Chapter Text
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Jimin pulled his legs towards his chest wrapping his shaking arms around them. He looked up at the starry night sky. It was a full moon. The pale light did not do anything against the darkness surrounding him. From the balcony he could see the sleeping village, and a few wolves walking in the streets surely heading to their homes.
Home.
It had been a few days since he was taken away from his but it felt like an eternity.
He hummed softly closing his eyes picturing his brother there with him to chase away his fear and the darkness. “The wolf is howling in the forest of the night” He sang softly with a hesitant voice, not wanting to bother any wolf nearby. What if they hurt him? They were monsters that took him away from his family and put him in a golden cage, but a cage nonetheless. “He wants to, but cannot sleep”. It was an old comforting lullaby that his brother sang to him many times during cold frightening nights when storms raged outside. The whistling of the wind sounded so much like a howl at that time but now he knew better, surrounded by actual wolves that howled to the moon. It echoed to him from far away in the valleys. “The hunger is scratching his wolfen stomach. And it’s cold in his burrow”. The words brought memories that soothed him, his brother’s pristine voice rising in the air fighting away any monster hidden in their bedroom. He did not sing as well as Taehyung but he did not mind. He needed comfort. “Wolf, wolf, don’t you come here”.
Yoongi stepped forward silently watching the omega sing to the moon. The voice traveled until the council room and brought him there like a spell.
“I am afraid I cannot do that” He said referring to the last words of the lullaby. Jimin gasped stopping his song to look around at the wolf finding him so close. How didn’t he hear him coming? Yoongi looked at him with that constant unsettling smile, hungry and sly. “Can I join you?” The alpha asked surprising Jimin with the request. Since when did he bother asking for anything? Jimin thought wary. Then again, when it came to the wolf, he had too many questions without answers.
“I doubt that saying no would prevent you from joining anyway” Jimin said not really surprised when Yoongi chuckled and sat on the chair next to him.
“Some courtesy, even pretended, can’t hurt” The alpha grinned flashing his eyes red. He loved to see the omega flinch and read the fear in his gaze. It was strangely entertaining. “Was that a lullaby from your people? I heard it once before in a village we conquered” He added leaning comfortably in his chair staring at the full moon. Her pale light was hypnotizing and seduced him artfully into giving in to his wolf.
“You did?” Jimin asked looking back at the village. The less he looked at the man, the less he would be frightened by his absurd wolf traits. Since they met, Yoongi always flashed his crimson eyes, showed off his sharp fangs or more boldly ripped Jimin’s clothes with his claws the first time he bathed there.
“We were entering in the village after their pathetic attempt to protect it. There were people in the streets looking at us from every corner. Your song brought up the memory. It was a night like this one, cold but beautiful. A mother was holding her wailing baby in her arms trying to make him stop his incessant and annoying cries. She looked at us with defiance while singing that song” Yoongi chuckled humorlessly recalling that fearless woman meeting his gaze as she dared to sing out loud the provocative song. “Pushed by some ridiculous feeling of solidarity maybe or a rather stupid defiance, other villagers started to sing with her”
“She sounds fearless” Jimin commented trying to imaging that woman standing up for herself and child. It felt empowering. Maybe, he too could do that.
“And dead” Yoongi added quickly looking at Jimin with a toothy grin. “I sank my sword into her heart right there to make an example out of her. Don’t go around thinking that you can escape or defy me, little bird. You can run but you can’t hide” He added laughing out loud as he heard the omega choke on thin air as if he was drowning in an impetuous river.
“You’re a monster!” Jimin said standing up to leave. Why did he even bother talking to the man? Why even consider him as a man? Why so many questions? He hated being there trapped like a helpless prey in the claws of a ravenous wolf, or rather like a rabbit between his fangs. The irony was not lost on him. Yoongi though did not seem to know yet that he was not a bird shifter, and Jimin wouldn’t be the one to correct him and divulge such important secret.
Fate was a cruel thing to let him rot there alone.
“No, I am just a wolf, little bird” Yoongi said standing up as well facing Jimin. He took a step forward which resulted in the omega taking one back each time until his back touched the cold wall. “I am a predator and you’re the prey. Don’t you forget that” He purred dangerously leaning towards Jimin until they breathed the same intoxicating air. “I’ve been called far worse than just a monster. Don’t you know who I am? Or is your pack so isolated that my stories didn’t reach there?”
“Why would I care to listen to anything related to you? We do not give importance to monsters. We ignore them and let them rot in the darkness where they belong!” Jimin snapped glaring at the man trying to stand up for himself because for now there was no Taehyung, no shinning savor coming to the rescue. He was stuck with a monster far away from home, from everything he ever knew.
“Ignoring us won’t make us disappear” Yoongi retorted amused by the courage he saw in the omega. Jungkook told him loud and clear to never harm him but he never forbade him from having fun with Jimin…Or rather at his expense. Did that omega genuinely believe that Yoongi would slay him there on the balcony of his own bedroom? He was so naïve and easily scared. It only made the alpha crave for more of those innocent outbursts and candidness.
It felt like a fire sparkling from his fingertips coursing through his veins, igniting on its way instincts and needs he never thought he carried within.
Oh…
Now he understood his brother.
Fire.
A blaze.
An enticing light that pulled him closer like a moth drawn to a flame.
He wanted that omega but for what? To bed? To devour? To tease? To mock? To fight with? To talk to?
Or maybe all of the above.
He wanted him for himself, all of what Jimin was should belong only to Yoongi. The thought made the alpha recoil and take a step back which surprised the omega who took advantage of it misinterpreting the inner turmoil.
Jimin smirked taking a step forward each time Yoongi took one back. He was winning against a wolf and that felt glorious. He did not know what to do now or say but he loved to see the wide open eyes in which he could read so many flickering emotions. They all seemed to take life in the brown gaze, thriving, roaring with such intensity before finally dying in a whimper. The once sly grin was replaced by an expression of utter disbelief.
It was empowering to see the wolf crumble and fall like an old obsolete deity.
Mate. Even in the secrecy of his own mind the word sounded too loud like a fanfare with drums banging over and over to mock him. He never wanted to mate anyone before so why that scrawny omega was any exception? He was not his true mate that was certain. He doubted that someday he would meet his, or even doubted that one was created by any God for him.
He stepped away from the omega storming out of the room. He needed air, needed to breathe, needed to run. Without a care he got rid of his clothes and shifted into his more liberating form. The black wolf sprinted out of the castle and into the mountains leaving behind him puzzled guards.
Jimin giggled happily oblivious of what genuinely happened a moment ago but it still felt like a victory. He closed and locked the door of the bedroom doubting that the wolf would come back for the night.
-
The next morning rolled in with the same peaceful quietness that seemed to mock Taehyung. He ducked hiding behind a bush when a group of alphas passed nearby. He could hear them talk and laugh after a rather crass joke. Taehyung rolled his eyes and waited until they left before finally running into the forest. Thankfully the patrols did not go further than the river which allowed him to walk the rest of the way without looking over his shoulder every second.
“Taehyung!” Jungkook breathed seeing Taehyung come out of the forest and into the field. It had been days that he spent waiting anxiously for him. He ran towards Taehyung hugging him tight as soon as he was within reach. Taehyung sobbed giving in the embrace.
“Jimin was t-taken!” Taehyung hiccupped, fingers curling tight in the fabric of Jungkook’s shirt. The past days he felt a bit better but now he let it all out, heart sinking each time he thought of his brother.
Jungkook took him in the house, laying next to him on the bed. He listened to the whole story yet he already knew every part of it. He rubbed Taehyung’s back in a soothing way and kept quiet until the last sob and last word. He did not know what to say except comforting words, even though he knew that his mate needed more than sweet nothings.
“I want you to take me to Grey Lands” Taehyung said looking up at Jungkook. “I am not emotional or anything. I need you to take me there” He insisted sitting up and wiped his wet cheeks. He looked at Jungkook with determination. “You’re a wolf, you know those lands. We will go find my brother. There is a pack meeting tomorrow night. You will come and we will tell everyone about us then leave to find Jimin” He explained his plan, simple but effective, in his opinion.
“All right” Jungkook nodded sitting up as well. “I will come tomorrow night then take you to see your brother” He added with a plan in mind, it was now or never to finally take Taehyung home where he belonged. It was the perfect opportunity to take the omega without a fight. “I need you to trust me, Taehyung. I thought about it already. Tomorrow, I will come but no matter what happens, promise me that you will leave with me”
“Of course, I will” Taehyung retorted confused by the request. “I trust you, love. And I love you. As soon as we will find Jimin we will finally settle together and raise our child” He smiled putting Jungkook’s hand on the baby bump to make a point.
-
Jimin paced in the room, it had been a few days already and Yoongi kept assuring him that Taehyung would arrive any day now. He was impatient to finally be reunited with his brother. He had to admit that his stay there was not as unpleasant as he pictured it to be. He was fed three sumptuous meals a day and bathed with the most exquisite soaps. His clothes went from worn out to fine fabrics imported from faraway lands Yoongi told him about. His stay was pleasant but he couldn’t help but yearn for his brother and his village. Furthermore, Yoongi told him that he would see the other omegas from his village only when Taehyung was there and if Jungkook allowed it. It was a maddening waiting game.
He snapped out of his thoughts as the door opened revealing an unfamiliar face. A woman dressed as fine as him, so she clearly was not a maid. She advanced in the room glaring at him.
“Who’re you?” Jimin said taking a step back. During the previous days Yoongi took him out of the bedroom on daily basis to go for walks in the gardens, or the maids kept him company. However, he never saw that woman in the castle before.
“Funny that you ask that seeing that you bed my husband every night” She sneered with disdain. Jimin’s eyes went wide open staring at her with a mix of fear and outrage.
“I didn’t do anything of that sort!” Jimin shot right back. “I didn’t allow your husband to lay a finger on me!” He added standing up for himself. Yoongi took a wicked pleasure in tormenting or teasing him. His wife was maybe just another game of his.
“It isn’t what he says. He tells anyone who wants to hear that he mated you already” She snapped angry that Jimin would lie so bluntly. Yoongi spent every night in his own chambers neglecting her completely. She did not see him since that omega stepped in the castle; and when she asked about it the maids took a wicked pleasure telling her about the omega living in her husband’s quarters, their walks, their shared meals or the way Yoongi seemed rather possessive of the omega.
“He doesn’t even sleep in my bed. I am not a home wrecker. If anything he keeps pursing me while I keep refusing him. I am not interested in him, a cruel rabid wolf, he is all yours for the taking”
Well, that was a lie.
Jimin indeed did not let Yoongi in his bed despite his pleas and attempts to seduce him. He was not indeed interested in wrecking a marriage. But he grew rather curious of the man and slowly saw the changes especially after that night on the balcony. Yoongi still teased him restlessly but his touches grew softer and more careful. The man covered him with ridiculous gifts that Jimin kept refusing reminding him of his wife. Maybe if Yoongi was not married already, maybe, just maybe, Jimin would have looked at him differently but it was not the case.
“He reeks of you” She said doubtful standing her ground. The whole castle gossiped about it, being the center of many jokes and laughs upset her. “You see, I am used to his affairs but you, whore, are the first one he brings here and I won’t let you settle in comfortably thinking that you own the place. I am his wife and you’re but a passing fad, a toy he will ineluctably grow tired of” She smirked looking at Jimin, his place was below her and she would remind him of so every day if he chose to stay.
“You know that it isn’t true otherwise you wouldn’t be here, would you?” The cold voice surprised both of them. Yoongi stood by the door glaring at her. Jimin frowned taking in his outfit. It looked like he ran there from a hunt. Yoongi wore a simple casual outfit smeared with dirt and blood. His hair was a mess falling on his face adding more gloom to his cold gaze.
Yoongi stood between them hiding Jimin behind him. The gesture did not please his wife. Her face morphed with rage. She opened her mouth to speak again but Yoongi quickly shushed her with a hand.
“Leave” He growled feeling his patience slip through his fingers like sand. He was known for his short temper and yet she was testing him.
The staring contest seemed to last hours when in real it only lasted a few seconds. The woman stormed out hastily followed in the hallways by her lady’s companions. Their steps echoed long after they had already left, or maybe it was just Jimin’s tired imagination. He couldn’t stomach more drama. Her hissing voice still rang loudly to his ears.
“Leave as well, Yoongi” Jimin whispered going to sit in the armchair. He gently massaged his temples. All of the screaming gave him a migraine. He sighed in relief hearing footsteps heading to the door but he was quickly disappointed when Yoongi closed and locked the door and remained with him.
“I said leave” Jimin insisted looking up at the man. “I am not in the mood for your games or tricks.” He added with a confidence he did not know was there within him.
“Where do you want me to go?” Yoongi said taking a hesitant step towards the omega. “This is my bedroom and honestly, I couldn’t care less about her or what happened. But I do care about you. I can’t leave you alone while you smell so …bitter. You need someone right now and-“
“And that someone isn’t you! That someone isn’t a married rabid wolf!” Jimin snapped. However, his voice was strangely low, calm even. He did not know if it was his resolve that was slowly crumbling down like a sandcastle, or maybe just tiredness getting the best of him. Jimin could see that Yoongi was somehow honest. It made him want to laugh at the ridiculousness of the situation. “You care?” He scoffed watching Yoongi wince from the mocking tone. He was not familiar with the concept, surely. Maybe, it was somehow his first confession of that sort, Jimin would believe it. He saw enough of Yoongi to know that the man was not capable of love.
“I do” Yoongi said unable to repeat the word even though it was an undeniable truth. “I do- … for you. I don’t know why nor how it happened but I do know that it is the truth, and that I want to protect you. As long as you are mine, you will be safe” He added with a heavy underlined threat. Jimin shook his head understanding quite well its meaning. For a second, he thought that the man changed but he was still facing a rabid wolf.
“How ridiculous is this? A wolf protecting a rabbit, a predator caring for a prey” Jimin couldn’t help the words from coming out, spilling the last of his secret for dangerous ears to hear. “If you do care, then take me back to my village, take me to my brother” He challenged the alpha, although he knew it wouldn’t do much.
Yoongi licked his lips looking at Jimin as if it was the first time he laid his eyes on him. “So that’s what you truly are” He said dismissing the request. “I knew that there was something more to you. The other omegas from your village smelled almost all the same but you…Your scent crawls under my skin and seems to mock and tempt me. It is so alluring and …delicious”
It explained a lot now that the truth was out. Jungkook’s not worrying about Jimin shifting and flying away, his remark about the omega being fast. Jimin’s indeed fast moves each time he tried to punch or kick him. His different smell or the way it made his inner wolf howl, and come out more times than not…it all added up.
Was this why he wanted to mate him? Because of confusing feelings due to their primal animal instinct? Yoongi doubted it even if he wanted the answer to be that simple. If it was the case, he would have had fun then ended it already but Jimin seemed to stir something else in him, something else….Love? The idea seemed so absurd yet tangible. He was falling for a prey shifter and many would laugh, choke on the irony.
“Your brother will be here soon” Yoongi found himself saying dismissing the tireless thoughts. “Jungkook will bring him soon. I told you already, there is no use of asking anyway”
“You keep telling me that! But it has been days! I want my brother!” Jimin roared standing up to face Yoongi. He walked closer to him and pushed him towards the door but the alpha did not budge.
How funny… A bunny roaring, Yoongi chuckled softly at the thought. “Because it is the truth. Jungkook will bring him soon. Patience, little bunny.” He gave him a toothy grin, his signature move.
Things got suddenly a lot more interesting and spiced up the game.
-
The night was cold and frighteningly silent, not a sound echoed from the forest. The Forest pack gathered in the meeting-room, the biggest they build in the village. They all looked around with uneasiness; the forest was foreshadowing some terrible event for them. They all seemed to sense it yet felt powerless.
Jihyun was sitting in the front row with Taehyung by his side. If it was up to him, his son would have stayed home and away from the curious gazes, but Taehyung insisted and Jihyun saw no use in denying him the right to be there.
The meeting dragged with boring matters. Taehyung felt his skin itch and his throat burn with a roaring urge to ask for his brother. His father assured him that they would talk about the abducted omegas yet the leader and elders kept talking about trivialities, as if nothing happened, as if no one was ripped away from their homes. He was about to stand up to talk but felt his father’s hand wrap around his knee keeping him seated.
How was he supposed to keep calm? The leader dismissed the subject with a nonchalance that made Taehyung want to throw up.
The door creaked opened interrupting their long tireless rant. They all looked back to see who dared to be late and interrupt their meeting. Loud gasps echoed in the room, livid faces stared as the wolves walked in eyeing the pack the way they would look at pests.
Taehyung inhaled sharply recognizing Jungkook leading what looked like a small army in their village. The alpha’s gaze swept over the audience relaxing slightly when he spotted his mate there.
“Why are you here?!” The leader asked with a squeaky voice which made some of the wolves laugh and shout out some vulgar words.
“I am here to take my mate” Jungkook stated huffing amused by his men. He shushed them with a hand gesture. “Your village is surrounded. Any vain attempt at fighting will result in your village burning down” He added calmly despite his harsh words.
“Mate?” The leader asked clearing his throat, trying to sound unaffected despite the red eyes following each of his movements. “Your men already took omegas from here. There is no mate for you among us”
Jungkook laughed softly taking another step forward making the ones near him recoil. His hand found the pommel of his sword squeezing it gently, a silent warning. He took a deep breath hearing a reckless young man from the crowd shout for them to leave already.
“I..” Jungkook began feeling his patience run thin. His eyes turned red as he looked at the bold man that dared to address them. “Jungkook from Grey lands, am here to take my mate” He added turning his gaze towards Taehyung. “Come with me” he added hoping to sound calm and unthreatening. The last thing he wanted was for Taehyung to get scared and refuse him.
The audience followed his gaze finding no other than the reckless pregnant omega that was exposed during the attack. Some of them roared standing up from their seats accusing Taehyung to have brought the bane among them.
Taehyung hesitantly stood up remembering Jungkook’s words. He did not understand what was happening but he couldn’t stay there any longer with a pack that turned a blind eye regarding the missing omegas. His brother was surely waiting for him. Jihyun wrapped his fingers around Taehyung’s wrist pulling him back.
“Don’t” Jungkook said coldly to the man recognizing him from the numerous times Taehyung described his father. “Don’t make this harder on yourselves. The sooner he comes to me, the sooner we will”
The pack members did not have the same opinion, some wanted Taehyung gone already while other urged for him to stay and face punishment. The latter made Jungkook laugh, how dare they even think to harm his mate while he was right there ready to slay them.
Taehyung looked pleadingly at his father undoing the firm grip on his wrist. “I will go find Jimin. I promise to bring him home” He whispered to the man. Jihyun did not seem convinced. The prospect of losing another son scared him. It must have shown because Taehyung wrapped his arms around his father in a last embrace. “I promise, dad. I will go find Jimin” He whispered one last time before pulling away.
Taehyung felt hands on his back push him hard towards Jungkook. He felt like a sacrificial limb in the eye of some, but the hate he read in the others pained him. He could see the scale of their anger.
“I didn’t bring anything here” He said with a small voice once he was safe within Jungkook’s arms. “I only found my mate. The abductions weren’t my fault. My brother was taken too!” he snapped unable to handle the slurs anymore. The wolves did not care about the others; they surrounded Taehyung and Jungkook like a swarm of bees; all moving in synch and assuming their posts in the blink of an eye.
Just like that Taehyung was taken away with the fading calls of his father in the background and a roaring crowd ready for a witch-hunt.
Taehyung did not want to dwell on it nor think about his father’s situation now he left with a wolf. He was an alpha, a respectable man among his peers while Jimin was a young powerless omega, Jihyun could handle it and Jimin needed help.
-
It took a few hours to finally reach Grey lands. Taehyung peaked out from the carriage seeing Jungkook riding a horse next to him and the mountains in the background glowing with the first light of the day.
Why didn’t you just come alone?
Because they would have hurt you and put my head on a stick.
Jungkook’s words was true. The village wouldn’t have taken the news well however Taehyung had too many questions about what actually happened there. Why did so many men come with Jungkook? Maybe he was a soldier, he thought looking at the man taking in any detail that would give away any crucial information. There was none except for a sword on his side and men blindly following each of his orders. He was definitely a soldier, Taehyung thought pulling away from the small window. He leant in his seat with a hand over his bump. There was not much he could do now except wait.
-
It took a day to finally arrive at the village. They stopped many times for Taehyung to rest or to freshen up. Jungkook did not divulge any information but Taehyung could feel through their bond that the man was as tired as he was, and impatient as well, but for what? He did not know yet.
Taehyung peaked out from the small window again looking at the sleeping houses. Mist was thick surrounding the village like a white coat in the early hours. He saw a few curious gazes look at the carriage then bow once they noticed Jungkook riding next to it.
A few minutes later they arrived in front of a castle, passing through golden gates and sumptuous gardens.
“Where are you taking me, Jungkook?” Taehyung whispered softly keeping his voice low as if he would wake the whole village if he spoke up. His body was sore and tired, and the long travel did not help his nerves.
“Home” Jungkook grinned looking at him. “We’re home” He added once they stopped in front of the stony castle. He jumped down his horse and went to open the door for Taehyung helping him down.
“Taehyung!!” Jimin shouted running towards them recognizing the small figure emerging from the wooden carriage. “Taehyung!” he called again engulfing his brother in a tight embrace. “I waited for you all night. A messenger informed us that you were on the road. I was so worried!” he ranted choking on tears.
Taehyung on the other hand was still shook. He wrapped his arms around Jimin nuzzling his neck. It was his brother, his voice, his comforting scent and his familiar warmth.
“What are you doing here? Where are we? Are you hurt?” Taehyung asked pulling away enough to look at Jimin, searching for any injury. There was none, only fine clothes and rare jewelries covered the small body. “Why are you dressed like this?” He whispered stunned.
Jungkook smiled watching them, relieved that Yoongi took care of Jimin during his absence. It was one thing he wouldn’t worry about at least.
“Come with me to my bedroom. I will tell you everything” Jimin said taking Taehyung’s hand. “You need to rest first and eat something” he added looking at Jungkook for permission. The alpha nodded kissing Taehyung’s head before leaving him to the care of his brother. He had many things to handle first before any talk with Taehyung.
Taehyung looked at him confused before feeling Jimin’s hand tug gently on his. He followed him trusting his brother on those foreign lands.
“I will tell you everything” Jimin smiled hooking his arm in Taehyung’s. He guided him through the hallways until Yoongi’s bedroom. It was empty; the alpha was surely outside with his brother by now. “First, you need to eat something”
Taehyung only nodded loss at words. He stood in the luxurious room looking around with wide eyes. Where were they? He thought impressed by the surroundings.
“Jimin, what happened?” He finally asked looking back at his brother. “And why are you dressed like a noble?” He whispered with tied guts dreading the answer.
“I am not mated!” Jimin answered right away noticing how livid his brother became. “I am not mated, Taehyung. This is my room” he added taking Taehyung to sit on the bed.
Dawn rolled by silently, only interrupted by Jimin’s chatter as he told Taehyung everything that happened from the moment he was taken. He omitted Yoongi’s doings for now. His brother looked too tired to handle it.
“Jungkook is a Grey Wolf?” Taehyung gasped horrified. “But he lives in that cabin in our forest!” He said trying to solve the puzzle that was his mate.
The talk lasted the whole morning and by the end of it Taehyung fell asleep holding Jimin tight against him, just like the last time they shared their small bed in their home lost in the forest. It almost felt like home.
-
Taehyung left the bedroom to follow maids for a bath. Apparently, they were sent by Jungkook, their king, that fact was unsettling. Only yesterday they were cuddling in a field surrounded by wild flowers, their safe haven and now he went head first in a foreign land surrounded by unfamiliar faces who did not dare to meet his gaze.
Jimin hummed happily choosing an outfit for Taehyung to wear from his closet. He doubted that they would share clothes longer than a day. Taehyung was supposed to be the mate of a ruler. It still felt so foreign and bizarre to even think it and let alone voice it out loud. Jimin looked around hearing the door open, a sigh left his lips. It was Yoongi again. He knew all too well what the man wanted especially now that Taehyung was there. Surely, he felt corned by some finality.
“Why don’t you accept me?” Yoongi asked, his voice was low and deep, yet it rang to Jimin’s ears akin to a shout, a desperate needy one. “I gave you the most expensive gifts, the finest clothes, the rarest jewelries yet you keep refusing me your bed.” He ranted as usual, the words felt dull to Jimin’s mind. It was a maddening game that they were stuck playing without knowing the rules.
“You’re married” Jimin whispered back focusing back on his task. All he wanted was to spend time with his brother, not fight with a capricious greedy wolf. He smiled putting a blue tunic over the bed inspecting it closely. It would fit Taehyung, he thought keeping himself busy to not look at the alpha.
“What if I wasn’t?” Yoongi asked surprising himself with the words, what did they even mean? Would he leave his wife, a comfortable political alliance, for a nameless omega? He did not know but right then he just needed something, anything, from the omega to tame his crave.
“You’re a wolf” Jimin huffed finally sparing him a glance. If the alpha wasn’t married, maybe he would have given him a chance, but that was only an ‘if’ and relationships were not built on suppositions.
“What if I wasn’t?!” Yoongi snapped tiredly knowing that it was irrational to even utter the words. He could see that the omega wanted him as well so why fight it so much and so hard. It was driving him wild.
“Do you hear yourself speaking? You are a wolf, Yoongi. You can’t change that. Are you that desperate for an omega?” Jimin said failing to understand why the alpha was that keen on having him.
“I am not desperate for an omega. I am desperate for you” Yoongi gritted, walking towards Jimin. He pinned him against the wall pressing his body against Jimin’s. His scent was intoxicating as much as his warmth. His petite frame blended perfectly under his, like puzzle pieces fated to unite. “I can feel that you want me too; so why fucking fight it so much? Please, just give in already” he pleaded leaning to brush his nose against Jimin’s, breathing the same dizzying air. His words sounded pathetic even to his ears.
Jimin inhaled looking up to meet the raging brown gaze. His hands, almost on their own accord, cupped Yoongi’s face sinking into the soft beard. He wanted it that was certain but the wife was looming in the back of his mind each time he looked at Yoongi, a silent warning.
“What do you want from me?” Jimin asked with a shaky voice. He felt himself giving in each second they spent so close. Strong arms slithered around his waist pulling him closer to his forbidden temptation.
“Anything you’re willing to give, except this maddening coldness” Yoongi whispered against Jimin’s lips. He could almost taste him, almost taste victory. “I want you so badly that you haunt each of my dreams” he purred with a deep husky voice.
“A kiss, you get a kiss, nothing else” Jimin said feeling his throat go dry. Just one time, just this once, he could give in and get what he wanted then they could move on and pretend nothing ever happened.
“Just a kiss” Yoongi repeated tilting his head. His lips brushed against Jimin’s ready to dive in and conquer but the door opened and broke their moment. Jimin gasped pushing away Yoongi who groaned glaring at the newcomer.
“What’s happening here?” Taehyung asked eyeing them suspiciously. “Jimin?” He asked walking towards his brother. He recognized the alpha from seeing him in the hallways earlier on. One of the maids was kind enough to explain who he was. Taehyung stepped between the pair glaring at Yoongi.
The alpha looked one last time at Jimin before leaving the bedroom without a word. Jimin let out a breath he did not know he held that long while Taehyung looked at him curious to understand what it was all about.
-
Taehyung sat in the balcony admiring the sleeping village. He pulled up his legs against his chest and wrapped his arms tiredly around them. His life went upside down within a day and now he was lost and confused. What was he supposed to do? He smiled hearing the soft voice of his brother singing in the night. It carried along with the breeze surrounding him like a warm embrace.
In the other room Jimin sat on the bed smiling as Yoongi swiftly rested his head on his lap. He combed the dark hair gently humming an old tune. “If I knew that falling in love gives pain, I'd announce to the entire town ‘no one fall in love’. I'd announce in every town saying ‘no one fall in love’.” Yoongi smiled nuzzling Jimin’s stomach breathing in the sweet scent. The lullaby was bittersweet.
Taehyung closed his eyes humming along; the words rang true to his ears. “If I knew that people go mad from love, I'd announce to the entire town with drums and all ‘no one fall in love’. If I knew that your heart becomes your own enemy, I'd announce on every road ‘no one fall in love’.” He sang with a sad smile synching with his brother. Their voices rose high in the sky echoing to the gardens where Jungkook was sitting too afraid to face his mate yet. He looked up recognizing yet another song from Taehyung’s village. The man seemed to have one for every occasion.
“My eyes have become wanderers; they roam here and there looking for you every moment. Every now and then, they get filled with tears. My heart is withering, why am I this thirsty when the clouds are pouring? May I fall asleep and when I wake up someone tell me that it was all just a dream”
Jimin grinned hearing his brother sing along. It felt like an eternity since they sang together, it was one of their many precious bonding moments they shared growing up.
Jimin ran his fingers in Yoongi’s hair noticing the man’s deep and even breathing. He already fell asleep lulled by the tune. Taehyung sang the last words before leaving the balcony going to an empty bed. It had been a long day but its ending was more than welcome and comforting. Maybe they could call this foreign place home as long as they had each other.
-
“Do you want me to sing you a song?” Taehyung chuckled softly taking Jungkook to the bed to lay down.
“How many songs do you know?” Jungkook said amused. He laid next to his mate resting his head on Taehyung’s chest hearing his steady heartbeat, one of the things he loved to do, better than any song he would hear. It was the melody of his living breathing and much real true mate.
“Many” Taehyung said wrapping his arms around Jungkook bringing him close. “I used to sing a lot for the children in my village. We’re songbirds after all, most of the omegas there”
Jungkook hummed closing his eyes as he felt the soft vibration echo in his mate’s chest as he started to sing.
“I have one heart, one life, both of them I'm ready to give to you.” Taehyung sang softly rubbing Jungkook’s back like he did many times before. “You're my love and my affection. You're my talks, my status and my emotions. You're my rising and the music of my soul. You're my breath, my pulse and my life. You're my secret and my topaz. You're my hope, my thirst and my attire. You're my victory and my defeat. You're my crown and my kingdom in every aspect of my love, in every morning and evening of mine.”
Jungkook rested his hand on Taehyung’s stomach feeling the warmth of their child growing strong under his palm. Their bond was not truly formed yet but Jungkook could feel a slight tug in the back of his mind, a comforting presence telling him that their future child would be a strong wolf. Taehyung on the hand laughed it off assuring him that their child would be a songbird just like him, Jungkook doubted it. He could easily recognize a strong wolf when faced with one; he did not tell anything about it to his mate, preferring to wait to see his surprised face when they would finally hold their pup.
“I like this song better” He whispered opening his eyes. “You’re my everything as well, Taehyung. My true and only mate” He added leaning on his elbow to meet the soft gaze.
“If true mates do exist, then I am sure that you’re mine” Taehyung answered truthfully. His hand stroked the raven hair gently; he never expected an alpha to be so pliant and submissive under his touch. His peers told him so many different stories about how an alpha should act; Jungkook broke all of the rules and stereotypes. He was the kindest and warmest person he ever met despite whatever legend people told about him. Taehyung knew better, he knew the man behind the bloody tales and his true motives.
Jungkook sat up biting his lip as he looked at his mate. It was now or never, he thought nervously. He breathed in drawing strength and courage from their bond. “We’re true mates” He said opening his eyes once more, not noticing that he closed them in the first place. “The healer informed me after I met you. I was so nervous about telling you. We are from different worlds, different shifters. I thought that you would reject me. And I wanted you to love me for who I am and not because you felt compelled to by a bond. Forgive me for not telling you before, I had many occasions to do so but … I loved the fact that you are with me because you wanted to. True mates or not, the fact that you chose me on your own free will is better than any old legend coming true”
Taehyung sat up looking at Jungkook’s with wide eyes; the confession explained so many things. Their bond was stronger than any he heard of in his pack, the way they interact and fit in so perfectly. It sometimes scared Taehyung to be that connected with someone but now he understood.
“True mates” His voice was barely a whispered but his face illuminated at the words.
“True mates” Jungkook smiled nodding his head. “Are you not upset that I didn’t tell you-?” His question was drowned in a kiss as Taehyung pulled Jungkook towards him again.
-
Jungkook groaned stretching his sore muscles once he dismounted his horse. Yoongi stood next to him looking at the mountains, always covered in snow no matter the season.
“Why did you bring me here?” Yoongi asked looking at his brother, curious about their impromptu trip. Jungkook woke him up in the early hours for a horse ride.
“To talk” Jungkook answered earning himself a huff from his brother. They could have talked in the village but he wanted Yoongi away from a certain omega first. “You should leave for a trip in the other kingdoms. Our brothers would be pleased to see you” He announced staring at the green fields, refusing to meet his brother’s gaze. He guessed it to be surprised then surely furious from the request.
“You’re the one who always leaves; now you ask me to” Yoongi stated frowning at the strange request. If anything Jungkook always asked them to stay put in their designed kingdoms, he was the only one that traveled from one area to another while Yoongi or any other of their brothers ruled. Jungkook was one to take untimely trips, always on the road, never staying more than a week in one place…All of that before Taehyung. It all clicked suddenly. “Taehyung wants me to leave” He said watching his brother’s features. The man cleared his throat looking embarrassed. Yoongi knew then that he was right.
“He doesn’t want you near his brother. You’re married. His brother is unmated. This is highly inappropriate” Jungkook answered simply still stubbornly avoiding his brother’s gaze, or to even look at him. He did not want to give in or choose a side.
“What if I take him with me, huh? Did he think of that? Or does he think that he can truly prevent it?” Yoongi retorted in a vain attempt to rebel. He wouldn’t give up just because Taehyung wanted him to, the thought seemed so ludicrous.
“You will not do anything of that sort because you know that Taehyung is right” Jungkook said after a pregnant pause. He took a deep breath finally turning to face his brother. “You’re married, Yoongi. As your alpha I ask you to stop courting Jimin”
“I never wanted her!” Yoongi snapped surprising even himself with his loud outburst. He never challenged Jungkook, none of their brothers did, but he couldn’t just accept that order. “I never wanted her and you know it” He added with a much softer tone, almost resigned.
“No one forced you” Jungkook reminded him calmly. Yoongi chose to marry the beta for a political alliance; he suggested the idea himself laughing when one of their brothers asked him about any potential mate in the future. ‘Love is but a fantasy. Power isn’t’ Yoongi announced proudly to the council. Oh, how he regretted the impulsive words now.
“No one” Yoongi repeated looking down at his feet noticing the vivid color of the green grass, the ant wandering over his shoe, the morning dew gleaming under the first sunrays.
“Then you know what to do” Jungkook said relieved that his brother was not fighting him over the topic. “Should we head back now?” He asked with a forced smile not wanting to dwell on the matter any longer. It made him uncomfortable.
“When I kiss him, it feels like kissing fire” Yoongi said looking up at Jungkook, “The same thing you said about Taehyung. I never prevented you from going after him even when you settled so close to the enemy, even when you went mad wanting to kill your own men for him, even when you acted recklessly. I supported you even when our brothers were against you.”
It was a vain attempt to convince, it sounded weak even to Yoongi’s ears.
“He is not your true mate” Jungkook said with a tone that had finality to it. “And brother, if he was, I would be the one dragging him in your bed. If he wasn’t Taehyung’s brother, I would be the one keeping him close to you. But he is my mate’s brother, he is off limits. And you’re already bonded to someone; take this as a lesson, maybe one that would help you fall in love with your own wife instead of running after meaningless nights with others”
The conversation was over. Just like that Jungkook walked away, mounted his horse and left, but not without a breaking heart to see his brother so powerless and lost. He couldn’t do much, if his brother persisted and maybe left his wife, then the kingdom should be ready for a war. Jungkook did not fancy that possibility.
-
By the time Jungkook arrived in the castle Taehyung was having breakfast in the gardens. He joined him dreading the talk to come but he wanted to see his mate and check on their child. Taehyung was getting heavier and more tired as the days passed by; he spent most of his days bedridden lately. His bump was full and heavy giving him back aches and many sleepless nights but Taehyung somehow managed to glow nonetheless.
“What did he say?” Taehyung asked first thing when he saw Jungkook come in the gardens. He lifted his hand inviting Jungkook to come sit next to him, standing up became too much of a hassle since his baby pushed too hard on his bladder.
“I think that he genuinely loves your brother, love” Jungkook sighed taking a seat. He took Taehyung’s hand kissing the knuckles gently. He truly did not want to get involved but seeing his mate nervous and worried was unbearable.
“What about his wife?” Taehyung sighed as well. Jimin seemed to be in love with Yoongi as well despite denying it fiercely. “I won’t accept for my brother to be a mistress of some sort” He added quickly trying to think of a peaceful solution but nothing came to his mind except a divorce that, according to Jungkook, would bring a war between the wife’s clan and them.
“I think we should be getting ready for war” Jungkook said with a shrug. “It would be an easy win. Their clan diminished and isn’t as strong as before. Furthermore, we can bring in more omegas as well for our village”
“No more abducting omegas” Taehyung retorted instantly, stunned that Jungkook would say such thing so easily. “I told you before, I won’t condone such behavior. We should start talking with other packs and find a peaceful solution for the situation” He argued with passion, it was an important matter to him.
Jungkook chuckled nodding, “All right, but once you see that it isn’t possible, you let me handle it the way I see fit” He said calmly knowing that despite Taehyung’s hard work no clan would surround omegas willingly. They tried before, it failed each time. He did not mind letting Taehyung try for his own peace of mind.
“I won’t fail” Taehyung said amused, “I am meeting the omegas this afternoon to see how they’re treated by their mates. I won’t stand by and let them suffer” he added giving Jungkook a pointed look. He did not know much about the fate of the abducted omegas but he was keen on changing that. He called for all of them to join him in the council room to talk about their situation and see if anything could be done to make things easier for them. Taehyung did not know how much he could really do but he wanted to try.
“None is mistreated” Jungkook said trying to ease Taehyung’s worries. His mate self-proclaimed himself spokesman of the omegas, Jungkook did not mind. If he wanted to manage them, Jungkook would certainly surround the task to him. It was helpful since he did not know much about omegas to begin with.
“I will see that for myself. Now let’s eat” Taehyung smiled filling Jungkook’s plate.
Taehyung was surprised by how he slipped into his role effortlessly. He enjoyed having a say in the matters of the village, as far as his mate and the council would allow it. He was not fond of politics but the omegas’ condition was an important matter to him. He wanted better living conditions and more rights for them all over the seven kingdoms.
“You will do great” Jungkook said looking at Taehyung with fondness and admiration; He never expected to have such strong man as a mate but every day he was grateful to whatever God fated Taehyung for him. There were still many obstacles to overcome and many issues to resolve however, Jungkook felt invincible with Taehyung by his side.
He was not a cursed king anymore.
He was free.
“Love, are you listening to me?” Taehyung chuckled snapping Jungkook out of his thoughts. “I was telling you about my plan…” Taehyung drifted off enunciating every step of his plan to Jungkook for his opinion and approval. Who would have thought that one day he would stand at the head of an empire, hand in hand with his true mate.
He was not a powerless omega anymore.
He was free.
-
Life went on and many legends sparkled, burned wildly and lived long after their protagonists left and joined their Gods.
One was of a cursed king, another about a strong omega that emancipated all omegas, another about a true pair of rightful leaders, however all converged to one conclusion… the love that united them thrived and survived their own deaths, carried on within majestic stories and songs through generations and generations to come.
They became immortals.
The end