Accepted | Jikook

22

Jungkook didn't want to leave the house.

Contrary to his actions and the confidence he had shown Jimin, he was fucking terrified. He didn't know the first thing about hunting down another wolf, nor had he ever encountered a criminal such as this one, a murderer. He was going into this 100% blind, and he had to leave his mate behind.

He didn't feel like he had been a good alpha to Jimin. Their beginnings were rocky and they almost broke everything off before it had even started. He'd yelled at Jimin, used his alpha voice on him, tried to avoid anything sexual with him by getting rut suppressants, and then hurt Jimin and tore down the omega's confidence during a rut he hadn't been conscious for. Jimin was his best friend, and he had been so set on keeping their relationship that way, not wanting anything to change, that he didn't allow himself to consider how amazing a bond with the elder could be, tearing everything apart before giving them a chance.

That's why he was putting himself in this situation. If he could do this, if he could pull this off despite his fear, he could show Jimin that he was an alpha capable of protecting his mate. He could show the omega how strong and reliable he was, and Jimin would never have to be afraid of anything ever again.

That was the thought that motivated him to leave Jimin that morning and go to meet Namjoon at the pack house. With each step along the paved pathway, he tried to build up his courage. He knew that he was physically stronger than most--he liked to work out and keep up his image, a hobby that he had been indulging in more often now that he had someone to look good for--but muscles and bulkiness hardly mattered against a murderer. What if this criminal was more agile than him? Faster? What if they had weapons--

No, he couldn't think like that. He couldn't psych himself out before he even got there. Namjoon was depending on him, Jimin was depending on him. If there were one thing he absolutely could not afford to fail at, it was this.

The stench of alphas crowding inside and outside of the two-story pack house was overwhelming. Friends gathered in groups, animatedly talking with their hands about everything from the weather to their mates to the hunt they were about to go on. Jungkook looked around for a familiar face, recognizing a few acquaintances but no one that he would go out of his way to initiate a conversation with. He remained outside, hoping the open area would diffuse the woody scent of an abundance of alphas, and crossed his arms to avoid fidgeting with his hands and displaying his obvious anxiety.

Within minutes, the size of the group doubled as alphas arrived from every corner, some just barely early, others right on time, and a few trickling in late. Jungkook had been standing rigid in his little isolated spot for nearly 30 more minutes before he saw Namjoon make his appearance from inside, the rest of the group trailing behind him until the pack leader was standing in the middle of a tightly formed circle of alphas.

Jungkook found himself near the outside of the group as the elder began to speak, his voice projecting loud and clear for everyone to hear.

"I want to start by saying thank you. I know that this has been incredibly short notice and that I have not been able to provide much information about what we are dealing with, but your determination and willingness to stand before me this morning is highly admirable. With that said... it is not fair of me to ask so many of you to leave your families and mates when I cannot guarantee your safety. I would like as much help pursuing this threat as I can possibly get, but I will not force any of you into this. If you wish to return home, I will not judge you or look down on you for it. But you must decide now."

The air was tense and the group quiet for a few achingly long moments before Jungkook saw a few alphas weave themselves through the crowd and disappear back into the safety of the village. Namjoon looked around, seemingly taking mental note of those that left. He seemed just as surprised as Jungkook that only a handful had actually returned home--the rest remained, shifting their weights from one foot to another with apprehension but remaining dedicated to their pack duties nonetheless.