Lullaby of War

Chapter Five: Calming the Beast.

Jimin didn't wait. Didn't hesitate.

Not even waiting for his vehicle to completely come to a stop or turn off, the driver's side door flew open and his shoes hit the gravel and dirt. Jimin felt his heart pounding hard in his chest, almost feeling the vibration of his ribs all the way to his teeth as he ran straight for the barn. He could already hear all the commotion, smell the panic in the scents that stunk up the air and feel the absolute panic and fear of his mate, of his Jungkook. His mated mark was burning and that only pushed his legs to move faster. Jimin had no idea what he was walking into, but all he cared about was calming Jungkook and getting him home. Jimin came around the corner and his eyes widened as he slid to a sudden stop. There was a crowd gathered, but they were keeping their distance from something and that something was Jungkook. Jimin couldn't believe what he was seeing. The massive black wolf that stood in the center of the barnyard, fur bristled, head low, ears pinned back, and teeth bared as it growled loudly, snapping at the air in warning at the crowd but making no moves to attack, yet. What Jimin found himself staring at though were the vibrant crimson eyes that were darting all around, looking for any sign of a threat. Was this wolf really Jungkook? Jimin had heard the stories. About the military unlocking some secret weapon to help them in the fight against the humans. Their kind had lost the ability to transform, to connect with their wolves over the years, but through the use of some kind of drug, they had found a way. It allowed one to form that connection with their wolf, but it didn't come without risks. The wolf was protective of itself and wouldn't hesitate to let instinct overwrite logic. Jimin swallowed, barely hearing Seokjin when he called to him.

"Jimin!" Seokjin called, jogging over as Jimin turned his head to look at him. "You made it."

"What happened? How did this happen?" Jimin asked.

"I'm not sure, the boys said that one of the machines backfired, the noise must have triggered something in him and next I know, he just changed." Seokjin said, looking back to the wolf.

"He must have thought it was gunfire or something." Jimin said, shifting to take off his lab coat as he glanced back to Jungkook. "That is one of his triggers. Loud noises, especially those similar to gunfire."

"Jimin, I'm – "

"It is okay Hyung. Just keep everyone back." Jimin said, handing his lab coat to Seokjin along with his badge and glasses.

"Keep everyone back? What are you going to do!?" Seokjin asked, panic in his voice.

"I have to calm him down, if I don't, he might start killing people." Jimin said.

"W – What!? Jimin! You can't!" Seokjin said.

"I have to Hyung! If the authorities come, they will take him away or worse, kill him and I am not going to lose Jungkook again." Jimin said.

"He could kill you!" Seokjin said.

"He won't." Jimin said, looking back to Seokjin and offering a small smile.

"Jimi – "

"He won't. I trust him Hyung." Jimin said, turning and moving forward despite Seokjin's whispered protests.

Jimin wouldn't deny that he was a little afraid. There was a chance that Jungkook's wolf wouldn't recognize him, but he knew that his mate was in there. Jimin lifted himself up and over the fence, the sound of his shoes hitting the dirt catching the wolf's attention as his head shot in Jimin's direction and he snarled loudly. Jimin swallowed, raising his hands to show he was unarmed as he took slow, easy steps forward.

"It's okay Jungkookie, it's okay. It's me. You recognize me, right?" Jimin spoke, his voice soft and calm, making sure he was careful with his approach.

The wolf seemed to relax slightly, ears flicking at the sound of Jimin's voice. The wolf's head lifted a little as it watched Jimin closely. Jimin took that as a good sign, so he continued forward. Jimin got about a step or two away, keeping his hands visible as he offered a smile towards the wolf.

"Jungkook, baby, it is okay. You are safe now." Jimin said.

The wolf stared at him, growls turning to soft, stressed whines as his bristled fur seemed to relax and he shuffled on his feet. The fierce beast becoming more of a anxious pup as he shook himself and looked down, sniffing at the air and Jimin. Jimin slowly kneeled as he held out his hands towards the other as he tilted his head.

"It's okay baby. I'm here, I'm right here." Jimin said, "I'm not going anywhere."

The wolf let out a low whine that transitioned into a growl, his gaze flicking to the crowd gathered behind Jimin and then back to him. Jimin swallowed, inching a little closer.

"Jungkook, Jungkook. Hey, look at me. I promise you; you are safe. But you have to come with me, okay? Trust me. You know you can, right? I'm your Omega, you are my Alpha, let me protect you." Jimin said, his voice shaking with emotion as his vision blurred. "Please baby."

The wolf lifted his head, ears flicking as he focused on Jimin before taking a few cautious steps forward, sniffing at Jimin's extended hands and recognizing the scent. The beautifully sweet scent of his Omega. Jungkook whimpered, nuzzling his muzzle against Jimin's hand before stepping closer and brushing his larger body against Jimin, almost knocking him over as he slumped and rested himself against the other. Jimin let out a shaky laugh as he hugged his arms around the wolf's neck and nuzzled his face into the soft, black fur.

"Ah, Jungkookie, easy. You are a little bigger than me." Jimin said, but his relief reflected in his scent as the wolf whimpered.

Before Jimin realized it, the wolf's form started to change, to shrink down to a more human – like shape, hair gone and leaving behind that familiar, tatted and muscled body he recognized. Jimin let out a sigh of relief when Jungkook wrapped his arms around him tightly, burying his face into his shoulder as Jungkook's form trembled.

"J – Jimin..." Jungkook whispered.

"Mm, I'm here baby." Jimin said, hearing footsteps, he glanced to the side as Seokjin brought a blanket and placed it over Jungkook's naked frame.

Jimin closed his eyes tightly. Thank goodness.