimin’s hands were scrunched adorably under his chin, tangled in Yoongi’s t-shirt, and one of his legs was thrown over both of Yoongi’s, making the alpha powerfully aware that Jimin wore a similar outfit of only boxers and a t-shirt.

For untold minutes he studied the omega. Jimin’s eyes were slightly puffy even while closed, probably from crying the night before, but it didn’t detract from his beauty. It just made him more real. Vivid purple bruising ringed his left eye. His cheeks were puffed crescents squished against Yoongi’s chest. Tangles of pink hair drifted over his forehead and the tips of his ears where small stud piercings decorated the lower edges of both lobes. Yoongi traced a gentle finger over the piercings, fascinated.

As if his touch were a beacon, Jimin twitched at his side. Yoongi froze, flustered, but Jimin merely muttered an incoherent protest and nuzzled his face firmly into Yoongi’s chest. Despite himself, Yoongi’s body shook with a silent laugh.

Jimin’s eyes twitched open, the deep blue blurred with sleep and confusion. “Yoongi?” he said first, voice rough with sleep. Almost immediately he blinked and tried to straighten up, but Yoongi wasn’t having it, wrapping his arms firmly around the omega to keep him still. “Oh my god, I’m so sorry,” he started stuttering, eyes wide. “I couldn’t sleep and—”

“Jimin,” said Yoongi easily, voice calm. Jimin’s protests died. “It’s okay. Really.”

The omega still looked panicked. “I didn’t mean to take advantage…”

Yoongi figured the best way to reassure Jimin was to do exactly what Yoongi had wanted to do since he woke up.

So Yoongi rolled Jimin beneath him, and buried his face in the omega’s neck. Jimin inhaled sharply, grasping at Yoongi’s shoulders, mewling softly as Yoongi blew a warm breath over the skin of Jimin’s neck before grazing his lips across it in gentle, close-mouthed kisses. Back and forth his lips moved, pecking and nuzzling and fully absorbing Jimin’s rich scent until Yoongi felt high off of it.

“Y-Yoongi,” stuttered Jimin, writhing beneath him. “What are you d-doing?”

“Scenting you,” said Yoongi calmly, soaking in the warmth, the smell. “Is this okay?” he belatedly checked.

Jimin didn’t answer him, and his body stopped moving against Yoongi’s. The alpha drew back to look him in the eyes. He expected shyness, he even expected anxiety or total fear at an alpha’s proximity given Jimin’s experiences and was fully prepared to completely draw back and away, but he was floored by the confusion in the omega’s eyes.

“What?” asked Yoongi softly, brushing his fingers through the pink hair.

Jimin swallowed. “You asked if it was okay.”

“Of course I did. If you aren’t okay with this, I stop. That’s how it works.”

The omega blinked.

“Jimin? Do you want me to stop?”

Jimin swallowed again, and nibbled his bottom lip between his teeth. Yoongi could have groaned at the teasing sight. “No,” he finally said, eyes wide. “I want you to scent me.” He blushed suddenly. “I want to smell like you.”

Yoongi bit back a growl but couldn’t stop the pleased groan as he pressed his lips to Jimin’s neck once more. This time the omega’s hands tentatively crept up to wrap around Yoongi’s neck and the alpha hummed encouragement, dancing teasing kisses along Jimin’s shoulder, up his neck, across his jaw to his chin then back down the other side, repeating the pattern over and over again until Jimin was an incoherent mess beneath him.

When Jimin’s nails dug into his shoulders, Yoongi groaned again and opened his mouth to lick a path up Jimin’s neck. The moan that the omega released had Yoongi’s body coiling, his briefs tightening around a rising erection, and Yoongi kept his hips away from Jimin’s, refusing to rush, refusing to scare Jimin away. Yoongi teased them both with one last sensuous open-mouthed kiss beneath Jimin’s jaw before pulling back, breathing hard.

Jimin looked an absolute wreck. He was panting, mouth gaping, lips pinked and swollen from where he’d bitten them repeatedly. His eyes were blown wide in a haze of surprise and lust, and his body tremored lightly. Yoongi turned his focus to soothing him, nuzzling his nose against Jimin’s temple and hair, pressing chaste kisses to his forehead until Jimin fell limp beneath him. Then Yoongi rolled back onto his side and tugged Jimin firmly against him. The scents of cedar, pear and honey were a palpable mix upon the air in the den, pleasing Yoongi enormously.

“Why,” began Jimin, voice quiet. “Why did you want to scent me?”

Yoongi kept playing with his hair. “I like you,” he admitted gruffly. “My wolf likes you. So I want your scent on me.”

“You don’t even know me,” responded Jimin, and his voice was sad.

Yoongi looked into his eyes, so close to his right then. Jimin looked so lost. “I want to get to know you. Would that be okay?”

Slowly, so slowly, Jimin’s eyes disappeared into crescents as a shy smile grew upon his face. “Yes,” he said softly, reaching out tentatively to put his hand on Yoongi’s cheek. “Yes, Yoongi. I want to know you, too.”

Yoongi released a breath and nuzzled into Jimin’s palm, nipping gently at his wrist. Jimin’s answering shy giggle made warmth cascade in Yoongi’s chest. How had he never realized how cold he had been before this shy omega turned his world upside down? He never wanted to go back.

“Can I…” Jimin trailed off again.

Yoongi nudged him a little. “Ask.”

“Can I scent you too?” he blurted, blushing furiously again.

Enormously pleased, Yoongi rumbled deep in his chest, feeling the answering shivers rack Jimin’s frame, and the alpha relaxed back against the cushions, allowing the omega free reign. Jimin leaned his weight against him and buried his face against Yoongi’s neck with unleashed enthusiasm, making the care Yoongi had taken with him seem unnecessary.

Yoongi’s skin tingled as Jimin kissed and licked at him, daring to leave a couple of slight nips that were barely more than a graze of teeth but made Yoongi growl softly under his breath.

When Jimin’s movements slowed and his breathing relaxed as if he had gotten drunk on Yoongi’s scent, Yoongi curled around him again.

“I’m sorry about last night, Yoongi,” said Jimin after a long, peaceful silence.

“You don’t need to apologize,” said Yoongi immediately, his voice a deep rumble that Jimin could feel in his bones as he lay draped over the alpha. “You did nothing wrong.”

“I’ve seen you around before, you know. In the library and the dining hall and stuff. I always wanted to say hi but I was too shy. I’m sorry I didn’t have a chance to meet you before the mess of last night.”

“I’d noticed you before, too,” Yoongi reassured him. “I should have said hi as well. I remember the first time I saw you, actually.”

“Really?” Jimin perked up, delighted. He crossed his arms on top of Yoongi’s chest and leaned his chin atop them, staring down at him. “You’re lying.”

Yoongi raised an eyebrow again, tugging a piece of his hair. “Yah, don’t be a brat,” he chided, making Jimin chuckle. “Of course I do. It was at the dance showcase last winter, I went to support Hobi and Jungkook. You had a solo at the end of the show. You danced a mix of contemporary and hip-hop to a song I didn’t recognize. You were wearing black leggings and a loose black shirt. I had never seen anything so beautiful. And I remember thinking I wanted to know who that gorgeous omega was. But by the time I got backstage, you had disappeared. A part of me thought I had dreamed you up, until I saw you again tonight.”

Jimin remembered that night. He remembered the excitement and nerves wracking his body from performing his very first solo dance, he remembered the rush he felt at the adrenaline and applause. A part of him lived for performing, lived for praise and knowing people found him talented and attractive, and that night had been everything he had ever wanted. Yugyeom had sneered and scolded him for wearing too revealing an outfit, had commented on how much food Jimin had eaten after the show even though his stomach was snarling and eating itself, had fucked Jimin so hard that night as his supposed reward that Jimin had been unable to walk upright for days.

Jimin wished he had known then that Yoongi was in the audience.

“I heard the song that you submitted to that songwriting contest you won last year,” admitted Jimin shyly. “I remember dreaming up the moves I would perform to it, and I remember wanting to ask the writer how he did it, how he put it all together.”

“That wasn’t even my best piece,” grumbled Yoongi.

A raucous giggle shook Jimin, and he hid his face against Yoongi’s chest, delighted. He felt like he was witnessing a side of Yoongi that he didn’t show to many.

“I know I said it before, but thank you, Yoongi. For everything. Not many people, let alone an alpha, would have helped a strange omega like you did last night. You helped me save Taehyung,” Jimin said shakily. “I don’t know what would have happened if you hadn’t been there. I was so stupid to get into that situation. Just, thank you. For being there.”

Yoongi stiffened beneath him. “If you being here with me right now is just to say thank you—”

Jimin whacked his chest with a palm. “Don’t be dumb. I know all evidence points to the contrary but I’m not a completely spineless wimp. I’m here with you because I like you, and I like your scent, and I like lying with you. I’m just apologizing that the circumstances of how we met were shitty, that’s all. I appreciated you being there, so thank you.”

“Okay, okay, calm down, little omega,” said Yoongi gruffly, rolling again and pressing Jimin down into the cushions beneath him. He nuzzled into Jimin’s neck again, sated once more. “But still, no thanks necessary. I wanted to help so I did.”

Jimin hugged him, heaving a happy sigh. He didn’t think he could possibly feel any more content.

After a while, Yoongi tapped his hip. “Come on, brat, up. Let’s go dig up some breakfast, I can hear your stomach growling.”

Jimin pouted. He didn’t want to move. “But I’m comfy.”

Yoongi solved the problem by picking Jimin up into his arms, the omega squealing and grasping at his shoulders for stability as Yoongi carried him towards the kitchen. They disentangled at the foot of the staircase as Jimin made a bid for freedom to check on Taehyung, kissing his alpha’s cheek before scampering upstairs. Yoongi was left staring after him in bemusement.

A slow clap made him look around. Hoseok stood there, grinning wide. “That’s one hell of a smile you’ve got there. Gums showing and everything. Who are you and what have you done with our Min Yoongi?”

Yoongi sighed, then shook his head ruefully. “Shit, Hobi. This omega has me wrapped around his fucking finger and doesn’t even know it.”

Hobi came over and clapped a hand on his shoulder, steering him towards the kitchen. “Keep telling yourself that, alpha.”

-

Upstairs, Jimin had to physically stop himself from skipping down the hallway. His head was a mess of elation and disbelief. Yoongi had come to mean so much to him in so short a time that a part of him worried that Yoongi was caught up in saving the poor omega from a pack of alpha bullies and was merely perpetuating a fantasy, but Jimin did his best to cut those thoughts off at the base like a weed.

The door to Taehyung’s room remained closed and undisturbed. Jimin could smell his friend’s heat, could hear rustling from within. He knocked gently then slid inside.

Taehyung lay on his back on the gigantic bed, entirely bare. His body was soaked in slick, sweat and come, his eyes hazy and unaware. Blankets and pillows surrounded him in a messy tangle of a nest, though Jimin noted the hoodie and t-shirt directly underneath Taehyung from a certain alpha downstairs.

Jimin needed to think about that more.

Tae rolled his head on his shoulders, one hand tugging on his cock with the other buried three fingers deep in his ass. “Chim Chim,” he whined, entirely out of it. “Hot. Hurts.”

“I know, Tae, I know,” Jimin instantly soothed. He rushed to his friend’s side just as Taehyung came for what had to be close to the twentieth time, spine bowing up as he cried out in short-lived relief. Jimin opened a bottle of water and urged it on his friend, and Tae guzzled desperately, hands still wandering his own body.

Jimin set aside the empty bottle and gently put his hands on Tae’s cheeks. “Tae, hey, easy,” he said. “Are you doing okay? Do you need anything?”

“Jungkook,” moaned Taehyung pathetically.

Jimin hummed under his breath, considering. “Not while you’re in your heat, Tae. Maybe for your next one, once you can ask him while you’re thinking straight, okay?”

The words went clear over his friend’s head as the omega succumbed to his heat once more. Satisfied that Taehyung was as well as he could be under the circumstances, and that he didn’t seem to be suffering any complications from the stress of the previous night and that his heat was proceeding as usual despite the enhancers, Jimin let himself out of the room.

The pink-haired omega ran into the room he had been given to clean himself up in the adjoining bathroom. He hastened through a shower, then, blushing again, helped himself to the small stack of clean, scentless sweatpants and t-shirts piled in the armoire. Jimin reminded himself to prove his gratitude to Yoongi’s mysterious omega friend in whatever way he could for the unlimited hospitality, then dressed himself in clean clothes and wandered back downstairs. He followed Yoongi’s scent to the kitchen to see the alpha leaning back against a granite countertop, a mug of tea pressed against his smiling lips. He had pulled his jeans back on but left the top snap carelessly unbuttoned, causing heat to stir in Jimin’s belly.

Jimin could see Hoseok and Jungkook relaxing at the table alongside an additional alpha, while Jin puttered around a sizzling fry pan on the stovetop, the smell of fried rice and eggs warming the kitchen air. Jimin continued to hesitate in the doorway, unsure how to breach such a comfortable scene. The shifters in that kitchen looked like a pack.

They looked like a family.

He needn’t have worried. Yoongi looked over at him, eyes warm, and merely raised one of his hands. Jimin blushed but walked into the kitchen to take Yoongi’s hand, grinning as the alpha pulled him in for a warm hug. The omega buried his face in Yoongi’s neck again and breathed in their comfortingly mixed scents as Yoongi rumbled against him and kissed his temple.

“Is Taehyung okay?” asked Yoongi, releasing him once they both were satisfied.

Jimin nodded. “It’s a normal heat, thank god. I thought maybe the enhancers could have fucked with his hormones but everything seems okay.” He looked up at Jin, chewing on his lip again. “Thank you so, so much for letting him stay, it means so much to me. And to him, once he comes out of his heat.”

Jin all but squealed and approached the pair to pinch Jimin’s cheek. “You are the cutest freaking thing, I swear. Yoongi, where did you find him? I want one.”

Blushing furiously now, Jimin hid his face in Yoongi’s chest as everyone in the kitchen laughed. Jin cooed at him again.

Yoongi kissed the top of Jimin’s head. “Jimin, I’d like you to formally meet my friend, Kim Seokjin. He’s a male omega, a model, does a lot of campaigns for Burberry and all those other pretentious brands that regular people can’t afford.”

“Yoongi’s just jealous because he’s not worldwide handsome like me.”

“Sure, Jin.” Yoongi next gestured to the unfamiliar alpha at the table, who waved lazily to Jimin. “That is Jin’s mate, Kim Namjoon. He’s an alpha like me, we met when I was a freshman at SNU and he was a senior. He was a mentor to me as a music production major. He and Jin met during their senior years and have been mated for almost three years now. This house belongs to them.”

Jimin offered each of them a formal bow, though Jin swept him into a greedy hug that immediately put Jimin more at ease. Namjoon stood and returned the bow, his dimples growing as he smiled kindly.

“You met my roommates, Hobi and Jungkook, briefly, I guess,” continued Yoongi. “Jung Hoseok, he’s a beta, a junior like me. And Jeon Jungkook is also an alpha, and a freshman—”

“And dance majors like me, right?” interrupted Jimin, staring especially at the young-looking alpha with fascination. “You were the one who choreographed the dance team’s national performance a few weeks ago, right? You’re that Jungkook?”

Jungkook scratched the back of his neck, grinning a little and showing endearingly large front teeth. “Yeah, that’s me,” he said. “I like choreo.”

“And you, you’re J-Hope,” continued Jimin with a lightning-fast switch to Hobi, eyes wide. “You teach the advanced hip hop classes, I haven’t even qualified to take one yet—”

“It won’t be long before you join us,” interrupted Hobi, Jungkook nodding agreement. “I’ve seen your stuff, Jimin, you’re pretty good.”

“Holy shit,” said Jimin, awestruck. “You aren’t kidding.”

Jungkook blinked, and Hobi cocked his head. “No?” they chorused together.

Still at his side, Yoongi snorted and nudged a speechless Jimin towards a seat at the table as Jin walked over with heaping platters of eggs, rice and fruit. Jin put the dishes down in time to catch Namjoon’s mug before it crashed to the ground as the alpha clipped it with an elbow in his haste to help. Jin winked at Jimin’s awe.

“He breaks a new mug every week,” said Jin carelessly. “I keep him around anyway.”

As each of them took a seat, Jimin hesitated and cast a look towards the stairs. “I should take some food to Taehyung.”

“Allow me,” offered Jungkook. Jimin met his eyes nervously. “Jimin, I know I’m all but a stranger to you and Taehyung, but I don’t mean either of you any harm. The opposite, actually. I like your friend and I want to help him. I’ll do nothing untoward, I promise.”

It was hard to argue such a sincere statement, but Jimin still bit his lip. “I’m sorry, I’m not accusing you, Jungkook, it’s just been only me and Taehyung forever since our pack disowned us. I’m not used to others wanting to help.”

A thrill of palpable anger raced around the room. Jimin shied backwards, and looked around for the source, bewildered, but Jungkook kept calm, eyes still on the omega. “I’m sorry to hear what you’ve gone through. I’d still like to help.”

“He seems to like your scent,” offered Jimin, shocked when Jungkook, an alpha, blushed. Jimin didn’t think he’d ever seen an alpha blush before. “I think he’d appreciate some food. Thank you, Jungkook.”

The alpha nearly tripped over his own feet putting a plate together and hastening out of the room, chased by the other shifters’ endearing laughter.

The rest of the group tucked into their food, Yoongi serving Jimin before serving himself to the bemusement of his friends.

“How long have you all been a pack?” asked Jimin, and immediately looked around in confusion as the group laughed.

“We aren’t a pack,” clarified Namjoon, but he was smiling. “Jin is the only packmate I have, it’s just us. These three are just strays that wander through as they please.”

“Strays?” protested Hobi indignantly, mouth full. “I am appalled at the insinuation, Joon. You and Jin would be lost without your children.”

“Children,” scoffed Namjoon, taking a swig of his tea. “Please. Strays, Hobi. Strays.”

“They are my children and I love them,” said Jin sternly, eyes beaded on his mate’s.

Instantly Namjoon cowered and said meekly, “Yes, dear.”

Jimin, wide-eyed, looked at Yoongi, who grinned at him. “Jin wears the pants in the relationship. He likes to think we’re all his children. We let him, because it means he feeds us.”

“And cleans up after you and gives you somewhere off campus to rest and sleep and shift into your natural forms safely and reminds you to get fresh air and exercise,” grumbled Jin under his breath, making Jimin giggle.

As the food was demolished, Jimin immediately offered to clear, but Jin nudged him down and poured him more tea as Hobi began whisking the plates away. Yoongi rested a hand on the nape of Jimin’s neck, stroking gently and playing with his hair, making Jimin want to purr. Yoongi made that rumbling noise deep in his chest again as Jimin stretched into the caress.

“Hey, Jimin?” began Namjoon quietly. “I don’t want to make you uncomfortable, but I wanted to ask you something.”

Jimin wet his lips. “Sure, Namjoon-ssi.”

“Call me hyung,” Namjoon said immediately, making the omega grin.

“Same for me,” chimed in Hobi and Jin at the same time.

Jungkook slid back into his seat. He offered Jimin his bunny-like smile. “Taehyung is fine. He managed to eat a bit.”

The omega smiled back, grateful, and returned his attention to Namjoon. “What did you want to ask, hyung? It’s okay.” Jimin assumed he wanted more details about the trouble that had dumped Jimin on his doorstep.

“You mentioned that your previous pack had disowned you and Taehyung,” said Namjoon gently. “Why?”

Jimin instantly shuddered. Yoongi reacted instinctively to the flare of fear poisoning Jimin’s scent before his mind even fully engaged, arms reaching out to wrap around Jimin’s waist and ease him into Yoongi’s lap where the omega curled into him, shaking.

The others watched his reaction with varying expressions of concern.

“We disobeyed.”

A shudder seemed to collectively cascade through the room, and Jimin recoiled further, panicking. Disobedience was one of the worst things an omega could do, punishable by exile and even death if the defiance was severe enough.

“How did you disobey?” came Namjoon’s inevitable question.

Jimin debated not answering. But they had shown him and Taehyung such kindness, such empathy. Jimin wouldn’t reward that with dishonorable lies.

“Because we both refused to enter forced matings,” whispered Jimin.

The others recoiled in shock.

Matings were sacred among shapeshifter kind. Young could only be borne of a mated pair. Often a pair of wolves would remain in the courting stage for years before performing the bite that would mark them forever as mates just to ensure the bond was strong enough. But in more rural packs, where choices for mates were slim and the desperation for shapeshifter children was strong, alphas would take it upon themselves to bite an omega against their will. The mating bond, supposed to represent love, trust and remain a feeling of constant affection, would burn like the devil’s hand and though offspring could then be birthed, the bond would torment the omega, forever.

“An alpha attempted to mate you without your permission?” growled Yoongi, cedar permeating the air.

Jimin cowered further. “Our head alpha, he assigned our mates but they w-weren’t nice alphas and we j-just didn’t want it, we couldn’t take it, so we ran, and they officially disowned us for our d-disobedience.”

At the sudden burst of noise, Jimin jolted so badly he fell out of Yoongi’s lap. Out of habit he avoided the commotion, slinking away until his back was pressed against the closest counter, remaining small and hunched over. He blinked to see a large male wolf, fur black as ebony, crouched on the pieces of the chair that Jungkook had been previously been perched on, the human Jungkook nowhere to be seen. Jimin blinked again.

Jungkook in wolf form was massive, strong and beautiful.

Jungkook let out a short howl before immediately turning and loping out of the room. They all could hear the thunder of his footsteps up the staircase and Jimin panicked for his best friend, half-rising from his defensive position. But Namjoon held both his hands up and closed his eyes in concentration, muttering, “Calm,” in a strong, unwavering voice. The chaos of the kitchen stilled, and Jimin couldn’t help but relax a bit.

“I can sense Jungkook, he's currently lying on the floor outside of Taehyung’s room,” said Namjoon, composed once more. “His bedroom door is still closed and Taehyung remains undisturbed. I believe the tale of your past upset Jungkook to the point he felt Taehyung required protection and attention directly from his wolf form. No harm will come to Taehyung, or to you, Jimin, not from him, not from anyone.”

Jimin nodded furiously, his instincts confirming beyond a shadow of a doubt that no one in that house would hurt him. His memories, however, were another thing entirely.

All eyes turned now to Yoongi, who had stood up at the commotion but had otherwise not moved. His eyes were screwed closed, his head bowed. The tendons in his neck were prominent with tension and his hands had tightened to fists at his sides. Hard tremors shook his frame.

“Yoongi,” came Hobi’s soft voice. “Let your wolf out if you need to, brother.”

“He’s dead,” said Yoongi in a coldly robotic voice, so unlike him that Jimin flinched. “They’re all dead. I’ll kill them.”

“As satisfying as that would be,” drawled Namjoon, “We can’t let you do that, Yoongi. They’re out of our reach for now.”

“Could track them down. Find them.”

“Perhaps. But that is not a thought to consider today. We have to take care of the omegas, don’t we? Taehyung. Jimin.”

“Pack.”

Namjoon and Jin shared a look heavy with indecipherable meaning. “Yoongi, Jimin needs you now, okay? Either let your wolf loose or calm down.”

At the sound of his name, Jimin jolted again. His heart ached to see Yoongi battling for control, and he knew it was his fault. It was that knowledge that drove him to get up off of his knees and approach Yoongi.

He knew what an angry alpha was capable of. He had scars to prove it.

But this was Yoongi.

So Jimin reached out to place shaking hands on Yoongi’s face. The alpha sucked in a breath at the contact, face drawing tighter, but Jimin didn’t back away. He merely caressed his hands along Yoongi’s cheeks, down his jaw, over his shoulders and chest, long drawn-out strokes meant to ease, to soothe.

“Yoongi,” breathed Jimin. “I’m okay. I’m okay, I promise. I’m here with you. Please don’t be angry anymore.”

Yoongi’s eyes flew open, and his eyes were solid amber. Jimin gasped in awe, one hand tracing the shadow beneath his left eye as he stared.

“Wow,” whispered Jimin.

With visible effort, Yoongi reigned in his wolf, the amber disappearing into his usual sleepy black eyes. Soon he looked like himself again, the strain in his body relaxing again.

“Sorry,” he said gruffly, staring at Jimin.

The omega blinked. “What?”

“I’m usually in better control.”

Jimin just shook his head. “Do you always hold yourself to impossible standards?”

“Yes.”

Surprised, Jimin giggled.

“Hey, Jimin?” said Jin, drawing everyone’s attention. “Your previous pack was full of assholes. Fuck them.”

“Hear, hear,” crowed Hobi, delighted as Jimin giggled again. “I got to ask, though, didn’t your parents step in, Jimin? They were seriously okay with you guys being sacrificed like that?”

“I was found wandering the woods as a pup. The pack took me in,” answered Jimin with a shrug. “And Tae’s parents were killed by hunters when we were six. The pack healer raised us, best she knew how. She definitely didn’t argue the head alpha’s decisions. No one did. Taehyung and I are happy to be rid of them.”

“They don’t know where you are?” asked Namjoon warily.

“We tried not to leave a trail but it was the first time Tae and I had been on our own, we did the best we could. We figured Seoul was the best place to hide, and it worked out when we both got scholarships to the university. We don’t even know if they’re looking.”

Yoongi snorted. “That head alpha—”

“Kua,” muttered Jimin.

“Whatever. He won’t have the chance to bother you.” Yoongi crossed his arms over his chest. “We won’t let him.”

“I can take care of myself,” grumbled Jimin, also crossing his arms. He glared back when Yoongi raised a brow at him. “I don’t need to be put in some corner while the big bad alphas duke it out, okay?”

“Of course not,” agreed Jin, also glaring at Yoongi. “And that’s not what Yoongi meant. He simply meant we’re here to help, because we like you. Isn’t that right, Yoongi?”

Yoongi rolled his eyes.

“Yoongi,” pressed Jin.

“Okay,” said Yoongi, exasperated. He turned to Jimin. “I don’t want to lock you up and throw away the key, all right? I just want to help.”

“Help I’ll take,” said Jimin, smug now. “I’m not an idiot.” He acquiesced to lean in to Yoongi when the alpha snaked an arm around his waist, skin tingling where his t-shirt rode up and Yoongi’s skin pressed against his. But he remembered the mess awaiting him back at school with a pang.

“I need to go make a statement to the police.”

“I need to swing by campus and hand in a term paper,” said Jungkook conversationally, eyes still flitting towards the stairs every minute. “I can take you, Jimin, then we can head to school and you can—”

“Start cleaning up the mess that is my life? I should probably go to my dorm, see if anything can be salvaged.”

“You and Taehyung are welcome to stay for the weekend,” repeated Jin warmly, reading Jimin’s hesitance to leave his friend while Tae was in heat in a strange place. “I’ll be here to keep an eye on Taehyung while you’re away, don’t worry. His heat won’t be over for another day or so anyway. Jungkook, take my credit card with you, get Jimin some new clothes if his were ruined. I insist,” he added over Jimin’s vehement refusal. “Jimin, Namjoon and I truly have more money than we know what to do with. We’ve been very blessed in our lines of work.” At his side Namjoon nodded fervently. “You and Taehyung have hit a rough patch through no fault of your own. We just want to help.”

Jimin couldn’t refuse Jin’s puppy eyes if he tried, but mentally he vowed not to accept a penny and simply use his own, admittedly sparse, funds. “Okay, hyung.”

“I’ll tag along,” said Yoongi. “I need to pick up some things from my place.”

-

Taehyung came back to awareness as if surfacing from a really good dream.

Consciousness returned in bits and pieces. First came a feeling of warmth, of security. His limp, prostrate body lay stretched out on a heavenly soft, warm, comfortable nest, the most comfortable he had ever made. He was naked, skin slick and sticky with the familiar heat mess of sweat, drool, tears and dried cum. His silvery hair was a damp wavy mess sticking to his forehead.

Eyes blinking drowsily open, he stared up at an unfamiliar ceiling and beautiful chandelier overhead. He inhaled lazily, detecting his own rich musk thick with turpentine and cotton. But he blinked when he couldn’t smell his roommate’s sour olive tones nor the rest of the omegean floor of his dormitory. Instead a trace of seawater permeated the air. Body growing rigid, Tae sniffed around, tracing the scent to a strange black hoodie buried squarely beneath him.

Alpha, he recognized instantly.

Though the alpha’s scent was comforting and somewhat familiar, Taehyung shot out of the strange bed, heart pounding. The room was sparse, only a bed, nightstand and armoire decorating the space, the walls blank. Three generous windows granted him a view of an expansive, grassy backyard that extended to the foot of a forest. He seemed to be on the second floor. Dusk was falling fast outside. What day was it?

Taehyung whimpered. Looking around, panic growing, he couldn’t see his phone or any clothes belonging to him except for a slick-soaked ruined pair of briefs. He pulled them on despite their nastiness, terrified of being fully naked just then. He lunged for the closed door then froze with his hand on the knob as his ears picked up distant voices.

“Yoongi called,” said a male with a rich, warm voice. “Everything went well at the station. The Delta Phi alphas that were involved have been expelled.”

“Thank god for that. They should have been arrested,” said another male.

“Jimin opted not to press charges, he just wanted the whole thing over and for them to be gone. When they went to his dorm, that kid Bambam had already tossed everything and changed the locks. They’re headed back from the mall now.”

“Asshole. I guess a complaint could be lodged with housing but I doubt it’d fix everything.”

“His life would be a living hell if he went back there,” protested a third unknown male.

“We know, Hobi,” said the first.

“What are you two planning? Why are you looking at each other like that?” Silence, then a low scoff of, “Mates.”

Someone said something else but the voices were muffled now, as if they had gravitated further away. Taehyung was sweating now, shaking as he stood there. Where was he? Who were the strangers? How did he get here? How did they know Jimin?

His mind was a blank mess of heat-laced confusion. He remembered Jiyeon, a casual friend from the arts department, calling him and saying Jimin was in trouble at the Delta Phi party. Even though Tae knew his friend had left after Yugyeom dumped drinks on him, he had rushed back, thinking something else had happened. Everything after that was a blur.

Tears rose to his eyes, and he whimpered again. He wanted Jimin.

He didn’t know how long he stood there in panicked indecisiveness, but it was long enough for twilight to fade into true night, darkness spreading outside the windows and casting the room into eerie shadow. Tae widened his eyes, on the verge of hyperventilating. He was scared of the dark, but more scared to turn on a light and alert the strangers to his presence.

Footsteps sounded from a distance away, gentle falls of bare feet but to Taehyung they were the floor-shaking stomps of heavy boots. A garbled voice said something but Tae’s ears had reduced all function to a panicked white noise.

Before him, the doorknob slowly turned.

Tae snatched up the bedside lamp and stood to one side of the door, back pressed against the wall. As the door opened, a male figure poked his head in, face hidden in the darkness. The strange beta smelled enticingly of grass and sunlight but Taehyung was past the point of being calmed by scents. He seemed to be peering towards the bed, stilling when he saw the empty bedsheets. Taehyung shut his eyes and swung the wooden base of the lamp towards the intruder, meeting his temple with a meaty thud. An exclamation of pained shock came from the stranger, who collapsed to his hands and knees.

Taehyung jumped over his prostrate form and rushed out, emerging into an equally unfamiliar hallway. He spotted the stairs and raced down them, neatly vaulting the rail still eight steps from the floor, landing easily in a crouch on all fours. Two unfamiliar males rushed in from a doorway, one a handsome omega with a warm caramel scent, and the tallest alpha Taehyung had ever seen who smelled of vinyl and lavender.

Their arms were outstretched, the alpha pushing his scent out with a look of fierce concentration. Before either could say anything, Taehyung raced for the front door.

But it opened before he could touch it, admitting a windswept, laughing Park Jimin.

Taehyung smelled the honey and pear before he saw his best friend, and let out a loud cry. As the omegas suddenly came face to face, the room froze. Tae vaguely registered the two strange alphas behind his friend, one’s scent tickling something in his mind, before he lunged for his friend.

Jimin instantly dropped the bags he carried and banded his arms tight around him as Taehyung collapsed in desperate, relieved sobs.

“Tae, my Taetae,” called Jimin’s soothing voice but Taehyung couldn’t focus beyond the rush of panic. “Shh, I’m here, I’m here. It’s me, Chim.”

The omegas collapsed to the floor, ignoring the burst of voices around them, Jimin’s arms locked around his friend as Taehyung curled into a ball in Jimin’s lap with his face pressed against Jimin’s chest, soaking his t-shirt in tears. Tae wept in desperate relief as security swamped him, head swimming as his panic disappeared, leaving room for a bone-deep weariness.

“You’re okay,” murmured Jimin desperately, tears eking from his own eyes, berating himself for not being there when his friend came out of heat in unfamiliar surroundings. “I’m here, you’re okay. You’ve been in heat, I’ve been taking care of you. You’re safe. We’re safe.”

Saltwater grew so powerfully in the air that Taehyung thought for a moment that he lay on the familiar beaches of Busan. “Jungkook,” said a voice warningly.

Moments later fur tickled Taehyung’s arm.

Eyes blurred with tears, with fatigue, Tae looked over. A handsome alpha wolf, hair as dark as the night beckoning through the still-open front door, lay at his side, emanating warmth like a crackling fire. The wolf’s ears were nearly flat against his head, which he held low against the ground. His tail was tucked, curled around powerfully muscled hind legs. Everything about his posture emanated safety, not danger. His eyes were direct and calm on Taehyung’s.

Tae extended a hand, fingers shaking so badly that he missed the first time he attempted to touch. The wolf waited patiently, allowing Tae to tangle his fingers in the warm scruff of his neck. Immediately the wolf’s eyes half-closed. A heavy rumble sounded from deep in his chest, not a growl or a snarl, but a comforting vibration of noise.

Taehyung didn’t know how long he lay there, entwined with his friend and the strange alpha in wolf form, listening to Jimin’s constant reassurances as the panic and fear slowly wound down.

“I’m so sorry,” murmured Jimin, over and over again. “Your usual heats last forty-eight hours so I thought I’d be back in time to help you recover, I didn’t mean for you to wake up alone. I’m so, so sorry, Taetae. I love you.”

“Love you, too, Chim Chim,” Tae whispered brokenly, his normally deep voice a wrecked mess. He wasn’t sure he forgave his friend for leaving him alone amongst strangers while in so vulnerable a state. If their positions were reversed Taehyung couldn’t have done it to Jimin.

“It’s my fault,” fretted a new voice overhead, that same warm male voice that Taehyung recognized. The words all but throbbed with regret and apology. “I told Jimin to go, I reassured him I would be able to help you.”

Taehyung didn’t know the owner of that voice. He didn’t know any of the voices or scents in that room. Nor did he know the room. And for an omega, who sacrificed sanity at the hands of their hormones during heats, there was nothing scarier than unfamiliarity.

But Jimin was here. And he trusted Jimin.

“What’s g-going on?” Taehyung asked Jimin. “What happened? Where am I?” The wolf inched closer, pressing firmly against Taehyung at the heartbroken tone.

Jimin was still crying. “Do you remember what happened last night?”

Taehyung rubbed his eyes. “The party? That was last night?”

“Yes, Delta Phi. We went there together, I was going to yell at Yugyeom for outing me, and you didn’t want me to go alone, remember? But Yugyeom poured drinks on me and we bailed. I thought you went back to your room when I went to mine but then you called me and you were at Delta Phi again.”

“Jiyeon c-called. Said you were back at the party, in trouble.”

Jimin’s arms tightened around him. “I wasn’t there, Tae. I’m so, so sorry. You called me and you were really out of it and there was a bunch of alphas with you—”

“Enhancers,” interrupted Taehyung, and his voice was hard as iron now, making Jimin flinch with surprise. Tae pulled away from his friend, looked down at the needle mark on the inside of his right elbow. “I remember now.” The wolf growled at his side. But somehow Taehyung didn’t feel threatened.

“Yoongi hyung came with me to get you,” continued Jimin nervously. He reached up a hand and a hand came down to intertwine with his, natural as breathing.

Taehyung cast a glance up at the mint-haired alpha, taking in the sleepy yet intense eyes, the relaxed stance. Tae inhaled and cedar tickled his nose. He vaguely remembered that smell, getting flashes of a park bench and a dusty elevator. He nodded hesitantly, and Yoongi nodded back.

“Nice to formally meet you, Taehyung,” he said, not letting go of Jimin’s hand. “I’m sorry for what’s happened.”

Tae snorted, wiping his face again. “Not your fault I believed that bitch and went back.”
Jimin could have cried more as his friend’s attitude resurfaced.

“Did those alphas…” Taehyung trailed off, eyes closing. He cleared his throat, and when his eyes opened, they had a familiar hint of steel. “Was I raped?”

It’s not like Taehyung would be able to tell by physical signs alone. His actions during his heat made any changes to his body negligible.

The wolf at his side opened his mouth and snarled viciously, body tense. But far from scaring Taehyung, Tae merely patted the animal’s neck absentmindedly, mind far away.

“No,” choked Jimin, hands tightening on Yoongi’s, and on Tae’s arm. “No, we got you out.”

Tae released a whoosh of breath. “Okay,” he said, voice raw. “Okay. Then what happened?”

“We were going to take you to your room but you said there was a party,” continued Jimin. “So we went to mine and Yoongi evicted Yugyeom and Bambam—”

“Bambam fucked your ex? Your ex fucked your roommate? What in the actual fuck, Jimin,” exploded Taehyung, protective instincts triggered.

“Stop making it about me, Tae, damn it,” snapped Jimin, grip tightening to bruising strength. He spoke over Tae’s protests. “Yoongi looked after you so I could shower but the alphas from Delta Phi came back. Campus cops arrested them, they were expelled.”

“Thank fuck.”

“And Hobi and Jungkook came to help, they’re Yoongi’s roommates.”

“Jung Hoseok,” sounded a voice from the top of the stairs. Everyone looked up and around, the wolf cocking his head. The man that Taehyung had clocked with the lamp stood there, unsteady on his feet. The gash on his temple was no longer bleeding but was already bruised black. “Beta,” he continued as he unsteadily walked downstairs, Jin rushing up to lend a shoulder. “You’ve got the strength of an alpha, my new omega friend. Well played.”

“Sorry?”

Hoseok instantly waved the apology away. “I would have done the same in your shoes. We would have had Jin check on you if we’d realized you were coming out of your heat. I’m really sorry I scared you.”

Shrugging, Tae looked away. “It’s okay. I wish I remember you helping us last night, then I wouldn’t have been freaked out in the first place.” His tone was bitter. He had never hated being an omega more. To distract himself, he looked at Jimin, who was wiping his face with the sleeve of his t-shirt. “Who is Jungkook?”

Jimin winced, knowing the question would hit Jungkook hard. In answer, he nodded to the wolf.

“Oh,” said Tae dumbly. The seawater. The black hoodie. Alpha. “Oh. I’m sorry.”

The wolf merely nuzzled at his elbow, thoughts unknown.

“My room got destroyed,” continued Jimin hastily. He looked up at Yoongi, and even Taehyung, dizzy and unfocused, could read the newfound affection. “Yoongi called his friend Jin who allowed us to come here. It’s Saturday night. You were in heat for just over twenty-four hours. Jungkook, Yoongi and I went to campus today to see my room again but Bambam had tossed everything and changed the lock on me. I managed to grab some stuff from your room for you, though. But I had to go buy some clothes for me, that’s why I was gone, I’m so sorry, Taetae.”

Taehyung belatedly noticed the bags and packages scattered on the floor that Jimin and the others had dropped, and he took in the new t-shirt and oversized sweatpants his friend wore that were definitely not his own. Tae might have suffered a panic attack but he could tell from the lines at the corners of Jimin’s eyes that his best friend had suffered equally, if not more, in the past day. It was that realization that had Taehyung grabbing his best friend in another hug.

“It’s okay, Jiminie,” he murmured, and he meant every word.

Jimin sobbed shakily in relief and clutched at his best friend.

A loud rumble from Taehyung’s stomach caught the attention of the room and Jungkook interrupted the omegas’ embrace, pawing at them both and worming his way between them to poke his snout at Taehyung’s midriff. Tae halfheartedly pushed his nose away. “I’m all right.”

“Jungkook’s right, you need to eat,” said Jin. “I’ll order some takeout. Babe, why don’t you get a fire going in the living room? We’ll all settle in and have a movie night, get to know one another.” Namjoon nodded.

“Can it be a Studio Ghibli?” asked Jimin, grinning when Tae glanced away bashfully. “They’re Tae’s favorite.”

Jin all but squealed, bouncing on his toes. “See, I knew I loved these omegas.”

Tae sat staring at the older omega in amazement and Jimin nudged him, giggling. “You get used to it. Come on, Tae, I’ll help you get cleaned up.”

The omegas escaped upstairs, Jimin helping his weak friend, as the five remaining shifters remained in the foyer watching them go. When they heard the distant door to Taehyung’s room close, Jungkook shifted back, black hair scattered over his forehead. His eyes were a storm of anger and regret.

“Jungkook,” began Jin soothingly, but the younger alpha snarled.

“How could you let him wake up alone to a strange beta in his nest?” growled Jungkook, advancing towards Jin. Namjoon moved to step between them but Jin pushed him back. “What the hell were you thinking?”

“I didn’t realize his heat would be over so soon.” Jin’s face was calm as he held up his hands in acquiescence. “I don’t have a lot of experience with enhancers. Even Jimin thought the drug triggered a normal two-day heat—”

“That’s no excuse.”

“Watch it, pup. I should have been paying closer attention, you’re right. No omega should have to experience that fear, Jungkook, I know that, especially under my own goddamned roof.”

Jungkook snarled again and Namjoon grabbed him by the nape of his neck faster than the younger alpha could dodge. Jungkook tensed and glared daggers but Namjoon held him fast.

“You will not disrespect my mate in my own house,” growled Namjoon. “Control yourself. Now.” The rough timber of his voice deepened with the order.

Jungkook growled back but everyone could see his body losing tension.

“Damn it,” he finally growled halfheartedly. “Okay.” Namjoon released him warily and the younger alpha backed away, scrubbing his hands over his face. “Damn it,” he repeated weakly, and looked up. “I’m sorry, Jin. I know it’s not your fault.”

Jin smiled at him self-deprecatingly. “Trust me, you couldn’t beat me up half as bad as I’m beating myself up right now.” Their gaze was a shared moment of impotent anger. “I’m going to order that food, Taehyung needs to eat. Why don’t you all go set up the living room? I’ll be in in a moment.”

They watched him head towards the kitchen, and Yoongi glanced at Namjoon curiously. “You two are planning something,” he said bluntly.

Namjoon hummed. “Maybe.”

Upstairs, Jimin stripped the bed of its furnishings while listening to the shower hiss in the bathroom next door. He piled the soiled linens into a hamper and grabbed a spare set from the armoire, soothed by the homey task of placing fresh sheets. Jin and Namjoon’s house was unbelievably beautiful, welcoming in every sense. Jimin indulged himself by collapsing onto the freshly made bed with a groan, the soft mattress so foreign from his thin dorm bed.

Taehyung emerged in a cloud of cotton-scented steam, his skin damp and clean, a white towel wrapped around his waist. He approached Jimin, ruffling another towel through his silver hair. Jimin pulled him down to sit beside him, reaching to tug the towel from his hands to dry his best friend’s hair himself.

“What have we gotten ourselves into, Jimin?” sighed Taehyung, enjoying the attention.

“I think these are good people,” said Jimin softly, humming. Once Taehyung’s hair was dry he carelessly dropped the towel and took his best friend’s hand.

“Are you just saying that because Yoongi keeps staring at you like the sun is shining out of your ass?”

“Taehyung.”

“So your hot songwriting crush not only comes to your rescue, and mine, but basically falls in love with you overnight? What kind of spell did you put on him, Park Jimin?”

“Taehyung.”

Tae giggled a little. “I’m happy for you, Jiminie. I really am.” They did their version of a secret handshake as Jimin blushed. Tae stood up to delve into the duffel bag Jimin had brought from his dorm, pulling on clean sweats and a thin hoodie with relief. He turned back to his best friend and hesitated. “Jimin…what did I do yesterday? It’s all a blur.”

“Do?”

“Come on, don’t make me say it out loud. We both know I do and say embarrassing shit during my pre-heats so lay it on me. I don’t want to be walking around these alphas blind to my own stupidity.”

“You aren’t stupid,” said Jimin fiercely, sitting up straight on the side of the bed. “Don’t ever say that again. You were in pre-heat, Tae, nothing about what you went through last night was stupid.”

“Then how did I end up with an alpha’s hoodie and t-shirt in my nest?” Tae pointed especially to the black hoodie on top of the hamper, miraculously clean of his bodily fluids, as though he had reserved the source of scent for his face and face alone.

“Well…”

Tae groaned. “Lay it on me.”

“You just really seemed to like Jungkook’s scent.”

“How embarrassing was I? Seriously.”

“You may have begged for him once or twice. But it was more cute than anything else,” added Jimin hastily as Tae groaned. “And look, it didn’t even occur to Jungkook to join you, okay? He’s a good alpha. I think all of the alphas downstairs are good, Tae. We both know how rare that is. All Jungkook did was keep an eye out for you. And give you a source of his scent, it seemed to calm you.”

“I am an embarrassing wreck of an omega,” moaned Tae behind his hands. “I’m going to go dig a hole in the backyard and bury myself in it.”

“You’ll do no such thing,” countered Jimin briskly. He stood up and wiped his hands against one another. “Is your pity party done yet? I really want you to meet everyone. Properly. They’re good people. I actually thought they were a pack but they’re all just friends, it’s cute.”

“I’m not going to get out of this, am I?”

“Nope.”

“Fine.” Tae rolled his eyes. “Let’s go embarrass myself further.”

“Stop it,” scolded Jimin, pulling the door open.

Jungkook, human Jungkook, stood there blinking at them with his fist raised to knock. He stared past Jimin at Taehyung, who froze.

“Oh, cool, you’re human again,” remarked Jimin. “Human Jungkook, meet Kim Taehyung. Tae, this is Jeon Jungkook. He’s a dance major like me but a freshman.”

“Hi,” said Jungkook hesitantly, eyes wide. “Just came to say the food is here, you should eat something.”

Tae just stared at him, inhaling the hint of seawater. “Holy shit, you’re hot,” he suddenly blurted.

Jungkook flushed to the tips of his ears as Jimin hooted a laugh, relieved Tae was back to his normal self and prepared himself to be entertained by his mischievous friend.

“S-sorry?” stammered Jungkook, still red.

“And he blushes, too.” Tae elbowed Jimin as if the other omega couldn’t see for himself, then stared at the alpha again. “Trust me, alpha, being hot is nothing to apologize for.” Tae swept by Jimin to take Jungkook’s arm and start tugging him downstairs. “Tell me, what are your feelings about rabbits on the moon?”

Jimin, still chuckling, followed them down towards the living room. Yoongi stood leaning against the archway, watching Jin, Namjoon and Hobi bicker over the placement of a tray of chicken and various sides on the coffee table. Blankets draped the huge sectional sofa and Howl’s Moving Castle was paused at the opening credits on the big screen TV overtop a fire crackling merrily in the brick hearth.

Jimin went to Yoongi as Tae tugged Jungkook into the room with a cheerful cry of “Food!”

His alpha smiled wide, gums showing, as Jimin snuggled into his side, breathing in cedar. “I see that introduction went well.”

Jimin watched Jungkook stare at Taehyung in blatant fascination, having not said a word since his stuttered apology. “Jungkook has no idea what he’s in for. This should be entertaining.”

Yoongi hummed agreement, and took Jimin’s face between his hands to kiss him. Jimin fought back a smile, lifting up on his toes to press his lips more enthusiastically to Yoongi’s as his own arms curled around the alpha’s waist.

An approving whistle made them break apart, Yoongi scowling over at a widely grinning Taehyung, who winked. “You’ll learn to love me,” the omega called from across the room.

“I feel like I won’t have a choice,” said Yoongi dryly. He kissed Jimin once more before releasing him. “I’m making some tea, want a cup? Or hot chocolate maybe?”

“Hot chocolate, definitely.”

“You got it.”

They separated and Jimin drifted into the living room, curling up on one end of the sofa. Jin sat in the middle, leaning forward with his arms wrapped around Namjoon, who sat on the floor in front of him as he snapped lids off of the dishes. Hobi sat on their other side, furiously shoveling rice into his mouth with his chopsticks. On the loveseat nearby sat Jungkook and Taehyung, the alpha grabbing all the dishes in reach and piling Tae’s plate generously with food. Tae just watched him, before grinning over at Jimin.

Jimin wasn’t fooled. He could read the slight tension in his best friend’s shoulders and the hint of wariness with which he watched Jungkook, knowing perfectly well that Tae had never experienced having an alpha prioritize Tae over himself. Jimin had dated Yugyeom, however brief and disastrous, and in the beginning Yugyeom had been quite kind and treated Jimin decently before it all went downhill, so Jimin at least had an inkling of what a proper alpha-omega dynamic would feel like. Though Yoongi had, in their infinitely short acquaintance, already redefined those standards.

But Taehyung had never been treated respectfully by an alpha.

Jimin was distracted from his thoughts by the return of Yoongi bearing two mugs, handing him one filled with hot chocolate and topped with a generous handful of marshmallows before Jimin pulled him down beside him. Jimin leaned against his shoulder as Yoongi rested his free arm across Jimin’s bent knee.

“Introductions,” said Jin enthusiastically as everyone settled in, digging into the meal. Dutifully everyone took turns speaking about themselves, Jimin laughing when Tae introduced himself as “Basically your wildest fantasies in a pretty, pretty package.”
When it came time for Jungkook’s turn, the alpha stammered so badly that no one could make out his words. Jin took care of it as Tae smiled, wide and boxy, at a furiously blushing Jungkook. When everyone was sated and full, sipping on mugs of hot drinks and lazing comfortably on the couches, Jin pressed play on the movie. Jimin curled into Yoongi, Yoongi kissing the top of his head.

Taehyung scooted closer to Jungkook and lifted the alpha’s arm himself to drape it around his shoulders, proclaiming, “Sorry, I like to cuddle.” Jungkook just furiously nodded agreement and remained stiff with surprise until Tae tickled his ribs and the pair finally relaxed together just as Howl swept into the alley.

Hobi suddenly rolled his eyes. “I’m surrounded by couples. What is this nonsense?”

The whole room dissolved in laughter as Jin and Namjoon hauled Hobi in to cuddle between them, the trio settling contentedly into the cushions.

-

Jimin cooed over at Taehyung as the end credits scrolled across the screen. His friend had tears dripping down his cheeks, rubbing them away with a halfhearted snarl back at Jimin.

“He’s really sentimental,” Jimin informed Jungkook, the alpha looking mildly alarmed at the crying omega in his arms. “The ending of that movie wrecks him every time. Always have tissues on hand if you watch a movie, especially Disney.”

“Jimin screams like a girl if he sees a spider,” countered Tae, sticking his tongue out.

“For all girls everywhere, I’m offended by that statement. Tae puts pink glitter in his hair.”

“Jimin has a Charmander plushie.”

“Tae has glasses but he thinks they make him look old so he never wears them, so he runs into walls all the time.”

“Jimin once got scared by a chipmunk in his wolf form.”

Jimin gasped. “Traitor. We said we’d take that to the grave.”

“A chipmunk?” interjected Yoongi, amused.

“This was like a rabid chipmunk, okay? It came at me.”

“Sure it did, babe.”

“Let’s go for a run,” Jin suddenly said, loudly over Jimin’s protests. Everyone was suddenly staring at the blonde omega, confused. “Come on, it’s a full moon outside! It’s the biggest cliché ever, we have to.”

“Are your woods safe?” asked Tae hesitantly. Jungkook squeezed his hand in comfort, knowing that the small park on campus that allowed students to exercise in their wolf forms contained a tiny inadequate forest, and that alphas rarely permitted omegas to run free amongst them.

“When’s the last time you guys shifted?” wondered Namjoon, gaze encompassing both Jimin and Taehyung.

The omegas glanced at each other. “Two, three months ago?” guessed Jimin while Tae just shrugged. “A bunch of alphas got offended since we dared to run on our own. They don’t like that we don’t run with a pack.”

“Well, fuck them.” Jin got to his feet, stretching. “Come on, what do you all say? Let’s run!”

Jin’s enthusiasm was infectious. Hobi had already jumped up, bouncing on the tips of his toes, grinning widely. Namjoon chuckled at his mate and allowed him to haul him to his feet. Jungkook’s bunny teeth were showing in a small smile, and even Yoongi had perked up, sleepiness gone.

“What do you think?” Yoongi murmured in Jimin’s ear. “Will you run with us?”

Jimin bit his lip, but his eyes were shining. He looked hopefully at Taehyung. “What do you think, Tae?”

“Jimin, I’m usually the one begging you to run. Let’s do this.”

Jin led them down a back hallway that extended beyond the foyer staircase, an area Jimin hadn’t explored. A small sitting area lay in a sunken conversation pit, the far wall dominated by wall-to-wall glass windows that looked out on the grassy backyard and looming forest. Jin walked directly towards one of the windows and hit a few buttons on a discrete electronic key pad. Two of the window panes slid into the floor with a quiet hiss.

“Whoa,” whispered Jimin with awe.

“You guys are mad rich,” observed Taehyung, making everyone laugh. “No, seriously, are one of you a chaebol or something?”

Jin snorted, and pointed to himself. “Model.” He pointed to Joon. “Hottest producer in Seoul.”

“Come on, babe.”

“It’s true, Joonie, don’t be shy. We don’t want the kids thinking we’re criminals or something.”

“Kids,” grumbled Tae. “You’re only a few years older than us.”

“You are children, accept it,” retorted Jin as he led the way across the grassy field. Stars shone above them, scattered across the black sky like jewels on a cloth, framing the glowing sphere of the full moon. No other manses were in sight, just the glowing fortress of Jin and Namjoon’s home behind them. And the forest, looming ahead.

Jin led the way into the trees, silence pressing in on their ears save for the rustling of tiny forest creatures in the undergrowth. The oak trees were packed so neatly together that their leaves cast a solid canopy overhead, blocking out the stars overhead and sending shafts of moonlight through tiny gaps to pierce the dark path they strode.

They emerged into a clearing, a perfectly circular one bisected by a babbling brook framed in large boulders. Two does grazed at the edge of the trees across from them. They froze and warily looked at the group of humans, sensing the predators beneath, and bolted.
Jin, Namjoon and Hobi immediately started stripping with zero hesitation, Joon reaching out to pinch at Jin’s waist when his mate stood shirtless, the rest of them rewarded by Jin’s dying-animal laughter. Jimin squeaked a bit and shut his eyes as pants were pulled off.

“Jiminie?” came Yoongi’s soft voice from his side.

But Taehyung laughed loudly, and fingers pinched at Jimin’s ticklish neck. “Little Jiminie is just shy, don’t worry, alpha.”

Jimin pouted, but didn’t open his eyes, and moments later a hoodie and sweatpants were thrown teasingly over Jimin’s head. They smelled of turpentine and Jimin dumped them carelessly on the ground, listening as one by one the chatter of his new friends faded.

“Holy shit, you’re just hot all over, aren’t you?” came Tae’s admiring comment. Jimin pictured Jungkook blushing as the dark-haired alpha grumbled something under his breath.

Moments later a wet snout snuffled at Jimin’s fingers, and the omega opened his eyes to see clothes scattered everywhere across the grass, and six wolves sitting in a semicircle around him. He recognized Taehyung’s lithe grey wolf from the abnormally bushy tail, the same silvery grey as his human hair. Tae’s tongue lolled out of his open mouth in a canine grin and Jimin shook his head at his friend. Jungkook, his entirely black coat making the alpha a mere shadow in the night, stood close beside Tae, fur barely brushing. Jungkook nodded at Jimin in a friendly fashion. Jimin could recognize Namjoon in the grey wolf with the thick white underbelly, with striking black eyebrows framing the amber eyes and giving the wolf an inquisitive look. The solid white wolf cuddled into Namjoon’s side would be Jin, then. Next to Jin, a wolf with a coat a shade of burnt red like that of late autumn leaves sprawled on his back, staring at Jimin upside-down, panting excitedly. That would be Hobi, Jimin mused.

That left…

On Jimin’s right sat a wolf that looked smaller than all the others, with a compact muscular build. His coat was the color of the stars in the sky, a bright silvery grey bisected with black markings that all but shone under the full moon. His eyes were sleepy, lids half-closed over the amber pupils as he stared up at Jimin.

Jimin swallowed, shifted uneasily on his feet. The only drawback to his nerves was having everyone now watch him shapeshift.

Which involved him taking off his clothes, unless he wanted to tear through the clothes Jin had so thoughtfully bought him. Getting naked. In front of everyone. In front of Yoongi.

Damn it.

Jimin rolled his eyes and turned his back on the others, ignoring Taehyung’s amused snort, and Yoongi’s grumble. The noises shut up quick as Jimin tore off his shirt and sweats with indecent haste, ignoring the heat on his skin from Yoongi’s stare. Then he closed his eyes again, focused his mind on that kernel of power deep within him that was the source of his shapeshifting, and let it flow through his veins.

The shift was painless, and felt like coming home.

When he opened his eyes he saw the glade in infinite shades of black and grey, the moonlight illuminating every leaf, every rock, every blade of grass. He shook out his fur, digging his nails into the dirt contentedly, and spun to face the others. If he were human, his face would be red as a sunset from the stares of the others.

His wolf form was ridiculous.

His coat was the color of butterscotch, a dusky light brown bordering on white, a pretty color if Jimin said so himself. But it wasn’t the color that was the problem. It was the fuzziness.

Jimin’s coat resembled a teddy bear come to life. His undercoat and overcoat each had multiple layers of fluffy fur, so though Jimin’s frame was smaller than even Yoongi’s, he looked twice as large. Jimin looked around at the others staring at him and laid his ears flat, whining a little, uncomfortable with the attention. Yoongi, his stunning silver coat glowing, walked over and licked him gently between the ears, tail wagging. Jimin relaxed a bit and wagged his tail as well, glowing with the alpha’s attention.

Namjoon got to his feet and stretched his forelegs along the ground, muscles bunching and relaxing. When he was satisfied he let out a short, ululating howl and started padding into the trees. Without question or discussion, Jin fell into place at his left side, a half-step behind him so that Jin’s snout reached his flank. Hobi padded after them next, a few steps behind the mated pair, tail held high and curled over his back.

Yoongi and Jungkook went next, striding wide on the right and left flanks, respectively. Jimin and Taehyung remained sitting side by side, glancing at each other nervously, until a bark from Joon summoned them. They fell into place, last in the group, each a half-step behind the pair of alphas, Jimin on the right beside Yoongi and Taehyung on the left beside Jungkook.

In this way the seven wolves ran through the forest, their strides resounding as gentle thuds on the dirt and grass, quiet yips and snorts echoing as they teased one another. Jungkook and Taehyung took off at one point, wrestling and nipping at one another as the others rolled their eyes. Jimin kept quiet, fighting to master the strength in his limbs, his strides choppy and unbalanced compared to the others. It had been too long since he had left his wolf form arise. He had never felt safe in the campus woods.

Tonight was another feeling entirely. He felt safe, and free, and happy. And being happy in his wolf form was an emotion entirely foreign to both him and Taehyung. Their old pack hadn’t welcomed their wolves, hadn’t let them run with the pack, had forced them to run alone. Two omegas running alone felt too much terror of the unknown, they were never able to run safely. From the sound of Taehyung’s playful growls at Jungkook, his friend was equally ecstatic at their change in fortune.

But even the excitement of his first run with this group of individuals could not erase how out of shape Jimin’s wolf was. Though as a human he could dance and exercise for hours, days, on end without rest, his wolf had lost muscle tone and endurance. His steps came slower, and he stumbled. He powered on, Yoongi whining at his side, but eventually the omega was forced to stop.

He staggered to a halt in a clearing not unlike the one they began from, tens of miles back. He stood with all four legs spread, limbs trembling, his head and ears hanging low as he panted hard. Shame made him cower as the rest of the wolves slowed to a halt and backtracked to him. He was truly an omega, a weak wolf who couldn’t last a few miles in the woods and held everyone back.

Jimin backed away slowly as the others approached, everything about his body language screaming submission. Yoongi licked at his face, nudged his nose with his own, whining, but Jimin cowered. Namjoon padded forward, black brows tense over his eyes, and growled. The other wolves stepped back, Yoongi and Jungkook included even though they were alphas. Jimin dropped to his belly, shamed.

He felt Namjoon standing over him, the alpha’s strength manifesting as a physical presence that the omega felt in his bones. He expected to be snapped at, to be beaten for not keeping up, for holding everyone back. It didn’t matter that they weren’t a pack. A run was a run.

Namjoon circled around to Jimin’s side, Jimin watching him from the corner of his eye, terrified. But the alpha merely lay down at his left side with a quiet huff, and rested his head on Jimin’s fluffy neck.

Jimin froze, waiting for a nip, a bite, a snap, anything. But Namjoon merely relaxed against him, and after a minute, began licking the scruff of his neck in a comforting manner. Jimin couldn’t calm down, however, even after Tae and Jungkook began tussling again, rolling across the clearing in a playful scrum, and Hobi jumped on top of Jin, mouthing at his scruff.

Yoongi lay down on Jimin’s other side, pressing his head against his, rumbling deep in his chest, a vibration to soothe and quiet.

Eventually, Jimin’s fear of punishment began to recede. No one made any move to hurt him, instead they comforted him. He let go of the anxiety with a massive sigh and leaned his head against Yoongi’s, listening to Yoongi rumbling, absorbing the coziness of Namjoon grooming his neck fur. The only wolf to ever interact with Jimin’s wolf was Taehyung. Yugyeom never wanted to run with him, claimed that, as an alpha, omegas were too weak to keep up, a belief that Jimin’s old pack had upheld as well.

Now here was a ragtag group of alphas, betas and omegas, and none of them showed any anger or irritation that Jimin couldn’t keep up. They merely changed the pace to suit his. Gratitude and awe swarmed Jimin, and he squirmed happily into the soil, unable to contain his emotions. In the next instant, Hobi and Jin piled on top of the three, with Jungkook and Taehyung following close behind. Jimin let out a surprised yip and Yoongi grumbled as they were buried in warm bodies.

A halfhearted growl from Namjoon sent them scattering again. Now Namjoon led the way back from whence they came, the seven of them naturally falling into the same order they had started in. They took the course back at an easier pace, stopping every so often to wrestle and relax, frolicking through the undergrowth and amongst the trees. Jimin learned that Hobi was a true trickster, dodging and hiding amongst the tree trunks only to jump out when least suspected and tackle the others. Namjoon was the only one that Hobi could not surprise. The alpha seemed to know every tree in that forest, know with utter surety just where each wolf ran at all times. His senses were unparalleled. Yoongi’s pace remained steadfast and unchanging, a watchdog whose ears were constantly on a swivel and senses sharp despite his sleepy eyes. Jungkook, in comparison, goofed around more often, chasing and nipping at the others’ tails to the amusement of everyone, a behavior most unlike the alphas Jimin knew. Taehyung was in his element, soaking up the attention of the others. Jimin merely watched and joined in the play as best he could.

Suddenly, Jimin caught a scent that shouldn’t be there. He froze mid-stride, the others’ momentum carrying them a few strides past, circling back around him as Jimin lifted his muzzle to the sky and inhaled deeply. There was something on the air.

Or someone.

Taehyung padded to his side, head-butting his flank with a whine. He knew Jimin’s sense of smell was the most powerful in the old pack.

Jimin yipped, low in his throat, a noise of caution and warning. Immediately Hobi and Jin stepped closer to him, the three alphas protectively circling them on the outside.

Two new wolves emerged from the trees. And then a third.

Taehyung whined, immediately dropping his belly to the grass, ears flat against his skull in terror. Jimin tried to cover him but his own instincts were screaming with fear.

The others immediately reacted to the fear of the omegas. Namjoon took a step forward, growling, hair raised on the scruff of his neck. He snarled openmouthed when the two brown strangers, betas from their weak scents, stepped closer. Saliva dripped from his canines. Jungkook and Yoongi were at his sides, growling low counterpoints.

The third wolf remained on the edge of the trees. An alpha, an enormous one, taller even than Namjoon. His dirty grey coat was marked and thatched with old scars and wounds. Scar tissue stood in place of his right eye, while the left bulged with near madness. A large nick bisected his left ear.

Together the three strangers, the betas with scarily thin malnourished figures compared to the muscular alpha, seemed to take stock of the cluster of wolves in the clearing. They stared at Taehyung and Jimin for a long indefinable moment, then the strange alpha snarled an unmistakable command.

Taehyung and Jimin both whined, and didn’t move a muscle.

The three alphas responded to the unmistakable threat and lunged at the intruders. Immediately the clearing dissolved into a racket of snarls, growls and barks. Namjoon pinned one of the betas to the ground and sank his teeth in its neck, shaking the snarling beta like a chew toy. An instant later it yelped and fell limp. Its paws thrashed for a moment before the beta lay still.

The grey alpha sped forward and tackled Namjoon as the panting alpha limped back, Namjoon immediately snarling and rising to the challenge. The pair of alphas circled each other, growling viciously.

Jungkook clamped his jaws on the other beta’s tail, used it to tug the wolf back before jumping on his belly, teeth unerringly finding the throat. The beta whined a high-pitched noise and fell limp on the grass, where it bled out in seconds. Jungkook had pierced the jugular.

Yoongi and Jungkook fell back with bloodstained muzzles, closer to Hobi and the cowering omegas, all of them watching as Namjoon continued to circle the strange alpha, who kept glancing at his dead packmates.

Suddenly Namjoon took a few steps backwards, his tail brushing Jungkook then Yoongi’s flanks in silent command. Then Namjoon transformed.

Jin let out a loud whine of terror at the sight of his mate, human and all but defenseless, staring down the intruder. Hobi placed one of his paws on the back of the terrified omega, head low, crooning reassurance.

“You should shift so we can have a conversation,” drawled Namjoon to the strange alpha. He stood there tall and fearless and firm, flanked by Jungkook, black as night and growling, and Yoongi, silver and white and almost more terrifying than Jungkook with the way he held his head low and silently glared, fur bristled so he looked twice his size.

“Shift. Now,” growled Namjoon, tone more demanding. The alpha continued to stare and growl at him. “I won’t ask again. Shift so you can tell me why you are trying to kill the omegas under my protection.”

Moments later, the wolf reared up on his hind legs, transforming halfway through the motion so that when the movements settled, a large hulking man stood there. His skin was as equally scarred as his wolf form, evidence of a hard life. His face was firm and unsmiling, his sole eye cold as ice.

The stranger looked straight at Taehyung, who whined and huddled against Jimin. Jungkook tensed and snarled, drool flying from his teeth.

The alpha chuckled, but the sound wasn’t amusing.

“Who are you and what do you want with my pack?” snarled Namjoon.

“Your pack,” said the stranger sardonically. “Interesting. You all have separate scents so this must be a recent development. Plus your friends all looked at you when you said that, as if they’re surprised.”

“That is no concern of yours,” responded Namjoon tightly, hands screwed into tight fists. “Now tell me who the hell you are and what you want.”

“Kua. Head alpha. Don’t concern yourself, doll, I’ve just come to take my omegas back. Hand them over and I’ll be on my way.”

“They aren’t going anywhere with you. Leave, now, before you end up like your packmates there.” Namjoon jerked his head towards the two dead betas.

Kua didn’t spare them a glance.

“More where they came from.” Muffled growls and snarls emanated from the woods. They were surrounded on all sides. “Hand them over, little alpha, before I wipe out your whole pathetic little pack.”

Jimin’s mind was a mess. Terror kept his legs locked, crouched against Taehyung. Yoongi stood directly before him, blocking his view of Kua but he knew that voice, recognized the tone. Kua was at his most dangerous when he was attempting to sound reasonable. No one ever knew when he would snap.

Jimin couldn’t let his friends, this family, be killed. He wouldn’t.

He would rather die himself.

Jimin transformed, making the other omegas look at him and whine. He took a shaky step forward. Instantly Kua’s eyes pinned him there, as a growl stirred deep in Yoongi’s chest, near vibrating his body.

“There’s that obedience I was looking for,” drawled Kua.

“I’ll go with you,” called Jimin thinly. His knees shook hard, threatening to send him to the ground. “But only if you leave Taehyung here. And only if you don’t hurt them.”

“Jimin, no,” ordered Namjoon, glaring at him with worry in his eyes. But a chorus of howls from the surrounding woods undermined his words.

Kua seemed to study him. “You’ve grown some balls while you were away,” he said, and there was something sickeningly akin to pride and approval in his voice. His single eye grew dark as he looked Jimin’s naked form up and down. “Little omega has fire.”

Yoongi took a single step forward and snarled so viciously that the chorus of wolves in the trees were silenced. Even Kua glanced at him and took a single step backwards. He seemed to come to himself immediately, and raised a hand to point it at Yoongi. “You will die first.”

“No,” shouted Jimin, darting forward so quickly that though Hobi and Tae lunged for him, and Jungkook danced closer to block him, and Yoongi attempted to snare his wrist in his mouth, the omega was able to slip through, running into the open space.

“I said I’ll go with you,” panted Jimin, shaking with terror as he looked upon his old pack alpha. “But only if you leave them be.”

“Jimin—” Namjoon tried to protest again, Yoongi’s desperate growls nearly obscuring his words.

“Deal,” said Kua brusquely. He grabbed Jimin by the nape of the neck.

Jimin couldn’t help but close his eyes and cry out, panicked as the memories assaulted him, memories of hands touching him, stroking him, petting him against his will until he wanted to cry with the shame—

The loudest snarl yet made all of them freeze.

Yoongi sprinted forward so fast his grey and white coat was a blur in the moonlight. He jumped just as Namjoon shouted, “Jimin, duck!”

Jimin hit the forest floor just in time for Yoongi to tackle Kua full on, claws digging into his chest, mouth darting for the throat. Yoongi bit, hard, Kua making a sickening gurgling noise as Yoongi whipped his head to the side. And neatly tore out the man’s throat.

Kua hit the ground. Dead.

For an instant, all was still. Then wolves began to emerge from the woods, dozens of them. Namjoon was suddenly at Jimin’s side, bundling him up and shoving him into the protective circle. He curled into Taehyung’s fur with a horrible shudder as Tae furiously licked every inch of skin he could reach. Yoongi and Jungkook took up their former positions at Namjoon’s side, blood dripping from Yoongi’s muzzle to stain the grass below.

One of the strangers transformed, a handsome younger male around their age. He stared down at Kua’s body, then looked at Namjoon and the others.

“Our head alpha is dead,” he said, voice monotone. None of his packmates reacted.

“Are you planning to continue his work?” Namjoon responded, calm, though his body was wound tighter than ever. “If so, I’ll repeat my earlier statement. This is my pack, and you will not take my family against their will.”

The boy watched Namjoon for another quiet minute. Then he shifted his gaze to Jimin, then Taehyung, despite Jungkook and Yoongi growling again. And then, shockingly, the boy bowed his head to each of the omegas in a show of deference.

“I apologize for our former head alpha,” he said calmly. Then, even more surprisingly, he winked. “None of us wanted any part in kidnapping Jimin and Taehyung. Not when they’ve obviously found happiness.”

Namjoon seemed too surprised to speak.

The boy looked over his shoulder, made a whistling noise that caused all of the wolves to step back into the trees. A few of them dragged the fallen bodies away, Kua’s less gently. The boy then retreated, casting a last disgusted glare at Kua’s body before looking back to Namjoon and the others.

“I wish you all the very best, Jimin, Taehyung,” he called, giving them nods once more. “Rest assured, you have nothing to fear from your old pack. Not anymore. Farewell, my old friends.” He disappeared into the forest.

Jimin sighed into Taehyung’s fur. “Bye, Chanyeol,” he murmured.

Namjoon transformed, yipped in a quiet voice that was still an unmistakable command. Jimin, despite the exhaustion weighing him down, obeyed, and shifted into his wolf, shaking out his butterscotch fur. Yoongi walked over, hesitated out of his reach. Jimin wouldn’t hear of his caution, though, and immediately moved in to nuzzle at Yoongi’s neck, ignoring the tang of fresh blood coating his fur in favor of snuggling into the alpha’s comforting scent. Yoongi furiously licked the top of his head then sniffed him all over, not stopping until he was satisfied Jimin remained unhurt.

Jungkook nuzzled Taehyung’s jaw, gently trying to encourage the omega to his feet, supporting him when Tae’s legs shook with the effort. Jin raced forward to press his body full-length against Namjoon’s, whining as he licked the alpha’s jaw, Hobi at his feet and practically throwing himself on top of Namjoon in his haste to see if the alpha was okay.
Namjoon gave them several long moments, allowed them all their reassurances. Then he growled, softly, a quiet command, and led the others towards home.

-

They reached the already familiar territory closer to Jin and Namjoon’s house, slowing to a stop amongst their discarded clothes. Namjoon raised his muzzle to the sky and started to howl, a haunting and powerful tone of challenge and simultaneous warning. Jungkook and Yoongi joined them first, Yoongi’s voice a deep bass like Namjoon’s, while Jungkook sounded high and clear. Then Hobi sat on his haunches and let out a series of yips that sounded like claps, then he too howled, a middle range between three alphas. Jin, Taehyung and Jimin joined in after a demanding bark from Namjoon, Jimin’s howl sounding higher than any other, a crystalline tone that echoed to the stars and back. Jungkook stared at Taehyung in fascination as the omega reached a low note common only among alphas.

They all shifted back to their human forms, climbing into their clothes.

“I’m so sorry,” whispered Jimin, trembling. He was terrified that the others would hate him, hate him for endangering them all, for bringing his problems into their lives.

He was immediately pulled into a hug by Jin, the taller omega bundling him close. “No, no,” crooned Jin. “It’s not your fault. Or Taehyung’s. It was that crazy alpha, it’s his fault and his alone. It’s okay.”

“No one here blames you,” said Hobi, tear tracks on his cheeks but smile intact.

Jungkook nodded agreement, from where he held Taehyung with arms wrapped around his waist, Tae’s back pressed to his chest. He rubbed his cheek against the omega’s neck, again and again, until Tae nearly purred.

Yoongi stood an arm’s length away from Jimin, who watched his alpha with worried eyes. Did Yoongi hate him now? For volunteering himself, for causing Yoongi to resort to killing a shifter?

“I…” began Yoongi, who then blew out a breath, frustrated. “Damn it, Jiminie, I want to hug you but I don’t want to scare you—”

“Scare me?” blurted Jimin, astonished. He flew into Yoongi’s arms. “God. God, you could never,” he mumbled into Yoongi’s neck, scenting him frantically until he was overwhelmed with safety, with cedar and Yoongi and home.

Yoongi was equally frantic, kissing every inch of Jimin’s face that he could reach with the omega still scenting him, stroking his back with one hand as the other cupped his face.

They remained in their embrace for several long moments, breaking apart only when they heard Jin say, with fond exasperation, “Joonie.”

They all looked over. Namjoon seemed on edge, pacing a few times towards the edge of the forest and back, restless and unhappy. He finally sighed, finally relaxed enough to reach out and stroke a hand over his mate’s shoulder. “Okay. Okay,” he said, calmer. “We’re all okay.”

“Of course we are,” said Jin soothingly. “We’re all okay. And we’re together.”

Together. The word rang hollowly in Jimin’s ears. He knew Namjoon had claimed him and Tae as pack, but that had been under threat. Jimin and Tae’s eyes met, sad and hollow, and both of them stepped away from their alphas. Jimin walked to him, holding back tears as his mind protested the separation from Yoongi. He hugged Taehyung and ran a hand through his hair.

“Come on, Tae,” he murmured, voice broken. “We have to get going.” Back to campus, back to the dorms, back to pick up the shattered pieces of their lives.

Jungkook growled and pulled Tae out of Jimin’s arms, a hand curling protectively around the nape of the omega’s neck. “No.”

Yoongi approached, brushed comforting fingers through Jimin’s hair. “Hell no,” he agreed.

Hoseok bounced forward, eyes bright and determined. “Hell to the fucking no.”

“You’re not going anywhere,” announced Jin firmly, staring at Namjoon with his hands on his hips. “Isn’t that right, Namjoon,” he continued, with no trace of question in his tone.

Namjoon huffed a breath and turned to pace, grumbling to himself.

“I want them,” whined Jin, like a child talking about his toys. He even stomped his foot, making Jimin gape. “They’re mine.”

“Damn it, Jin,” said Namjoon exasperatedly. “They’re not pets.”

“No, they’re omegas, and I want them,” Jin shot back.

“All of us? Like a pack?” interjected Hobi, who wriggled where he stood. If he were in wolf form his tail would be wagging. “Really?”

“That’s what I want,” said Jin smugly. “And Joonie wants it too, his protective instincts are just going haywire right now. Tell them how we’ve been discussing it, darling.”

“Jin.” Namjoon sighed when his mate’s eyes kindled. “Yes. Yes, we discussed it.”

“Come on, darling. You and I both know you want to take them in, lead this family.”

Namjoon finally approached his mate, took Jin’s hands in his and pressed them fiercely to his mouth. His eyes never left Jin’s as he murmured, “I love you so fucking much.”

Jin grinned, exultant. “Love you too, darling.”

Jimin was fully crying now. He remembered the freedom of running in wolf form under the full moon, of Yoongi at his side and Namjoon ahead, each of them falling into position as if they had done it a million times before. Nothing compared to the feeling of rightness.
Namjoon pressed a final kiss to Jin’s knuckles and stepped away. He moved towards the omegas, Jimin huddling closer to Taehyung, his scent flaring with fear, with anxiety. Yoongi rumbled a little, stepping closer until Jimin’s back was pressed to his chest. Jungkook watched Namjoon warily from his position behind Tae.

But Namjoon merely hauled both omegas towards him by their necks, burying their faces in his chest. Namjoon smelled comfortingly of lavender, of fresh vinyl and the wind and the forest. When he sighed Jimin felt the vibration beneath his cheek.

“Welcome home, omegas,” murmured Namjoon. “You’re not going anywhere.”

Jin laughed wetly and bounded forward to nuzzle into Joon’s side, forehead pressed to Jimin’s. Hobi all but tackled the omegas from the side, making Yoongi grumble as the beta hauled him into the embrace too. The seven of them collapsed to the grass, kneeling there for a long time, the hyungs and Jungkook forming a barrier around a crying Jimin and shaking Taehyung, scents twisting and twining in the air until Jimin smelled of them all, smelled of the territory.

Smelled of home.

-

“Does that mean we get to live here in the mansion instead of our shitty apartment?”

The family broke apart at Hoseok’s curious question, laughing now as Jin tackled the beta playfully and cuddled against his chest.

“Yes,” said Jin smugly. Namjoon reclined back on his elbows, shaking his head and smiling indulgently. “Joonie and I are tired of rattling around this place alone. This is home now. This is our den. All of ours.”

“Home?” Jimin locked eyes with a dazed Taehyung.

“Home,” repeated Namjoon, sitting up to knuckle first Jimin then Taehyung’s cheek affectionately. “You guys are home.”

Jimin sniffled, and Hoseok cooed as they all got to their feet. “It’s okay, Jiminie. You fluffy little bean, you’re with us now.”

“Hobi,” he groaned, chuckling a little.

“I want to use your wolf as a pillow,” the beta continued to squeal.

Jimin wrestled his way free of the suffocating hug and straightened his clothes with a huff.

“I’m not that fluffy.”

Yoongi pulled him to his side, kissed his temple. “You’re really fluffy. Like a kitten. But it’s cute.” Jimin’s pout didn’t go away until Yoongi kissed him properly.

“Come on, guys. I’m feeling celebratory pancakes,” announced Jin, clapping his hands together.

Taehyung’s eyes widened. “With chocolate chips?”

Jin pinched his cheek. “All the chocolate chips you want.”

They headed inside, Taehyung enthusiastically pulling Jungkook along with him.

Jimin, chuckling, moved to follow, but Yoongi had grabbed his hand.

“I know you need to eat,” said Yoongi, once the others had disappeared inside. “I won’t keep you. But I wanted to ask you something.”

Jimin tilted his head curiously. It was enough that Yoongi still liked him, still wanted him, after the chaos that he had caused.

After a few moments, Yoongi cleared his throat.

“Jimin?” He waited for the omega’s eyes to meet his. “What would you say if I told you I wanted to court you?”

The declaration was bold, and purely Yoongi. It left no room for confusion. Jimin instinctively knew that if he said no then they would continue on as they were, friends and pack. He knew that Yoongi would never pressure or force him into anything he didn’t want.

But what did Jimin want?

Well, he wanted Yoongi.

“I’d say yes,” whispered Jimin, voice shaking. He thought he had already shed all the tears he possessed but he felt the betraying hint of water in his eyes as he stared at the alpha. “Yes. I want to be yours, Yoongi.”

“Only if I’m yours, too.”

Jimin nodded, breathless, and squealed a bit as Yoongi pulled him in, cradling him close. Yoongi took Jimin’s smiling face in his hands and dropped kisses all over the omega’s forehead, temples and cheeks, kissing away the happy tears as Jimin giggled and halfheartedly tried to evade. Yoongi held Jimin against him and, closing his eyes, marveled in the warmth.

“This is all very adorable,” called Hobi from the back door, a laugh in his voice. “But Tae is threatening to eat all your pancakes unless you get your asses in here.”

“Coming,” called Yoongi, but didn’t release Jimin. He waited until Hobi left again before looking into the omega’s eyes. “I’m so fucking happy,” he said, and kissed Jimin, hard.

Jimin mewled, let his head fall back in response and invitation, submitting fully as Yoongi took the time to explore his mouth, trace his tongue down Jimin’s neck, nibble until a subtle mark bloomed on his skin. Jimin hummed, beyond content, sleepily opening his eyes again to see Yoongi watching him with affection in his eyes.

“Me too,” whispered Jimin, and the words had never been so honest.

He had Taehyung, his best friend since they were pups. Jungkook, the dongsaeng he had never had, the alpha who made Taehyung deliriously happy. Hobi, the cheerful beta who supported and loved them all so hugely, and Jin, the omega who kept them all warm and loved and fed. Namjoon, a head alpha that Jimin could trust, that Jimin could confide in and follow his lead happily.

And Jimin had Yoongi, the alpha who was so gentle, so loving to him. A touch that he welcomed, kisses that he craved, cuddles that made him feel safe and warm, consideration that made him happy. Yoongi gave him everything.

Jimin had a pack.